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Someone Asked, “What’s An Incredibly American Thing Americans Don’t Realize Is American?”, Here Are 68 Of The Most Accurate Answers
Cultural shock occurs when one experiences a much different culture than one is accustomed to. After living in the same country for one's whole life, the behaviors, rules, traditions, likes and dislikes, etc., of our own people are all we know. We just assume that people in other countries lead a similar life. They do; however, every culture has its own peculiarities that seem standard for the locals but might be bewildering or unusual to people visiting. Also, that's perhaps why the phrase "Only In America" exists, which refers to American things that happen inside the region but probably wouldn't occur anywhere else in the world.
You might have noticed that it's mostly visitors to the States and Americans who travel outside the continent who usually call out these 'very American' things. This makes sense because they can actually witness themselves that, indeed, there are certain things you can only get in America and nowhere else in the world! However, most American things refer to not only objects but also typical behaviors, practices, and many other thingymajigs, which, you guessed it, are very American. So, when a member of AskReddit questioned fellow users, "What's an incredibly American thing Americans don't realize is American?" it was super interesting to see the responses, exposing things that are American yet not acknowledged by the folks themselves!
Below, we've compiled some of the most interesting as well as surprising answers from the thread, which will hopefully teach you something new today! As always, upvote the responses you agree with, and let us know in the comments whether you learned a thing or two from this thread! Also, could you add to the list the most American thing ever that hasn't already been mentioned? Let us know in the comments!
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ghost_victim said:
"Assuming everything on the internet is about America."
"Helphaer replied:
The vast majority of it is dominated by the US companies and such and the economic influence and trends."
ghost_victim replied:
"Hahah. See?"
To combat the self-centeredness of my fellow Americans, I assume that nothing on the internet is about America until told otherwise.
enigmaticalso said:
"Thinking that America is the freest country in the world."
took-a-load replied:
"Yesssss! I had a roommate once, he was from the military, who in his exact words said, “America is the best country ever because there’s no place in the world that’s as free as America.” I didn’t know how to respond to that because one, at the time I didn’t know that was a legit mindset, so two, I took it as ‘sure, what the hell.’ Makes me wish now that I should’ve challenged him on that instead of brushing it off because when you face it, it’s stupidity."
What? Like free healthcare? Oh wait, no that would just be every other civilised country apart from the US.
erginborisov said:
"Thanking military people for their service..."
HwumbleSir replied:
"Reminded me of a joke I heard:
An old man walks into a grocery store and when checking out, he asks if he could have a discount because he fought in world war two.
The cashier says "Of course" and, in a particularly generous mood, gives him a 50% discount.
The old man says "Danke" then leaves."
MrNewbody said:
"How all our bread is so sweet that they can be considered cakes in Europe."
tygib replied:
"Probably this. The amount of sugar in everything, let alone bread, is astounding."
Phoenixapartment replied:
"Honestly, it needs to be regulated. It's an addictive substance we just straight-up raise kids on. And it's in so many things.
Big issue."
woolalaoc said:
"Leaving shopping carts randomly in the parking lot."
KiloEchoNiner replied:
"The shopping cart is the ultimate litmus test for whether a person is capable of self-governing.
To return the shopping cart is an easy, convenient task and one which we all recognize as the correct, appropriate thing to do. The return of the shopping cart is objectively right. There are no situations other than dire emergencies in which a person is not able to return their cart. Simultaneously, it is not illegal to abandon your shopping cart. Therefore the shopping cart presents itself as the apex example of whether a person will do what is right without being forced to do it. No one will punish you for not returning the shopping cart, no one will fine you or kill you for not returning the shopping cart, and you gain nothing by returning the shopping cart. You must return the shopping cart out of the goodness of your heart. You must return the shopping cart because it is the right thing to do. Because it is correct.
A person who is unable to do this is no better than an animal, an absolute savage who can only be made to do what is right by threatening them with law and the force that stands behind it.
The shopping cart is what determines whether a person is a good or bad member of society."
Supermarkets in Oz have adopted the practice (which probably came from Europe originally) of having coin operated trolleys. The incidence of trolleys just left anywhere seems to have dropped dramatically since all the cheapskates (myself included) want their dollar coin back.
"Paying $10,000 for a live birth and thinking that's okay."
What are they doing for people who don't want a baby but are not allowed to get an abortion and don't have the money to pay? Duct taping there legs closed???
Ok_Independence_5025 said:
"Not having to ask for the bill."
frgs72 replied:
"This was me today at a restaurant in Oslo. It felt rude to call the waitress over to ask for the bill. Am American."
Ariia_ replied:
"It's curious, I'm European, and if someone gave me the bill without asking I would think it's rude because it feels like they're rushing me to leave."
But that's the point; in America that's exactly what they're doing. The more turnover, the more tips. No leisurely, relaxing meals in our restaurants. We're trained to eat and exit.
Alexastria said:
"Ranch."
TheArowanaDude replied:
"Back when I worked in Panera Bread, a customer asked for ranch; we didn't carry it back then and when we informed him, he said: "Are y'all communists?!""
It's a dressing that for me works well with certain things. But it's all selective. Not liking ranch is no different than not liking any other dressing/sauce. To each their own.
otaku_wanna_bee said:
"Give tips at restaurants. And give even more tips for barber/food delivery/massage. And some Asian restaurants will automatically add 20% tip after tax."
ThoriGilmore replied:
"A self-checkout asked me about a tip two weeks ago in the Newark airport."
calls_you_a_bellend said:
"Mixing three different canned foods together and calling it a casserole."
LordChefChristoph replied:
"Don't forget to add cheese!"
surfinberrypunch replied:
"And breadcrumbs on top."
It's not a casserole without the canned soup -- cream of mushroom, usually. And I'm cringing as I type this.
Dhk3rd said:
"Prescription drug commercials."
Bluefortress replied:
"Happy dancing while side effects are being listed."
rubs_tshirts said:
"Not including the tax on prices displayed in stores."
raph_84 replied:
"That feeling when you want to spend your very last Dollar on a can of Arizona Ice Tea (Famously: "The price is on the can!") and the cashier asks for $1.07."
Not for the first time BP has used a photo of a clearly non-US grocery store. Memo to editors: The US uses dollars not rands
dinerdefilles said:
"Singing the national anthem at every possible opportunity, even when the event does not involve any other countries."
Streuth14 replied:
"Starting every sporting event with some military flyover or other military promotion."
"Someone paid just to bag your shopping at the checkout.
Makes me feel so awkward and uncomfortable just standing there while they do it."
"Fraternities and sororities."
The only time Aussies were really exposed to Greek letters was with all the Covid variants
cbeiser said:
"Drive-thru ATMs and everything else.
I didn't learn we had drive-thru liquor stores until later in my life."
Kemalist_din_adami replied:
"Drive-thru ATMs???"
cbeiser replied:
"This is super normal in the USA.
In fact, they aren't always machines. We have drive-thru banks. Most banks have a drive-thru section you can do simple bank stuff from the car. I've seen this my entire life."
I actually prefer drive up atms over walk up because I can roll up my window quick and lock my door. In a lot of cities walking away from an atm is an invitation to get robbed.
Zear-0 said:
"Paying half your income for insurance that doesn’t actually cover anything."
piiinkylindsey replied:
"Ugh, trust me. We KNOW. We agree. We literally don’t know how to change this anymore lol and I say lol not bc I’m laughing but bc I’m trying to keep my sanity while I’m stuck here doing exactly that."
Luke_Nukem_2D replied:
"Unfortunately, the political system in the US has morphed into something that makes it impossible to change.
The government is not working for the benefit of the average American anymore, but you can't alter that as both parties are equally as culpable. You can't vote for a third party. At this point, you'd have to scrap the whole political system to stop greed running the country."
i used to hate that i joined the army. now that i am 61 and a service connected disabled vet i am so grateful i did join 40 years ago i now have medical coverage 100% free to me (sorry tax payers) my medication cost are $4500 a month and the feeling of not having to worry about getting ill or hurt in a car accident is priceless
DoYouReadMuch said:
"Not allowing cashiers to sit down because it will make them seem lazy."
ThrowAway233223 replied:
"American bosses/managers are kings and queens of arbitrary/ridiculous measurements of productivity/professionalism. Sitting or kneeling to pull items at the back of a bottom, low-clearance self? No, that is unprofessional. Real professional stands fold themselves in half at the waist and ratchet their arm under the shelving in a manner that threatens to knock down the shelf above and possibly make you unable to reach items at the back. Also, if that spot looks empty because you didn't pull an item from the back, you obviously should have kneeled down to get it."
They teach you to bend at the knees and use your back. These are OSHA regulations so I don't know where you worked but should have reported it
wrestlingnutter said:
"Toilet cubicles with massive gaps in the door."
darthurface replied:
"Trust me, we absolutely hate it too but for some odd reason morons keep making them that way."
I'm assuming that the doors in picture are open and that's not actually the size of the gap. 😋
Bennett713 said:
"Driving "stick" makes you part of some sort of elite club above everyone else."
3bluerose replied:
"Yeah, it's the- a lot fewer people can steal my car now- club."
Ecthelion2187 said:
"High school starting before 7:30 am."
Snorlax5000 replied:
"California recently passed a law that high school can’t start before 8 am due to teenagers needing more sleep at their age, I’m happy to see it."
Ecthelion2187 replied:
"It's tough in the Northeast, especially with the winter, but we really need to do that nationally (and frankly, 8 am is still too early!)"
Tulikettuja said:
"4th July.
I know more than one non-American who's been asked why they don't celebrate it."
Calzxon replied:
"How our education system fails that spectacularly is amazing."
FlygonsGonnaFly said:
"Might just be me, but I do notice when you ask Americans on the internet where they're from, they reply with either a state or a city instead of their country.
The thing is, it doesn't cause any confusion, since most people know most American states and at least the major cities.
You don't often see an Indonesian person, for example, say they're from West Java. Just that they're from Indonesia.
I'm not saying it's a bad thing, just an American one. I also don't think it's because of cultural variation or population. I'm Indian and I've never seen anyone say that they're from Rajasthan or Kerala on a more global level. A lot of Indian states speak different languages, have different cuisine, and live on different terrain. I think it has more to do with the fact that people broadly know American states and the distinctions between them through movies and American news and politics."
RedSpikeyThing replied:
"I also find that Americans often include where they were born. For example "I'm from Philly but originally from Jersey.
I understand that the US is big and has many different regions. I'm Canadian and find that Canadians typically don't answer that way, despite being very large."
I don't really see the big deal. The country is big and when Americans talk to other Americans we usually refer to our Home States because every region is quite different and gives a point of reference logistically and culturally.
The_Sceptic_Lemur said:
"To me, exaggeration is very American.
Everything seems to have to be bigger in America, nothing is ever somewhere in the middle. Starting from cars, buildings, servings of food, and variety in shops; to the use of words and describing how things are: something is not just bad, but horrific; something is not just good, but awesome; you‘re not just upset, but outraged; a person is not just mean, but toxic, etc etc etc. Everything in America seems to have to be on the upper scale of things, never somewhere in a more realistic middle ground. I find this exhausting and somewhat annoying (especially with the choice of descriptive words), because if you always settle for the upper scale of things you have no room for details and over time words and descriptions become meaningless when everything is awesome or everything is horrific. Some more realism in the use of words would do everyone good I‘d think."
OogusMacBoogus replied:
"I live in the US and the word ‘epic’ has become so commonplace that it’s lost all meaning. Sorry, Jen, your nail extensions aren’t epic."
dkkru5477Nmf said:
"750 military bases around the world."
kuchokora replied:
"About once a week I wonder how Americans would react if China had a military base outside of somewhere like Miami or Houston..."
throwfaraway212718 said:
"Expecting everyone to speak English everywhere, and then getting mad if they don’t."
Sionnach23 replied:
"Sham, I speak English and I've had Americans get angry at me because they couldn't understand me in my own country lmao. An absolute Karen called me an idiot and stormed out when I explained to her that I couldn't explain to her how far something the city was in blocks.
I work in retail obviously."
I don't mean to epitomize the internet thing here, but has calling b****y white ladies Karen become a global thing? If so, that's great. I mean EPIC!
ahmedb03 said:
"Claiming a team is the world champion of a sport that is only played in the US."
PearlsofRon replied:
"To be fair, the NBA, NHL, and MLB are the best leagues in the world for their respective sports and the best players from all over the world play in them. It makes sense from that perspective for those leagues."
Pat_RedHawk replied:
"I mean if the only place in the world a sport is played in the US, they are the world champions."
that1guycalledpeter said:
"Free refills at restaurants."
grabityrises replied:
"And with ice."
Come on ... In reality, how awesome is this ? You have give American's a nod for this Love free refills and Ice!
slavname said:
"American here. When I studied abroad, I was smiling and friendly to strangers. In London, they looked like I wanted to steal something from them!"
jew_biscuits replied:
"Saw this with my American friends when I lived in Moscow. They walked around with this pleasant, anticipatory smile on their face and people thought they were mentally challenged."
Yet I’ve read so many other articles on BP where American friendliness and willingness to help is what people from other countries love most about us. So which is it, weird or wonderful?
doomdoggie said:
"A strong focus on how things relate to race and privilege and cultural... stuff."
illini02 replied:
"Yeah. it's even worse in cities.
I'm black and I live in a major city. One thing that annoys me is that often black and brown are just used instead of saying poor. So these conversations about "black and brown" people really just mean poor people, and as someone who isn't poor (not that I'm rich) it becomes a weird thing. And it often makes things get tied to race that really shouldn't be, they are tied to poverty. Crime to me isn't a racial thing, it has to do much more with poverty. But in urban centers in America, those things go hand in hand. What is interesting though is that in rural America, it's switched and the poorer people tend to be white."
I've always thought this, that America has a class problem masquerading as a race problem. If poor white and poor black people realised that they had more in common than with the politicians claim to serve them. And I'm including democrats in that critique too.
Siruan_Asar said:
"Measuring distances in time."
shotsallover replied:
"That's because of traffic.
If I say something is a mile away, you'll think it's a 3-5 minute drive. But if the route there is chronically plagued with traffic (or you live in LA), using time is a more effective measure because that one-mile trip could take an hour regularly.
And it works on the converse too. If you're in a rural area and it's 20 miles away, that could be 30 minutes due to there not being a straight road there. My uncle lived 6 miles away from my dad, but it was a 30-minute drive because there was no straight route. It was all backroads. Or 45 minutes if you went through town. So giving a distance isn't super helpful."
Not unique to America. Very common in France, for instance, where road signs for supermarkets, sometimes hotels on the approach to a town will often be given in minutes. What's even worse is when they give the number of minutes to the road you need to turn onto, with no indication that the place you're looking for might still be five or ten km further on.
Christdawarlock said:
"The Cult Of Highschool/College Sports."
Natty_D replied:
"It seems strange to anyone from Europe, but after starting to watch US sports I realized that a lot of states either don't have a team in a major league or will only have one. It's not like here in the UK where there are 92 teams in the football league and even more below that, most of the major leagues in the US only have 30-40 teams. That's why people are so invested in college sports, a lot of the time they're the only local teams."
Natty really put that into perspective. Although I still think it's a little weird that they watch the College kids playing and not professionals.
DaveDerSowjet said:
"So much fast food."
0ddmanrush replied:
"Hosted a person from Norway for business for 5 days a few months back. That guy wanted to eat as much red meat, sandwiches, and fast food as I ever saw."
davecm010 replied:
"I’m pretty sure food tourism for Europeans coming to America consists of trying all the fast food franchises they probably only ever see in American movies and TV shows. I was just in Europe and the only major fast food franchises I ever saw there were McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC."
I grew up on fast food. My brother is severely disabled and mom didn't have the energy to cook every night, and she worked swing shift. As an adult I only eat taco bell and in n out burger, maybe every other week unless I'm in a hurry. I don't understand how adults find any of these restaurants good.
"Canned cheese you squirt."
No one say's squirty cheese ... that sounds very visceral .... We say canned cheese ... everyone knows what is does ... and canned cheese doesn't come any other way. Most people don't have a can in their pantry.
diablo______ said:
"Solo cups I think they are called idk the little red ones."
FavoritesBot replied:
"Oh yeah, you mean American party cups."
kinky_kate said: "Using disposable plates/cutlery at home." AtlUtdGold replied: "My roommate uses like 7 plates and bowls a day it’s super f**king annoying tbh. He can’t even eat takeout food out of the box he has to waste a plate."
Ugedej said:
"Calling a normal clock "military time"."
atylerson replied:
"Just to clarify, we call it that because, to us, only the military uses a 24-hour format. It’s the product of what we’re given from birth. I didn’t know there was a 24-hour format for a clock until I was like 9, which was when a teacher finally showed us its existence."
rhett342 replied:
"To be fair, we use that time format in the medical world too here in America."
MidwestAmMan said:
"Cheerleaders. What could be more American?"
Detective_Dietrich replied:
"I can't remember who it was, but some foreign filmmaker was trying to demonstrate the concept of "American", and he played stock footage of a marching band."
Minus the cheerleaders, there’s no greater feeling than playing in or feeling a marching band play on the side lines. I played the bass drum and quads in highschool. Having those acoustics bounce around the stadium felt so epic. You can literally feels the instruments playing around you and not just by ear. I miss that so much.
one_shy_extrovert said:
"Making pancakes from the box."
waterbird_ replied:
"Everyone else is making pancakes from scratch? You’re right I didn’t know this."
trig2 said:
"Root beer."
Justice_Prince replied:
"It's so bubbly, cloying... and happy."
I’m American, and when I was a kid, when my friends and I came across a sassafras tree, we used to cut a couple of the younger, greener twigs off, remove the bark, and chew on the inner part. Because it tasted kind of like root beer, though really like sassafras soda (which is kind of like root beer, but not exactly).
browncoat47 said:
"Handing your credit card to a stranger, having them walk away, swipe it, then bring it back to like they didn’t just put a down payment on a new house with it…"
draw_it_now replied:
"When I first started working in hospitality, I had an American customer who just gave me their card. I took it to the register, paid the order with a swipe, and gave it back. I was told by my manager to never do that again lol."
trustmeimalinguist said:
"S’mores - was shocked to learn that no one even knew what they are in Europe. Like people maybe don’t eat PB&J but they at least know of it."
Netzapper replied:
"Actually, a lot of non-Americans think the "jelly" in peanut butter and jelly is actually gelatin (like the "Jello" brand). Tell them it's peanut butter and jam, and suddenly a lot (but certainly not all) are like "oh that sounds alright then"."
G-Unit11111 said:
"Ice machines.
When I went to London I kept asking for the ice machines and people looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language or something."
RipInPepz replied:
"I hate drinking s**t without ice. It gets warm in like 3 minutes. This will be my biggest challenge abroad."
"Outrageous confidence.
Americans are, by far, the most confident people on earth. This can be a good thing or a bad thing.
This is why you guys went to the moon. You're like let's go to the moon. How are we doing it? No idea, let's do it anyway.
But this is also why you guys are the baddies to large swaths of the world."
We are not the "baddies." Our government has been the "baddie" quite often. Yours has too, no matter where you live.
Alice_of_Skye said:
"Wearing shoes inside the house - not just a quick trip loading something or whatever but actually walking around in them all the time, feet up on beds and stuff (unless tv/movies have exaggerated that part)."
carinavet replied:
"Most people wouldn't put their shoes up on beds, but they will keep them on all day."
cerealkiller454 replied:
"That's me. literally wear my boots all day every day, all throughout the house. then I batch and moan when I'm cleaning the carpets every 3 months. I don't understand me."
I dunno, when you have a dog not wearing shoes is kinda nasty too. Your dog is already dirtying the floor with their feet, so your socks will end up manky. Plus rubber soles don't pick up near as much dog hair as socks or bare feet.
"Not owning a passport. I don’t know if that is a myth but I hear that a huge percentage of Americans have never been out of the country and don’t even have a passport. I understand that the US is huge with a massive range of landscapes and climates but it still seems a little odd to me.
According to the US State dept, they estimate 37% of US citizens don’t own a passport.
A lot of Americans cant afford to travel to other countries so they don't bother getting a passport.
"Asking a complete stranger "How are you doing today?""
Nothing wrong in being friendly and concerned about another person, even if you don’t know them (as long as you’re using common sense and good judgment, and being safe about it). Sometimes your friendliness is the only thing that makes their day not total s**t. Sometimes just knowing that even a total stranger cares about your well-being can make you feel better and even totally brighten up your day. Why be so damned stingy with your compassion?
Humble_Chip said:
"Turning right on red.
Edit: I only know this because the French actor from that silent movie The Artist mentioned it in his Oscars acceptance speech."
gueriLLaPunK replied:
"Lol, Jeremy Clarkson said something to the effect of "it's America's greatest invention"."
It's not everywhere for sure. Hell, it's nit even everywhere in the same states. Like in New York you can't turn right on red in Manhattan but can outside of Manhattan. But, certain areas you still can't turn right but there are signs letting you know. Just look for signs
cupidstuntlegs said: "Getting hysterical about kids in bars." flankerc7 replied: "I think this is both a reflection of our Puritan past/Evangelical Present which vilifies alcohol, BUT, I also think its a reflection of American drinking culture which tends to focus on over-indulgence as opposed to the more relaxed and measured imbibing in Continental European countries. Couple that with our general state of anxiety/frustration, and you can get some bars that are tenser than you would expect. Plus, it really depends on the setting. A brewery during the day will be overloaded with kids and dogs. Sports bars around mealtime will almost certainly have kids eating nachos and slugging back oversized cokes while chilling on their iPads. However, dive bars at night will of course not have any kids floating around because... well it's not intended to be a family-friendly place."
We got that also traveling in Florida in 1991. A food place with a bar. Apparently I crossed a wrong line to look at TV, it's been a scandale. In France, I used to go to any dirty bar with granpa, drinking a soda with him at the counter while he was having a Ricard with his friends. Also, everyone was smoking and gambling on horses there. It was standard without any issue
xTheHunt said:
"Daily driving pickup trucks."
-captn- replied:
"Not only that but driving everywhere. I've been living in Germany for 20 years now and when family and friends visited us in Germany they were shocked at how much we walk or use public transportation here. I (30f) don't even have a driver's license, it's never been needed for any of my jobs haha.
Before ppl misunderstand: I'm talking about taking the car places that are 5-10min walking distance away due to bad city planning, pedestrian-unfriendly places, and no sidewalks."
See, this is weird to me. I’m American, and prefer to drive smaller, more economical cars, and always have. My husband is British, and all he wants to drive is the biggest pickup truck he can get.
Ladorb said:
"Calling a water heater, "hot water heater"."
WilIyTheGamer replied:
"Wait other countries don't do that? Holy s**t! I just replaced mine and that's what EVERYONE here calls it. I mean I didn't even realize it was redundant until I read this. Mind blown."
Yep ... some people say Hamburger Meat ... what hamburger isn't meat?
"Air conditioning. I'm very surprised no one has said this yet.
It's not that other countries don't have heating and AC. They do. But our use of them, especially the latter during the summer, is astronomically higher than anywhere else on the planet, even when compared to other first world countries."
I love air conditioning. I read somewhere, France gave us/sold New Orleans and Louisiana because of the mosquitos and the heat. Air Conditioning allowed the southern part of the US to grow. Without it, not many people would want to live here.
"While I admit the Brits are pretty close with their Full English Breakfast, the American greasy diner Breakfast of Eggs, Bacon, Waffles/Pancakes, and Hashbrowns is pretty uniquely American.
My Italian mother has said in the past that it's the only thing she's enjoyed about American food culture. My Nonna would be horrified if she heard we were eating fried eggs for breakfast."
"Americans have a particular brand of plucky, cheerful tenacity that I find to be one of their most charming traits. It can mean that they seem a bit "full on", "loud" or over-exuberant, but I have on the whole found them to be warm and inviting people. I think the tenacity might be why there's a begrudging fondness from us Brits, and I think it's particularly flavored by the wartime reception of World War 2. Brits are also tenacious but in a more grumpy, stubborn way. If Americans are like "Yay we can do the things! I believe in you! Let's do it!" then Brits are like "well I better bloody do the things out of spite! I'll complain the whole time but I'll show you that I can bloody well do the things too!" but ultimately things get done and I think Brits appreciate that. So we're all like "Well Yank you might be a bit bonkers but you get results, you're allowed in my pub.""
During WWII, a German officer wrote that 'The British fight with cunning, resolve, and professionalism. Their seriousness shows in their determination. What the Americans lack in discipline, training, and skill, they make up for in optimism, resources, and a lot of noise.'
BlurpleBaja05 said:
"Wide open space. Non-Americans always severely underestimate just how much land we have. No, you can't tour NYC, LA, Yellowstone, and Florida by car in your one-week trip. You'd be lucky to do that in a month!"
sufferedfootballfan replied:
"Hell, you'll be lucky to do it in your lifetime."
Pademelon1 said:
"Liberal = Left-Wing."
Lvcivs2311 replied:
"Yeah, in my country, it is either associated with the political center or with the (moderate) right wing, never with the left wing."
fugaziozbourne replied:
"I always have to remember that when Americans are talking about their political leanings blue means more left and red means more right because everywhere else it's the opposite."
Since 1980 in the US, the Overton Window has shifted sharply right. To many Americans, Bernie Sanders is a leftist. In reality, he's slightly left of center.
"Saying "whatever" in the most condescending/dismissive/arrogant tone."
That started as a Valley Girl thing back in the early eighties. It’s just that teenagers tend to pick it up, even today, and some even grow into adults who have the emotional maturity of an 13 year old, so continue to use it—-seriously, not just as a joke—-with the same tone of voice. Unfortunately.
"The American-Chinese food that originated in America in the 1800s by Chinese immigrants- examples: Beef & Broccoli, General Tso’s Chicken, and of course Fortunate Cookies… most people just awesome you’ll find these dishes in China too."
TyRan_510 said:
"Being an immigrant.
Almost every citizen of the USA today is directly descended from immigrants. It's a huge part of our national identity, whether a certain portion of our population understands that or not."
crash218579 replied:
"Being descended from immigrants is NOT the same as BEING an immigrant. They aren't interchangeable."
TyRan_510 replied:
"True. I suppose my point is more that almost everyone who has a problem with people who are currently immigrating to the country is a descendant of immigrants, and often not that far removed.
Immigration is an enormous part of why the USA is what it is today. Immigrating to the USA in hopes of building a better life is literally the "American Dream™", it doesn't really get any more American than that. My point is that a ton of Americans, who are descendants of immigrants, do not see it that way at all. It is an American thing that Americans don't realize how American it is."
Unfortunately, so many Americans are totally clueless about their family background, and may not realize it. Even more unfortunately, so many of them never even think that deeply, so would be clueless anyway. It takes a lot of thought to connect those dots, and some people just never think much at all.
bamzluvzu said:
"Eating a meal alone in their car."
arwynn replied:
"Oh but I love doing this. I purposely did it when avoiding people at work or at school. It’s particularly nice on a crummy, rainy day."
WaitingForTheFire said:
"That really depends on the locality. The state I live in is full of people that are unfriendly to strangers."
breadfan01 replied:
"In California, it was strikingly the case.
I remember standing in line at the grocery store and someone started chatting with me. When I got to the head of the line I said goodbye... And I got the weirdest look like what I did was incredibly inappropriate. It was odd."
I was having what would be considered a mild medical emergency in a truck stop in California and everyone looked the other way. Like bro. I was sitting on the floor next to the soft drinks. Lol. F**k California.
Prestigious_Lock1659 said:
"Sending Christmas cards with their family photo on it."
yoboi42069 replied:
"Often with pictures not related to Christmas at all, such as beach pictures."
Glittering-Athlete81 said:
"Sending party invitations with a start and end time, especially for kids' parties."
workingwithwood16 replied:
"To be fair, if you don’t put an end time on a kid’s party invite, the other parents aren’t coming back anytime soon. You’ll have to keep track of the kid's fir the rest of the day.
I agree though for a normal party with adults."
"These wide streets where you can park, stop next to them, and drive because they are so incredibly wide."
I remember meeting a classic Lincoln Continental on an Irish country road. I swear that there are buses that are narrower
"These huge shopping markets where you can probably even stay for days if you get lost."
There's a movie called Where the Heart Is, about a homeless young woman who lives in a Walmart store and gives birth there, after which kind people help her. What did she name the baby girl? America, of course. It's actually a pretty good movie.
"Fortune cookies."
"Fettuccine Alfredo."
Sorry??? An Italian dish, made in Italy since the 15th century, standardised in Rome in the 1890's... is an 'Incredibly American thing"??? I don't think so!
It's almost as if people in different areas of the world have different cultures. Imagine that.
Yeah, BoredPanda needs to do "50 things that are uniquely british" or something. I mean, America isn't the best, but no need to constantly draw attention to it.
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Oh yeah. These articles bashing Americans are the reason I stopped reading BP. Byeeee.
Know who is aware that America isn't the best? The majority of Americans who do not leave their carts all over the parking lot and across the street. Perhaps I'm Canadian not American since I bring my cart back eveytime and grab the carts those d****e nozzles left all over the parking lot on my way. Very relieved ranch dressing was not left off of this list! Soooo funny Americans and ranch so unaware and stupid. Hahahaha Funny story- all of those carts left all about in that very American way all held Costco sized ranch and cheez wiz bottles! nothing else!!!!! I'm just a happy stupid mindless self absorbed entitled American eating my gross American food and peeing in the public restrooms with the gapped stalls as a result of the gallons of Big Gulps I drink all day everyday. I even say hi how are you!!!! OMG
It's almost as if people in different areas of the world have different cultures. Imagine that.
Yeah, BoredPanda needs to do "50 things that are uniquely british" or something. I mean, America isn't the best, but no need to constantly draw attention to it.
Load More Replies... Oh yeah. These articles bashing Americans are the reason I stopped reading BP. Byeeee.
Know who is aware that America isn't the best? The majority of Americans who do not leave their carts all over the parking lot and across the street. Perhaps I'm Canadian not American since I bring my cart back eveytime and grab the carts those d****e nozzles left all over the parking lot on my way. Very relieved ranch dressing was not left off of this list! Soooo funny Americans and ranch so unaware and stupid. Hahahaha Funny story- all of those carts left all about in that very American way all held Costco sized ranch and cheez wiz bottles! nothing else!!!!! I'm just a happy stupid mindless self absorbed entitled American eating my gross American food and peeing in the public restrooms with the gapped stalls as a result of the gallons of Big Gulps I drink all day everyday. I even say hi how are you!!!! OMG
