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Oh, America. The land of the free, the brave, and, well… the audacious. As much as we love our American friends across the pond, we’ve all seen examples of their oddly limited knowledge of the world beyond their own borders.

From thinking the whole world uses freedom units to believing that the only city in the world is New York, the internet has shown us some truly baffling things Americans have said over the years. We have to wonder: What is happening in America? But before we can reach a conclusion, more examples keep popping up. So today, we’re bringing you some of the funniest things Americans have said online that are actually really concerning.

#1

On NYC:

Social media post where someone claims only New York City should be referred to as the city, followed by a sarcastic reply.

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No Man
Community Member
10 hours ago

Well, I grew up in New York City. If you lived there, "the city" meant Manhattan and nothing else. If you didn't live in NYC, "the city" meant whatever bigger city you lived near.

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    #2

    On Grammar:

    Social media argument with poor grammar illustrating misuse of freedom of speech.

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    Chich the witch
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 hours ago (edited)

    Just watched a item about undocumented americans being deported by Mexico. Apparently if you treat people the same way they treat everyone else it really pisses them off.

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    #3

    On Electricity:

    Screenshot of social media comments about Americans making incorrect assumptions about electricity and medicine in Scotland.

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    While it’s easy to look at these images and either scoff at or brush off these statements as funny, experts say geographic literacy in the United States is concerning. According to a National Geographic survey, over 11% of Americans couldn’t identify the United States on a world map. That’s right, their own country.

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    And if that weren’t concerning enough, over 65% couldn’t locate France or the United Kingdom on a map. In contrast, over 95% of Europeans can reportedly pinpoint the United States on an unlabeled world map, and surveys suggest that they also consistently score 20% higher than Americans when identifying countries that don’t share a border with their own.

    #4

    On Latin:

    A social media post where someone confuses Latin language with Latin America, illustrating freedom of speech.

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    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    😳😳

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    #5

    On Touring:

    Online post about tour groups showing funny examples of misuse of freedom of speech.

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    Cuppa tea?
    Community Member
    40 minutes ago

    If they paid already, just tell them that concluded our tour, enjoy the rest of your holiday and now bugger off.

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    #6

    On Clocks:

    Funny comment thread about military time and clocks illustrating freedom of speech funny moments.

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    Fred
    Community Member
    9 hours ago

    I'm glad to say my bedside clock and my watch know there are 24 hours in a day.

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    #7

    On Space:

    Comment thread about the southern hemisphere geography showcasing freedom of speech.

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    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    Not sure if you know, but the 2 end stars that make up the 'face' of the bucket, lined up, point to Polaris.

    Since geography isn’t treated as a mandatory, standalone core subject in U.S. public schools, its place in the curriculum often depends on the state. The public school system is decentralized, with more than 13,000 independent school districts, and research suggests that only around 20 states require students to take a geography course to graduate from high school.

    Instead, schools often fold geography into social studies or U.S. history classes. As a result, when schools do teach the subject, lessons tend to focus heavily on domestic states and territories rather than the wider world map students elsewhere are taught to recognize.

    #8

    On Texas:

    Social media thread where a user mistakes the Chilean flag for the Texas state flag.

    Report

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    #9

    On Money:

    A social media thread arguing about currency values, exemplifying why some Americans shouldn't use freedom of speech.

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    Elspeth
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    As a Brit, I can assure you that $50k, which is about £38k, wouldn't even get you your own parking space in London.

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    #10

    On Brazil:

    A map showing football clubs in Brazil named America, mocking Americans who lack geographical knowledge.

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    Reemerger
    Community Member
    7 hours ago

    "They do. Do you?"

    #11

    On Denver:

    A story about someone questioning if Denver is in America, demonstrating freedom of speech examples.

    Report

    And geography isn’t the only problem, either. Studies have pointed to gaps in the American education system, and the OECD’s PISA tests, which assess 15-year-old students worldwide in math, reading, and science, show that American students struggle to keep pace with their peers in several developed countries. 

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    School curricula in the United States also differ from those in other countries. In some cases, such as in math, 11th-grade algebra may cover topics that European or East Asian students learn as early as 8th grade. This difference is partly due to how the American system structures its courses.

    #12

    On Kings:

    Post about silly questions asked to an Austrian in the US, highlighting Freedom Of Speech mishaps.

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    Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    TBF, I also would wonder how Austria, or any other European country, would handle the wild kangaroos. I mean, not many of the people there would have had any experience with wild kangaroos.

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    #13

    On Portuguese:

    A online conversation showcasing confusion over languages spoken in Brazil, demonstrating freedom of speech.

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    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago

    tbf That last comment is close to true

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    #14

    On Free Speech:

    Social media post claiming that free speech is strictly an American concept and Canada does not have it.

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    Otorgar
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    Jesus fuçkin̈g Chrîst!

    #15

    On Geography:

    Social media user asking about Antarctica, highlighting examples of freedom of speech.

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    Elladine DesIsles
    Community Member
    14 hours ago

    Depending on the subject matter, yes, significant aspects of a well-rounded education now are. Although they don't, to my knowledge, relate specifically to Antarctica.

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    On Hemispheres:

    Online chat confusing the Southern Hemisphere with Texas, showing bad geography and Freedom Of Speech examples.

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    #17

    On Celsius:

    Facebook comment arguing that English speakers do not use Celsius, showing a lack of knowledge about global measurement systems.

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    Chich the witch
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 hours ago

    US plus Myanmar, and Liberia still stuck using imperial.

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    The education system isn’t the only factor shaping Americans’ worldview, though. Another concept that helps explain this is American exceptionalism, a belief that the United States has a unique moral, economic, and political model that other countries should follow. This idea is deeply rooted in American education, politics, and media.

    We can see this mindset play out online, when some Americans assume that a platform’s default language, currency, laws, or even geographical references are American. It isn’t always intentional or malicious. Sometimes, it just shows how accustomed they are to seeing American products, platforms, and companies rather than those from other countries.

    #18

    On Cutlery:

    A question online showing a questionable use of freedom of speech about British eating utensils.

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    Spidercat
    Community Member
    9 hours ago

    No. We all just share the same spoon. I get to use it again in 2032...

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    #19

    On Rome:

    Social post asking if Rome exists in Italy showing an absurd exercise of freedom of speech.

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    Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    I would like to formally apologize to the rest of the world.

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    #20

    So China Is Created By The US

    A comment thread incorrectly claiming China was created by the US, showing how some Americans misuse freedom of speech.

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    Chich the witch
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 hours ago

    Saw an interview witha Chinese official when trumpet started his tariff nonsense. His response was that China didn't care, it had been around for 5000 years and would be around long after the US was a faded memory.

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    #21

    On Christmas:

    Text post about celebrating Christmas in the UK showing freedom of speech online.

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    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    10 hours ago

    How about the Fourth of July?

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    Naturally, the United States’ geographic distance from much of the world can shape this mindset. The contiguous U.S. is roughly comparable in size to Europe, and many Americans consume mostly American entertainment and news. As a result, some may have a more limited view of the world beyond their borders.

    But remember, it’s not always malicious. Sometimes, people don’t know any better. So, the next time you talk to your American friend, remember that their lack of knowledge about the rest of the world doesn’t come out of nowhere. And, of course, none of us is perfect, either!

    #22

    On European Healthcare:

    Screenshot of an absurd comment testing the limits of freedom of speech about European healthcare

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    olivejuicedrinker (she/her)
    Community Member
    13 hours ago

    its ok you tried your best ❤

    #23

    On The Vatican:

    Social media comment blaming Biden for Vatican policy, an example of freedom of speech misuse.

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    Lukas (he/him)
    Community Member
    13 hours ago

    And they say we have TDS...

    #24

    On Italy:

    Social media comment section debating geography as an example of freedom of speech.

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    Kristiina Männiste
    Community Member
    9 hours ago

    Venice in particular is famous for its arid climate and daily sandstorms.

    #25

    "Peanuts Do Not Grow In Europe, So Europeans Eat Nutella Instead"

    Online posts making absurd claims about peanut butter, illustrating why some Americans shouldn't use freedom of speech.

    Report

    Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    I'm off to peanutless Europe for my Nutella holiday.

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    #26

    On Colors:

    Social media thread claiming red, white, and blue belong to America, showing misuse of freedom of speech.

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    Otorgar
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    France has entered the chat

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    #27

    On French Words:

    Comment thread about the word entrepreneur, demonstrating why some Americans shouldn't use freedom of speech

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    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    10 hours ago

    Also "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?" - President George "They misunderestimated me" W. Bush.

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    #28

    On Ancient Buildings:

    An ancient fort image with silly comments, proving why some Americans shouldn't use their freedom of speech

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    Giraffe Sitter
    Community Member
    2 hours ago

    WAS a swamp?

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    #29

    On The Country Of Georgia:

    Online thread showing Americans discussing geography and freedom of speech examples.

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    Otorgar
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    The American education system is a joke.

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    #30

    On Recipes:

    Post showing someone putting American cheese on pasta for a secret Italian family recipe, prompting a funny reply.

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    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    Granny obviously was exiled from Italy for culinary crimes. Be gracious and let her keep her secrets. Better for everyone involved.

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    #31

    On Accents:

    Screenshot of a debate over accents showcasing misuse of freedom of speech online.

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    Elspeth
    Community Member
    7 hours ago

    The UK has more accents than the US because 1) we've been speaking English for much longer, 2) historically, people would rarely, if ever, leave their little community so they developed their own dialects.

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    #32

    On France:

    Social media post claiming Paris copied Vegas Eiffel Tower, showing bad logic in Freedom Of Speech examples.

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    Annik Perrot
    Community Member
    9 hours ago

    JFC!

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    #33

    On Sports:

    Social media thread demonstrating misuse of freedom of speech regarding continents and countries.

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    kissmychakram
    Community Member
    10 hours ago

    I'd like to introduce OP to Australian Rules Football.

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    #34

    On Cars:

    Comments disputing who invented cars, with one pointing out Benz built the first car in Germany.

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    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    1885 actually The Inventor: German engineer Karl Benz built the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1885 and received a patent for it on January 29, 1886.

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    #35

    On Telling Time:

    Social media post about military time in Berlin, illustrating funny opinions on freedom of speech.

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    #36

    On The New Pope:

    Social media post making incorrect historical claims, showing Freedom Of Speech in action.

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    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    I can't even....

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    #37

    ''Usa Could Solo The Whole Earth''

    Social media comments making wild claims about US military power, demonstrating why freedom of speech is sometimes a****d.

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    #38

    On Taste:

    Comment section argument over US vs UK spelling of flavor, an example of freedom of speech online.

    Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    *it's *

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    #39

    On Names:

    Comment thread arguing European countries do not count as countries, showing Freedom Of Speech errors.

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    #40

    On Europe:

    Reddit thread where a commenter misunderstands European geography, abusing their freedom of speech.

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    Heffalump
    Community Member
    4 hours ago

    I respect Orange's trolling.

    #41

    On Music:

    A Twitter post about hip hop options where someone misuses freedom of speech arguing Canada is not in North America.

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    #42

    On Nates:

    A social media status claiming Native Americans should move back to India, showing misuse of freedom of speech.

    Report

    Bartlet for world domination
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago

    Whatever happened to Nathaniel's troll?

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    #43

    On Bidets:

    Viral photo showing a person drinking from a bidet, an example of misused freedom of speech online

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    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago

    🤢

    #44

    On The Metric System:

    Map post showing a poor attempt at freedom of speech with a comment claiming Alaska is not a country

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    #45

    On Rhode Island:

    Text conversation where someone asks if Rhode Island is outside the USA, testing freedom of speech.

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    #46

    On The Autobahn:

    A comment claiming 310 km/h is 60mph showing a funny misuse of freedom of speech.

    Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    Where's Fred when we need him

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    #47

    On Knives:

    Social media post making odd claims about Europe, showing why some Americans shouldn't use freedom of speech

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    Kristiina Männiste
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    The Finns entering the chat with their emotional support puukko

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    #48

    On Speeding:

    Social media thread showing a funny exchange about speedometers, illustrating freedom of speech online.

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    #49

    On Hospital Bills:

    Comment section displaying an ironic take on healthcare, showing misuse of freedom of speech.

    Report

    The_Nicest_Misanthrope
    Community Member
    10 hours ago

    Can't even pay for your own fùcking country, but sure 🙄

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    #50

    On The Size Of Europe, Again:

    Social media post about European travel reflecting freedom of speech.

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    #51

    On Farhenheit:

    Online debate comparing Fahrenheit and Celsius, highlighting misuse of Freedom Of Speech.

    Report

    Robert Millar
    Community Member
    9 hours ago

    Simple math. Spelled simpleton wrong.

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    #52

    On The Law:

    A comment section showing freedom of speech with someone claiming North American law applies across the world.

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    Otorgar
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    What is the matter with these people?!

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    #53

    On Nascar:

    A social media comment misusing freedom of speech by claiming NASCAR never went to the moon.

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    Otorgar
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    Well he's not totally wrong, Nascar didn't get anywhere near the moon

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    #54

    On Pages:

    Social media thread demonstrating misuse of freedom of speech by assuming everything outside USA is foreign

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    #55

    On Freedom:

    Online comment thread discussing free will, exemplifying how some Americans shouldn't use their freedom of speech

    Report

    Otorgar
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    Freedumb

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    #56

    On Cooking:

    Comment showing confusion over Celsius temperature, representing absurd examples of freedom of speech.

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    Robert Millar
    Community Member
    9 hours ago

    Yes.

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    #57

    On The Cutest Animals:

    Facebook post calling a hedgehog a head chog, showing a funny misuse of freedom of speech.

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    olivejuicedrinker (she/her)
    Community Member
    13 hours ago

    head chog

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    #58

    On Coffee:

    Social media debate about old coffee shops demonstrating freedom of speech online.

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    #59

    On 10 Dollar Bills:

    Commenter displaying freedom of speech by calling an Australian ten dollar bill fake.

    Report

    olivejuicedrinker (she/her)
    Community Member
    13 hours ago

    cute dog

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    #60

    On Sports:

    Online comments where a user insists that a famous athlete is a soccer player and not a football player.

    Report

    #61

    On The Letter "A":

    Funny social media comments showing incorrect geography answers, illustrating misuse of Freedom Of Speech.

    Report

    olivejuicedrinker (she/her)
    Community Member
    13 hours ago

    greece

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    #62

    On The Pledge Of Allegiance:

    A social media post misinterpreting political terms, showing misuse of freedom of speech.

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    olivejuicedrinker (she/her)
    Community Member
    13 hours ago

    💀

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    #63

    On Subtitles:

    Negative movie reviews complaining about subtitles, showcasing misplaced freedom of speech

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    DeoManus Argentem
    Community Member
    1 hour ago

    Tbh, I really dislike it when I search forever to find an interesting show/movie only to find it's subtitled or dubbed and that wasn't included in the description. It really takes away from the immersion. And some of my favorite movies are French, but I knew that going in. I'd be kinda put-off if I actually paid for access without knowing (I only watch TV as I'm winding down before bed and reading is too stimulating).

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    #64

    On Futuristic Technology:

    Text messages where someone sarcastically tests freedom of speech asking if England has TVs in modern times.

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    #65

    On Europeans:

    Online comment incorrectly calling Europe a third-world country, illustrating questionable freedom of speech.

    Report

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    6 hours ago (edited)

    Is it Novartis headquartered in Denmark?

    #66

    On Fridges:

    Reddit post asking if people in the UK have refrigerators, demonstrating poor use of freedom of speech.

    Report

    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    "My husband is from England": maybe ask him how he adapted to the luxury of refrigerators after coming to the states in the (judging from context) 1930s. /S

    #67

    On Canada:

    A map post highlighting Alaska, illustrating why some Americans shouldn't use their freedom of speech

    Report

    #68

    On Currency:

    Screenshot of a comment claiming nobody uses Euros and the dollar is the strongest currency.

    Report

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Nope it really isn’t 🤦‍♀️

    #69

    On Naming A Country:

    Online chat showing someone guessing Europe and Texas as answers to guess the country.

    Report

    Miracle Max
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    Texas WAS an independent country for about 9 years

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    #70

    On The Invention Of English:

    Screenshot of social media comment showing funny freedom of speech take about who invented English.

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    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    NO THEY DIDNT ! English was invented hundreds of years BEFORE USA was USA 🤦‍♀️and they wonder why we hate USA so much !

    #71

    On Greenland:

    Online discussion about geography illustrating freedom of speech comments.

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    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    7 hours ago

    If "claimed by" resembles a legitimate change of allegiance/ownership I hereby claim the USA. My first act as ruler is to throw out public menaces, i.e. exile Trump, Musk and Zuckerberg.

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    #72

    On The Letter X:

    Comment thread about world geography highlighting freedom of speech usage.

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    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    6 hours ago (edited)

    People from Mexico and Luxemburg are scratching their heads right now, wondering which one OP doesn't consider a country.

    #73

    On Kilograms:

    Meme about a farmer gifting cheese with a comment asking what a kg is, showcasing freedom of speech.

    Report

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    10 hours ago (edited)

    2.2 £s.

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    #74

    On The Statue Of Liberty:

    Comment section arguing about a Statue of Liberty replica, showcasing freedom of speech.

    Report

    #75

    On Neanderthals:

    Reddit comment thread about Neanderthal evidence, demonstrating misuse of freedom of speech.

    Report

    #76

    On AI:

    Online discussion thread with confused comments about AI, illustrating freedom of speech.

    Report

    Pernille
    Community Member
    10 hours ago

    You should always submerge you phone in a glass of water after using AI, it recharges it for next time.

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    #77

    On Ovens:

    Funny social media comment thread about a oven brand, showing freedom of speech on the internet.

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    #78

    On The World's Population:

    A comment thread showing incorrect claims about world population demographics, demonstrating freedom of speech.

    Report

    Miracle Max
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    China and India have entered the chat...

    #79

    On The Sun:

    Social media thread arguing about climate change solutions and air conditioning, illustrating freedom of speech online.

    Report

    #80

    On Gta:

    Social media screenshot showing a video game release date using DD/MM/YYYY format, confusing Americans.

    Report

    James016
    Community Member
    5 hours ago

    Yes, it's called Derpember.

    #81

    On The Titanic:

    A social media post abusing freedom of speech by claiming Canadians think the Titanic was just a movie.

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    Franklin
    Community Member
    3 hours ago

    Guess I'm Canadian

    #82

    On Allergies:

    Social media comments arguing about food allergies in the US versus other countries.

    Report

    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    "Unfortunately allergies are a US only thing": we wish! Signed: allergic people from all over the world.

    #83

    On Euros:

    Social media post asking an absurd travel question, illustrating freedom of speech misuse.

    Report

    Otorgar
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    You need to stay home

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    #84

    On Mount Everest:

    Online chat exchange showing a confusing geography debate, reflecting funny freedom of speech moments.

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    #85

    On The Plague:

    Comment asking where the US is on a map of medieval Europe, demonstrating Freedom Of Speech.

    Report

    #86

    On Twins:

    Social media comment section debating twin biology, illustrating examples of Freedom Of Speech.

    Report

    DeoManus Argentem
    Community Member
    1 hour ago

    I have a twin sister and you have no idea how many otherwise intelligent people ask if we're identical... I'm very obviously a man.

    #87

    On The Number One:

    Screenshot of social media comments misspelling ordinals, illustrating freedom of speech misuse.

    Report

    #88

    On Airports:

    Reddit post asking a funny question about TSA water rules, showing freedom of speech online.

    Report

    #89

    On Apologies:

    Printed sign apologizing for incontinence instead of inconvenience, showcasing freedom of speech.

    Report

    Robert Millar
    Community Member
    9 hours ago

    What a p i s s er.

    #90

    On Measurements:

    Social media comments arguing over metric vs imperial measurement systems, demonstrating freedom of speech.

    Report

    Miracle Max
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    How many bananas is that?

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    #91

    On Temperature:

    Post showing someone exercising freedom of speech by complaining about a thermostat displaying Celsius.

    Report

    #92

    On European Cities:

    Social media comments showing freedom of speech misused regarding historic city streets and cars.

    Report

    Otorgar
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    Because they don't want you there

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    #93

    On China:

    Social media comment asking if Chinese people get American letters tattooed, exemplifying internet humor.

    Report

    #94

    On France:

    Screenshot of a Reddit post asking what people in France do for the 4th of July, demonstrating funny ignorance.

    Report

    Otorgar
    Community Member
    12 hours ago

    They guillotine a couple of rich bàstàrds

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    #95

    On The New Pope's First Speech:

    Post discussing the Pope and asking if he speaks American, illustrating exercising freedom of speech online.

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    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    6 hours ago (edited)

    HAHAHAHA!....'take it on faith'....the Pope...HAHAHAHA!

    #96

    On Furniture:

    Listing for a couch with a funny typo mentioning autumn instead of ottoman, showing Freedom Of Speech.

    Report

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    6 hours ago

    Hmmm...14 inches...That'll fit on our countertop

    #97

    On That Classic Saying:

    Social media text post with a funny misspelling, showing funny freedom of speech examples.

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    olivejuicedrinker (she/her)
    Community Member
    13 hours ago

    close enough, we're larning now

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    #98

    On Clocks:

    Street clock in Europe with a overlay illustrating freedom of speech through absurd online claims.

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    Bartlet for world domination
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago

    Wait till you learn what we mean by coffee shop.

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    #99

    On Fabric Types:

    Text post calling corduroy quarter roy, an example of funny misuse of freedom of speech online.

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    Fred
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    Took me a moment, but that must be corduroy.