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We often hear stories of cultural shocks non-Americans experience when coming to live the American dream. From the little vacation time Americans have to the vast distances between places, extreme portion sizes, bulk shopping, healthcare system… and the list goes on and on, and on.

So in order to even out the karma and give a tribute to the wholesome side of our beloved country that sometimes gets an undeserved amount of criticism from outsiders, we're gonna look at the positive things non-Americans found about the US.

Think of our incredible communication skills, the amount of nature, the scale and the grandeur, drinking fountains everywhere... Get ready for a wholesome dose and be sure to leave a comment on what you find fascinating and admirable about America below this article!

#1

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans If you guys want you can go to pretty much any climate without a passport. You have tropical, desert, ocean side, lake side, mountains etc etc.

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t even have to leave the state of California to get this!!

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#2

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans The actual people.

Government is f**ked. media is d**ked all to hell. inequality is staggering, but most American people I've met have been helpful, compassionate, fun, and kind individuals.

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Radek Suski
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, that’s always wonders me too; looking from outside one could believe they have to all be idiots. Then I know many American people pretty well and they are all decent humans

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blugeagua
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well obviously. There are literally millions of us. So it's utterly ridiculous for people to paint us all with the same brush.

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Brendan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

During my time in NYC (where everyone has a reputation of being rude), I encountered only friendly, helpful people.

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Nicki
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's just that the stupidest, loudest people get the most attention. It is like a classroom, there is always that dumb ass kid in the back that the teacher had to take care of, while the rest of us are sitting quietly waiting for that idiot to pipe down already.

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Scagsy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's reassuring to read because the news that comes out of the U.S. does not a pretty picture paint.

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Jew
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm from Israel and I also feel that when I visit there

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noralin
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but I have got the impression through american celebrities that americans are self centered, arrogant and materialistic. I know the regular people might not be the same.

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Sam rice
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of us are not as bad as we are perceived to be. However most are.

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Kimberly W.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find Americans (not in the media) very kind, loving and compassionate

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CatWoman312
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Off the internet. The internet is great for a lot of reasons, but people really let loose and show their true colors with their beliefs and can be flat out mean to the point of discomfort. They might be nice irl, but you’ll see a whole new person from them online.

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Marlowe Fitzpatrik
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's because online, you don't get to see the results of your words. If you were to scream into a young girl's face that she's a crybaby and a little b*tch to cry about your football-team to lose, you'd see her face and her tears and her heartbreak and I'd wager that MOST people wouldn't do that. Or at least feel really bad later on. But online, you live in the false sense that nothing you say has an impact and real people don't get hurt. Even if you intellectually know that's not true, you still miss out on the faces of the people that get attacked in a shitstorm, the fear and pain it can cause. You feel all mighty in your chair and like a warrior of truth, when in reality you just behaved like you'd never do in real life. Happens all across the globe - it's not inherently American.

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David Beaulieu
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was really nice to have the other Americans identify themselves so voluntarily lately. It has been easier to identify them since Trump and Covid.

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Patti Vance
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

thank you! it's nice to know that the people of this nation are not judged by their politicians/media. yes, we have a lot of things wrong in this country but people are working to make it better.

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Sean Harrison
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As individuals, yes. But when you get us into large groups, things get complicated and we tend to get stupid.

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DonS
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally agree. I had the chance to work as a museum guide in the Old Montreal and met many Americans. There's always the bunch of ignorants (like any other countries; was asked why everything was in French in Montreal and not in American) but the majority of my interactions were quite fun.

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have to have a screwed up government because it makes the rest of us look good!!

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Amy Mo
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for recognizing the people and not judging us based on politics.

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Maureen Bykerk
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So reassured to read this. I'm the only American born in my family (Dutch immigrants) and the behavior of my countrymen has filled me with shame far more often than I feel patriotic. Please be kind, fellow Yanks! XX

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First Name Last Name
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2 years ago

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Pretty much, yes. The pic is a little misleading tho, as most Americans are 2x that size. 🙂

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Daniel (ShadowDrakken)
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2 years ago

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This is a lie. Americans are awful human beings. Selfish, greedy, and completely fake. The "kindness" is self serving BS.

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Izzy_
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2 years ago

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I live in the US, you have to tell me where you met such rare individuals lol

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#3

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans The Smithsonian Museums. Very cool and very fun to walk around and see. And they're free.

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#4

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans National Parks.

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#5

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans Americans always know how to get a conversation going! "Hey, where are you from?" And then they are genuinely interested in hearing the answer even if perhaps they've never heard of that place. They are great at small talk, and friendly (doesn't matter if it is "fake" sometimes, e.g. the waitress, it is still a skill to be that friendly and welcoming, in my opinion). They make people feel like a million bucks.

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want you to feel like a million bucks. And I have to say for most of us we truly want to know all about you where are you come from how are you live how it differs from how we live and that might just be because you’re from a state over

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#6

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans The scale and grandeur. I'm used to nature being small, but everything in America is bigger - bigger storms, bigger mountains, bigger horizons. Even the sky seems more. People in America are casually dealing with everything from alligators to bears, pitching tents on the sides of cliffs and walking their dogs through literal wilderness, I genuinely feel like a hobbit watching Aragorn saunter through Middle Earth like it's nothing while I've never been beyond the end of farmer Maggot's farm before. I love it.

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SentimentAndBadJokes
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

New Zealander here, I visited America at the begin of 2020, and the sheer size and scale of your country was truly overwhelming. Like, travelling across the country side, and visiting national parts was just, wow (also love the LOtR's reference!!!)

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#7

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans I always hear complaints about the portion sizes, which is fair, they're big. But we gotta give America credit how socially acceptable it is to take the leftover food home. As a frugal Dutch person, this mesmerises me and I'm very sad this is not as acceptable here.

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Miss Cris
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Spain it's accepted and people from the restaurant are happy when you ask for it, instead to throw food. Also in most countries of Europe. Just keep asking for it and Dutch restaurants will see less and less weird.

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#8

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans The amount of nature. Mountains, forests, valleys, deserts, water falls etc

Where i live we got a few hills and theres no place anywhere in the country that is completely untouched or so far from a civilization that you cant hear traffic etc

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#9

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans Something Americans are definitely not known for, the food. Yeah yeah the US eats a TON of garbage, but there are also certain regional foods that are just amazing. Tex-Mex in the south, Southern soul food. Maine lobster, shrimp rolls, fried clams and clam strips. Grouper sandwiches. Hell I would drive to Virginia beach just for the softshell crab

A lot of Non-Americans think all you eat are hotdogs and twinkies, but some of the best food I've had has been in the US and most of it was regional dishes you can't get anywhere else

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#10

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans It's like each state is a whole different country and I'd like to visit them all.

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Marky Mark
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been to 47 of them. There are many wonderful places... and a few states that... quite frankly.... well.... you might as well just fly over.

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#11

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans The water drinks are served with ice at restaurants.

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember my first trip to England. I had to specifically order ice with every single drink and I would get two little ice cubes. So I would routinely order two glasses full of ice with every order I had. Nothing better than an ice cold drink on a hot summer day no matter where you are

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#12

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans How madly diverse it is. Admittedly I’ve only seen it on tv but the fact that the Bronx and Texas are the same country is mind boggling.

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Mazer
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In some states the human diversity is off the charts!! In some states the diversity is with the people in others it’s the geology or the flora and the fauna.

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#13

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans The ability to drive from winter to summer in 24 hours... Or less!

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WillemPenn
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Way less than 24 hours. Southern California here: skiing at Big Bear then three hours later surfing in Huntington Beach. Yeah is awesome and why I moved out here.

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#14

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans That a lot of Americans are pretty chill, open, and kind people. You wanna just talk about nothing? You can do that. You have mental health issues? People aren't gonna judge. There's a problem going on and you wanna talk about it? You can do that.

In my family's culture, you must always keep to yourself if something's bothering you, always tell white lies, put up this facade of your life being rainbows and unicorns, and mental illness/disabilities/neuro divergence is frowned upon and shows you're weak. It's so suffocating.

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Andy Acceber
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not all of the U.S. is open and chill, but the population is huge. There's room here to find your people, find your community.

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#15

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans The variety of groceries!

I want sugar free? Boom...everything. Oh there's something we have at home but here's 30 varieties of it! Special dietary restrictions? Don't have to order it...here's the stuff at the local target!

I'm in Canada and although there's a decent selection of these things, it's much better in the USA, cheaper too.

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Something
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ironically, though, if you want sugar free products, you'll easily find a sugar free version of everything that is supposed to have sugar, but you will also find that many things that aren't supposed to have sugar have it added for no reason.

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#16

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans Your wildlife. Lots of beasties on that continent.

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#17

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans The arts. Jazz, rhythm and blues, the early rock and roll that inspired the British Invasion. The authors. The films.

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#18

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans Drinking fountains everywhere. And nearly all public toilets are free.

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Trillian
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AND there are public toilets like everywhere. Last time I was in the US I was pregnant and that was such a bliss to find a bathroom every time I needed one (which was often).

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#19

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans NASA is America’s best PR.

Sure they could really use triple the budget to seriously get things done, but what they do is admired globally.

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think science and technology people anywhere in the world blow away people, They constantly amaze me

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#20

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans I freakin love the energy most Americans give off. You guys are like extraverted extraverts. If I was introduced to a handful of people from around the world, I could tell you which was the American even with a blindfold, because they'd be the only one to instantly say hello and start chatting when I walk into the room as a stranger. Your talking to strangers energy is almost more than our talking to 20-year-old friends energy.

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#21

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans Southern cuisine, from BBQ all the way to Creole type stuff... You guys know how to eat down there.

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#22

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans I'm from Portugal and living in US right now. One thing that really impressed me when I got here was how green the US was, and how many trees they have.

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#23

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans The power and quality of their film and TV industry. They can make dreams and fantasies come to life.

Jurassic Park to me as a child was like all my dreams had come true.

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Mazer
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah it’s a very powerful industry, it also can suck peoples souls dry as does the music industry. You just need to have a lot of good people around you looking out for you and know what you want

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#24

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans New York City. Hot Dogs. Your Friendliness. Hollywood. Yellowstone. Baseball. Ford GT. Road trips. Coke. NASA. Southern BBQ. Burgers. Yosemite. Your infectious love of the outrageous. Jaws. Your love of English accents ;). Harrison Ford. Rock and freakin roll. Nike. Magic Mountain. Pamela Andersen. Red Vines. The Video games / animation industries. Dr Pepper. Maine Lobster Rolls. Skateboarding. Ralph Lauren. The Sopranos. Jack FM. Baskin Robbins. Car park cookouts. Wake boarding. Ruby’s Diner. Long Island (Iced Tea). Eddie Murphy. Technological innovation. Soul. Southern California. Star Wars. Bronco jeeps. Key Lime Pie.

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#25

As opposed as I've been to most of the American military's involvement in the conflicts of the past 20ish years, as a Canadian I have to acknowledge that being your neighbour has made Canada significantly safer.

We don't need to spend as much on defense because America, our closest ally, outspends everyone else 20 fold.

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey you guys really helped us out during 911 by letting us land our planes in your country. And y’all treated our people super nice while they were they are trying to figure out what the heck was going on! Thanks for that we appreciate it!

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#26

The naive optimism. Even if people are disappointed with the way America is going, they still seem to have hope in an American ideal to strive towards.

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#27

As a Brit living in America I’m gonna have to go with;

- Not even having to ask for water at restaurants it just comes out!
- Giant Sodas cost like $1
- Almost everywhere has a bathroom that’s open to the public (in the suburbs)

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BryanR
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smh, you know, I and a BUNCH of us, here in the US, will take those things for granted and will pick and chose, when they are not offered

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#28

In N Out, no joking

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#29

Entrepreneurial spirit

In a lot of countries, including my own, failing at a business you started is seen very negatively, to the point most people will never try, as opposed to the USA where a business failing is seen as a normal part of the process and you just keep trying, taking the lessons you learned forward

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Entrepreneurs are amazing!! It takes a special kind of person to make a living tinkering in the garage, then knowing without a doubt you just made a product others will want to buy. I have mad respect for entrepreneurs

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#30

30 Things America Is Doing Right, According To Non-Americans Their landscapes f**king slap. Oh, and air-condition is just a thing.

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A.M. Pierre
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in the southern United States. I can't fathom a car or house being sold around here without air conditioning. It just wouldn't happen.

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