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People Ask Americans If These 44 Things Are Actually True In Real Life And Get Surprising Answers
Interview
American culture has permeated the rest of the world so deeply that even people who have never set foot in the U.S. are familiar with it. Many people grow up watching American movies, following American influencers, and absorbing many aspects of American culture in the process. However, there are some things about the U.S. that are exaggerated, whether in fictional stories on the screen, comments online, or other forms of media.
Not every high schooler's experience is like that of HBO's hit show Euphoria, but some Americans are really afraid to call an ambulance because of the high medical bills. In fact, 23% of Americans admitted in 2024 that they didn't call 911 during a medical emergency precisely because of that.
Recently, one Redditor asked people all around the globe: "Non-Americans, what is something about the US that you've always wondered if it was real or just myth/hyperbole?" And people got a chance to dispel any misconceptions they have had about the U.S. and what life there is really like.
Bored Panda also got in touch with the Redditor who posted this thread, and they kindly agreed to have a chat with us. Read our conversation below!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
For those that are against universal healthcare because they don't want to be paying for other people's treatment, do they really not understand how medical insurance works ?
AllRhythmNoBlues:
Yes. They really do not understand. At all.
ETA: I should clarify that the health care system in the U.S. is purposely convoluted. There are a multitude of reasons for this thought process. Some, for example, may think everyone should simply be responsible for themselves, even though that is impossible in a functioning society. Mostly, it's corporate greed driven. Aside from the money structure which has been discussed in another answer, health insurance is tied to employment. It's seen as something to be earned or deserved for working. If you don't work, you supposedly don't deserve to be healthy? Very broadly speaking, the American perspective is that things should be earned and for some reason, your health is included in that. It's depressing on a whole new level because it's self-inflicted.
Mel in Georgia 1 month ago
Once had a MAGA type tell me, after I explained how making Obamacare mandatory brought down the costs of insurance for everyone, that I needed to stop making sense. *sigh* It ultimately wasn't made mandatory and now makes less sense, but is still better than nothing. Stopping the subsidies will make it even more senseless. The US health system is so screwed ...
RELATED:
#2
Is it true that prices of goods in shops is displayed without the tax and you have to work that bit out yourself? Surely not.
ItsNotKenough:
The sales tax also varies from state to state and can even vary from counties and cities within each individual state. Typically people don’t take the time to calculate the sales tax and just know it’ll be more than the price tag.
#3
Are house numbers really as big as they are in movies. Every house is like 51234 something or other street. It's a rare road here in Oz that cracks more than 200.
Flame_MadeByHumans:
The beginning number of a house in the US usually relates to the cross street.
So all the houses between 42nd and 43rd street will be 4210, 4220, etc. It’s typically a codified system instead of houses 1-20 specific to a single street.
The Redditor u/Bush_Hiders says that most of the responses in the thread weren't very surprising. "America is one of those countries that gets dogged on a lot, so I would be only feeding into the 'Americans being dumb' stereotype if I didn't see those responses coming from a mile away," he tells Bored Panda.
"That being said, I enjoyed reading the less expected responses, and I'd have to say my favorite was someone asking about Cheez Whiz. It's just kinda silly and random, and I can totally see how to someone who doesn't have it in their country, Cheez Whiz is this crazy bizarre thing."
#4
Is it really a common thing that the police busts partys of high-schoolers? Do young people get arrested then because of underage drinking?
ugh_this_world_sucks:
I have ran and hid from the cops many times as a teenager. Almost always exclusively at parties
#5
Is it true that millions of sedentary obese American citizens drive huge pickup trucks and hate cyclists & vegans?
AllieLoft:
If the other comments haven't answered your question- yes. All of those things: pickups, cycling, veganism, are tied to identity and politics at least loosely in this insane current political climate we have. At this point, a lot of us are programmed to make assumptions about people based on their car, eating habits, etc.
Basically, we're drowning in propaganda over here.
#6
Is it actually true you're scared to call the ambulance or go to the hospital?
Lily_Lupin:
Called the ambulance in college once. Got a bill equal to several months’ rent afterwards. Haven’t called one since - uber or friends it is.
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
True for most. Even with insurance it can be steep. When my son hurt his knee I called an ambulance because I couldn't lift him into my car (he was 6'2" at only 14). The drivers were nice enough to bandage him up and get him in my car for me so I could take him to the ER. With insurance we were lucky our 5 hour ER visit was only $250, but the ambulance for a non life threatening emergency would've been $1,500! So thanks to those wonderful EMTs we only had to pay $100 to the local fire dept where they were dispatched from.
We can't deny that Cheez Whiz is a very American thing, but, surprisingly, other countries have it too. It's also marketed in The Philippines, Canada, Venezuela, and Mexico. What's perhaps even more surprising, is that Cheez Whiz was originally created for the British market, not for Americans!
In 1952, Cheez Whiz came to Britain as an ingredient that would help make the Welsh rarebit quicker. According to legends, the dish was considered tavern food in the 1700s, almost an old-timey version of cheese fries. It's a fairly simple recipe: rye or pumpernickel toast with a cheddar cheese sauce poured over it. To make the recipe even simpler, James. L. Kraft came up with a pre-packaged cheese sauce: Cheez Whiz. And the Brits liked it – Cheez Whiz is still available in Britain today, only, it's not as popular as it is in America.
#7
Do you just hang up the phone without saying goodbye, like in tv shows and the movies?
keirmeister:
No. That’s weird to us as well. I’m not sure where that concept in movies came from.
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
Can't stand when people just hang up without saying goodbye! Although I think I've only encountered 1 or 2 in my life.
#8
Are there really beer kegs in big parties? Where do you even buy kegs?
GeorgeCabana:
Yes. Many liquor stores offer kegs (you have to return the empty keg and taps).
#9
Do you really throw garbage down the sink? Doesn't it get clogged?
Kent_Knifen:
Some sinks are equipped with a garbage disposal. Think of it like a blender hidden just past the drain. It will chop up food particles small enough where they can go down the plumbing.
You would NOT use this for all garbage, just discarded food.
So, it's slightly a myth that Cheez Whiz is an American-only food. It also feeds into stereotypes that all Americans each junk food only. u/Bush_Hiders tells us that he's seen a lot of exaggerations about the U.S. online, both for misinformation purposes and for comedic effect. Yet, he believes similar misconceptions are floating around about many countries. "Pretty much every country has their fair share of people exaggerating their culture," he says.
One of such stereotypes is that French people apparently smell bad. "I've always wondered where [it] comes from," u/Bush_Hiders adds. "What's the deal with that? France has a lot of stereotypes to its name that I'm curious of the origin to."
#10
Do your police systems/databases not talk to each other? Like you always hear “they crossed state lines we lost them” whereas in australia everyone is in the one database. You do something in one state? You’ll show up in the next.
protomanEXE1995:
We are remarkably divided among states and localities. The cultural demand for various levels of local sovereignty means that centralized control is heavily discouraged and rather uncommon.
FreeTheUnicorn 1 month ago
The issue is also local police don't have authority outside their actual area. That's why the predecessors of the FBI were created. If you are found in anither state you have to be extradited to the place of the alleged crime, just like if you crossed international boundaries. The states came first the United came later
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
Yes, unless you've committed a federal offense or serious crime, but if it's a routine traffic offense? You're pretty much Scott free - not that I speak from experience 😏
Vidas Zlioba 1 month ago
Scott free, unless you happen to return to the jurisdiction and get caught. Then your unpaid ticket (and subsequent court order) land you in jail.
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ॐBoyGanesh 1 month ago
In a very very loose sense, think of the US federal government as an overreaching version of the EU and, as far as state’s rights & sovereignty goes, each state as a member nation. Again, a very basic comparison, but California’s local law enforcements or state highway patrol connect with Arizona’s much in the same way France’s Police Nationale confers with Spain’s CNP.
Jihana 1 month ago
If you're speeding in another country of the EU tgan your own you can be d**n sure that you'll get a letter home.
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Child of the Stars 1 month ago (edited)
We have city, county (aka sheriff department), and state police. Each one is restricted to acting only within those specific boundaries. Once it crosses state borders, it becomes a federal problem, which (depending on the crime/circumstances) then goes to one of the federal agencies like the FBI or US Marshals. There are exceptions, of course, where there are jurisdictional grey areas, but that's generally how it works.
SouthernGal 1 month ago
Police can and do cross state lines if in “hot pursuit”. Once the arrest is made, the prisoner is taken to the local jail and dealt with by local police until extradition.
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keyboardtek 1 month ago
And when you watch a cop show on TV and they look in their computer to match the serial number of the gun to its owner, that never existed. Congress and the NRA outlawed having a computer data base of gun ownership. But ironically Trump is now promoting the creation of such a data base. A dictator needs to be able to confiscate the guns of anyone who disagrees with them. And at the rate Trump is going, even Republicans and MAGA will end up hating him.
Charles McChristy 1 month ago
There are certain databases that are shared by all. They follow state law. The rest, everyone in law enforcement can easily obtain information from with some minor hoop jumping. It's not like it was in the 70s.
Rich Black 1 month ago
police are not allowed to cross state lines to pursue suspects. just like french police cannot cross the channel to pursue french criminals
Veronica Jean 1 month ago
Crossing state lines doesn't evade you from a ticket or the problem. Interstate departments do communicate with each other. Keep in mind our states are sometimes larger than European countries, so it's likely similar to someone escaping into another country, but warrants follow you everywhere, and if your crimes are severe the departments give surrounding states a heads up. Crossing state lines isn't a get out of jail free card.
Hippopotamuses 1 month ago
New Zealand has one national police force for the whole country (though it is divided in Districts). Running to the next city ain't going to do you any favours.
Tom Brincefield 1 month ago
But in New Zealand, that's only like 30 miles.
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Christina Dutta 1 month ago
It was discovered after 911 that the FBI had information that the CIA wasn't open to. Communications was poor.
v10011011 1 month ago (edited)
Not true one bit, police departments work together all the time (it’s illegal not to). The whole “crossed state lines” stuff is absolute BS. When you cross state lines, guess who will be waiting for you? The state patrol from the state you are entering, and the cops chasing you from the other state will continue chasing you
MotherofGuineaPigs 1 month ago (edited)
The US is 50 countries united under a failing government. States right to govern is largely upheld. The federal government is supposed to only govern federal programs subsidies, and funding and laws on federal land.
Billo66 1 month ago (edited)
It's strange. Each state somewhat has it's own autonomy for laws. So each state is basically has it's own government. There is a disparity between Federal laws and state laws too, such as Marijuana. Still federally illegal but almost every state has a dispensary. The catch is, they cant deposit weed money into an FDIC insured bank so a lot of cash transactions. I dont know how they manage it from there. Edit: Some aren't even technically states. They're Commonwealths, like Pennsylvania.
nottheactualphoto 1 month ago
Or Districts, like that of Columbia. The other commonwealths are Massachusetts, Virginia and Kentucky.
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Savannah greenleaf 1 month ago
Occasionally different counties in a single state don't always communicate. I have known people on probation for OUI that got arrested in the next county, and luckily for them it was not communicated to the original court.
Börje Strömming 1 month ago
Time to make nations of all the states.. united nations of america. UNA🫡
nottheactualphoto 1 month ago
Texas and Florida do NOT get seats on the Security Council.
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Can you really pull yourself up by your bootstraps all on your own and achieve the American dream?
Amenmeit:
Unless you get extremely lucky or severely neglect your health, not anymore. Round about the mid to late nineties that fizzled out.
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago (edited)
Yes absolutely. My hubby and I were both very poor growing up and we achieved it. But what they don't tell you is that the American Dream is really 3 very tired, debt laden, stressed out owls in an overcoat
#12
Do schools really have their own police/security?
CuriousCuriousAlice:
Yes, the bigger ones. In my city you will see them in their own police cars that say ‘[school name] campus police’ on the side. Honestly, most of their time is spent dealing with traffic before and after school.
What about you, Pandas? What stereotypes about America have you always wanted to check? And which myth or misconception about your own country would you like to debunk the most? Let us know in the comments! And if you can't think of any, check out which stereotypes about their home countries these folks came up with!
#13
One of our exchange students was floored when she found out that the yellow school buses are real.
Child of the Stars 1 month ago
The US has so many rural areas where public transportation just isn't available (and it's not always because the area hasn't invested in it, it's sometimes just that homes are so spread out, it's not practical).
#14
Does your front door actually lead directly to the living room? that's so wild to me. Like if I'm lounging on the sofa and my room mate comes home with maybe even another guest in tow, they'd be entering right into the living room and the door is opened to the outside?
Ironhold:
Depends on region, age of house, design of house, and lots of other things. Most of my apartments had some kind of entryway, at least. A few of my friends' houses front door was straight to the living room/front room and the back door was straight to the kitchen.
#15
How common are basements and attics in houses?
Is it exclusive for middle and upper middle class and above or most houses have them?
atomiku121:
Depends on the area you're in. In my area (Midwest) both are quite common for a couple reasons.
Attics are common because we can get a LOT of snow, so sloped roofs are needed to handle the load. Depending on the slope, the space may not be usable for much outside of storage, hence the attic. My home has an attic that was large enough to convert into a large master bedroom.
Basements are common here because the soil has a lot of clay and is generally soft enough to dig through without too much issue, and having a portion of your home below grade is very nice to have in the event a tornado comes through.
Jihana 1 month ago
What I think is wild is that you can fall through the attic fooor. In Europe attic floors are made out of reinforced concrete. There's no falling through there. Also, you can't punch through a wall. You can try it. Once. After that you'll wish for a better health care system (again).
#16
Shark Week.
Is it really just about sharks?
vixiecat:
Sure is! It’s great! All day and night, nothing on that channel but programs about sharks.
ॐBoyGanesh 1 month ago
This is a Discovery Channel thing. If you have access to Discovery Channel, you have access to shark week.
#17
Do people really drive drunk as casually as they do in tv and movies? It seems like in tv shows even cops just get behind the wheel after slamming a few whiskeys, and regular people drive black out drunk.
peternormal:
Absolutely. It is not as common as it used to be, but like, for example... When I was a kid in the 80s it was legal to drink a beer while driving in Texas.
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
Yes. Makes me sick to think how many times we did as idiot "kids" and I'm so thankful nothing bad ever happened. Also makes me happy to see how the culture is changing (even here in WI!) that more people are choosing to take Uber and people younger than us (Gen Z) really don't drink like we used to.
#18
In The Sopranos, Tony quotes another character saying "Nowhere else in the world [do] people expect to be happy except here in this country and still we're not."
Do most Americans actually have that expectation?
jimb575:
As an American, I can unequivocally say that this is 100% true. I never understood this drive that people have here that they need to be happy. Not content, but happy. We’re taught that if you’re not happy then there is something wrong. In my view, this causes all types of issues - hyper-materialism, self doubt, false competition, etc…
And the worst part is that the people that expect to be happy usually expect someone else to make them happy…
#19
From watching (admittedly too much) reality shows - how common is lip-fillers/Botox in people in their 20s/30s?
FluffyOwl30:
In every day people? Probably not high. In people who make money off their appearance? Probably high.
#20
That you have to "earn" your sick days at work.
ATLDeepCreeker:
Not earn, "accrue".
When you start a job that pays by the hour, you accrue a certain percentage of PAID sick time per week. The same holds true for vacation time.
You can also take unpaid sick time. Some companies are flexible also, allowing you to use un-accrued sick time, before you actually earn it.
If you are on salary, its a bit different. All of my sick and vacation time is available to me on January 1st.
Beak Hookage 1 month ago
In Australia you get a set amount of sick days you can take... *without a doctor's certificate*. So if you're off sick for... I think three days in a row, after that you need a certificate. Which is easy to get and doesn't cost anything.
#21
The pledge of alliance, is that something that is children actually have to say daily?
Elegant_Bluebird_460:
Yes, in public schools and many private schools. I can't think of a time in my adult life I have ever said it. However, kids cannot be forced to say it according to the Supreme Court.
ॐBoyGanesh 1 month ago
You cannot be forced to recite it. It’s also interesting when the “under God” was added to it. That’s not part of the original pledge. So someone will recite the pledge without saying that part.
#22
Is it true Americans have no job security and your boss can just fire you for no reason, like Trump in the Apprentice?
tstackspaper:
Yes this is true. It’s called “at-will employment”
It is illegal for an employer to terminate an employee for reasons that violate federal or state laws, however you’d be burdened proving this in a court of law so typically people just move on instead of waisting time trying to sue over it.
#23
Do school kids really sell wrapping paper and cookies to make money?
budgie02:
Sometimes, school fundraisers are common. At least when I was in school we got a magazine of home items like candles, blankets and such and would have to canvas the neighborhood and our family to sell it. The kid who sold the most would win an Xbox, or something like that.
Norm Gilmore 1 month ago
Chocolate bars are the thing here. Mums and Dads all over NZ bringing boxes to the work site to sell them for the kids. :-)
#24
Haven't really thought about it "always", but become wondering some time ago if americans really can't go anywhere without car. Do they really can't come outside their homes and go by legs with friends to nearest park or some shopping mall to just chill there? Are they really imprisoned in their suburbs untill some parent drive them on their hammer 100 km to the nearest "fun place" or untill the same parents buy them a car?
LakeExtreme7444:
The more rural you are, the more dependent on a car you’ll be. Where I live, the closest gas station and grocery store are about 10-15 minutes away and I live 30 minutes from my work (this is all by car). We don’t have public transportation where I live, so if I didn’t have a car, I wouldn’t be able to work or buy things without a full day’s walk, at the very least.
Timtronic125:
My local park is about 1.4 miles away. That's 4 minutes by car, 35 minutes to walk.
I work in the next city over. 26 miles by interstate @ approximately 40 minutes commute time. Walking to work would take 9 hours. America is huge and really spread out. And I live in the suburbs. Couldn't imagine living in the Midwest.
Mel in Georgia 1 month ago
Unless you live in a major city, public transportation and sidewalks are almost non-existent. I would love to walk to shopping centers!
#25
I've always wondered if people really do have endless refills at restaurants or if it's just a thing in movies.
DonovanSarovir:
Yeah that's real, but generally only applies to fountain drinks like soda and cheap lemonade (NOT SPRITE), as well as black coffee. You'll pay once and they keep you topped up, or sometimes you can refill it yourself. Expensive drinks like cocktails and stuff are one-offs like other places though.
Soda is just so cheap because of corn subsidies that each glass costs them like five to ten cents.
#26
I often wondered if people really go to places in their pajamas sometimes. Ive lived in the US now for a long time and I know that that answer is "sometimes yes in certain places".
I also heard that highschoolers sometimes would go to their classes in PJs, I dont know if this is true or not (or for college classes for that matter).
AngryKitty57:
I see people at the gas station and Walmart in Pajama pants very very often.
Mel in Georgia 1 month ago
Leisure wear (sweats, leggings, slippers, pajamas) is seen everywhere, from stores to classes to airplanes. I get feeling comfortable, but there are so many stretchy clothes options now that can't you just wear something that's meant for public view?
#27
I was surprised that people wear shoes indoors in the US. I thought it was only a movie set thing.
LetsGoGators23:
It is very climate dependent I find. I grew up in snowy, muddy upstate NY and you absolutely took your shoes or boots off. The last 21 years in Florida, not nearly as necessary and you are in/out a lot more that makes it more impracticable to take them off. Not impossible, my Indian and Asian neighbors absolutely always take shoes off. It’s also heavily tiled indoors and it’s really hard on the feet/back to not have shoes on.
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
We wear "house shoes" in my home - in muddy/snowy Midwest it's a must. If it's summer time we'll usually wear our sandals inside and take them off when we get to our bedroom
#28
Grew up on American movies thinking prom was this glitter-bombed fairy tale with slow-mo entrances and no awkward dad dances—turns out my US cousin's was just sweatpants and pizza in a gym, but hey, the myth kept my teen dreams alive longer than reality ever could.
rancidmilkmonkey:
Prom really is like that (without the slo-motion part) depending on where you live. Every school does their prom differently. I went to a public high school school with a disproportionate amount of wealthy kids in Tampa. We usually had our proms in a nice hotel or large restaurant with everyone in full tuxedos and expensive dresses. It's not uncommon for a groups of kids to arrive in a limo. It was like that when my wife and I went there, our parents went there, and when my oldest son went there 7 years ago. I was a poor kid in a rich kids school, but anyone from Tampa can tell you the name of that school without me having to. Honestly though, most of the other local high schools have their proms hosted somewhere outside the school as well. Tuxes and custom dresses are common, limos not so much.
Gingersnap In Iowa 1 month ago
When I was in high school, graduated 1988, the junior class decorated the gym and the parents fixed a sit down meal. It was a great experience. I was voted prom queen and I still wear my tiara around the house sometimes.
#29
Columbus Day is that a thing you guys still celebrate?
km89:
"Celebrate" is a strong word.
Schools, banks, and some workplaces are closed for the day, but there's no particular celebration attached to it. The vast majority of the country treats it as somewhere between "business as usual" and "a random day off." Nobody's booking a reservation for Columbus Day dinner.
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
Columbus was a Twàt. It's unfortunately still a "federal holiday" but a great opportunity to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead.
#30
I had someone ask me if I live in a dorm "like in the movies." (Yes).
Beak Hookage 1 month ago
We have them in Australia too, but we call them "rezzies"! Short for "residences". My parents met in one, luckily for me.
#31
How you guys are able to punch a hole through a wall. Where I’m from, all our homes are brick and concrete so if you punched a wall you’d be pretty screwed for life.
arrius01:
Most residential walls in the US are sheetrock which is fairly easy to punch through between the studs which are generally 16 in apart.
Before sheetrock, many walls were strips of wood covered in plaster. I think hitting one of those would not have gone well for the person.
There are lots of homes here with brick as well, but that is not as common, particularly portions of the country that aren't constructed pre-turn of the century
#32
Do y'all really drink soda a lot? Or is it just when special occasions or travelling or things?
Character-Lack-9653:
IME people either drink lots of soda or very little soda and nothing in between.
Personally I never drink soda, I think it's sickeningly sweet. Most people in my social circle don't drink much soda either. OTOH I have a few (very overweight) coworkers who continuously drink soda all day.
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
OP has it right. We rarely drink soda, usually only water, coffee, or tea, but I know a lot of people that drink mainly soda.
#33
Do you guys really get mad when people speak other languages?
RandomGen-Xer:
Most don't. When they get mad is when you and your friend obviously look them up and down, then turn to each other and speak in another language, laughing about them.
Mel in Georgia 1 month ago
In general, no. MAGA folk get triggered, though, and forget about FREEDUM.
#34
Do kids really go on camps for months over summer? Supervised by teenagers/very young adults?
mightknowbackback:
Not all kids, but it’s a thing, or at least used to be. Parents that are used to having the kids out of the house at generally need a break, and the kids get to do fun stuff. There are definitely adults in charge at some point of the chain of command, but teenage camp counselors that lead activities and supervise things are common. These days people seem to have less extra money, and everyone is more worried about getting sued, so it’s probably less common. But if it’s in a movie set in the 1980s or earlier they’re pretty much bang on
Data1001 1 month ago
I feel like it was more common for kids' summer camps to last a month or more many decades ago (I'm talking 1950s, 1960s, before my time). Nowadays most are for just a week. Although I'm sure many parents would love to get rid of their kids for a majority of the summer so they could have more free time for themselves, lol.
#35
Honestly, I always wondered if high school really had cliques like jocks, nerds, and cheerleaders or if that was just a movie thing. Also, are red Solo cups actually a party essential, or just Hollywood branding? 😄.
dontforgettowriteme:
Lol in my experience, it wasn't like Breakfast Club in terms of intensity and strict social order. Social circles were always fluid.
For example, I was a cheerleader but I had other interests as well, so I had friends from all of those circles and I was never mean to someone just because I was a cheerleader and they weren't or some such nonsense. It's not like people would gasp if you communed with people outside your "circle."
But it's also a normal part of human nature to form community with people who share your interests.
OhHowIMeantTo:
Nobody feels particularly drawn to red Solo cups, but they are essential to parties. They're good quality, can last all night, but are cheap enough to toss the next day. If you buy a store brand of disposable plastic cups, they do feel inferior in quality.
Most people don't have enough glassware for more than 8 people, and also don't host often enough to warrant dedicating an entire cabinet just to glasses for parties. It is kind of amusing how obsessed non Americans are with the red Solo cups. It's not something that we really think about or derive joy from, it's just something that you do.
marianne eliza 1 month ago
FYI: There re 3 lines molded into the Solo cup. Lowest line is for 1 serving of hard liquor. Middle line is 1 serving of wine. Upper most line is 1 serving of beer.
#36
Are high school/college/university guidance councilors/advisors actually a thing? Like, is there actually someone who talks with you about which colleges/universities to apply to, about which classes you take, which course load to plan? And not just in a "well, there is someone you can get an appointment with if you really need to" way, but as an actual sceduled part of your education?
RogueRedShirt:
They are a thing. In high school, they help you make choices about what schools you should apply to and help with that process.
At the university level, they help you figure out what classes you need to take to complete your major and generally help the freshmans declare their major and things like that. Using them is mostly optional.
Zig Zag Wanderer 1 month ago
Ha ha! When my children got 'career advice' at school (yes, in Australia and in the UK, it's not weird) I pointed out that my job didn't even exist when I was at school, so don't take it too seriously!
#37
Are there really no public transportation like subway or train except some big cities?
cwsjr2323:
Each State is divided into smaller political units called counties except Louisiana calls theirs parishes.
My county has one passenger train stop at 105 AM. We have zero buses, taxi, or Uber available. There are no pathways for bikes or walking between communities and no dedicated bike routes in the cities and towns.
This county is 565 square miles in size, 1463 square kilometers.
If you don’t have a car, you can’t go anywhere.
Skara Brae 1 month ago (edited)
I live in (Phoenix, Arizona). My commute time for work averaged 35-40 min. My workplace and home are in suburbs. Very few direct bus routes go between suburbs. I once tried taking a bus to work one day. It took me about 2 hours and 50 minutes to get to work, partly because I had to change bus lines downtown (distance about 2X as far as driving). Going home the 1st bus was late, so I missed the last run of the 2nd bus and had to take a taxi home. My employer had about 2500 people at that site. Perhaps 100-200 people car-pooled, but it's not very practical, because (a) we don't finish work at the same time, and (b) people often have errands after work (groceries, pick up a prescription, etc.). Nothing is within easy walking distance. It's about 5km to the nearest grocery and 12 to the nearest general store (Target), and the roads are not bike friendly. I've never seen anyone bike to the grocery store. Also, Phoenix usually has more than 100 days per year with temperatures over 100F/37C.
#38
Those sitcom cars that look like they have wooden panels on the sides, is that actually wood?
Either way, the frick is up with that? .
wexlermendelssohn:
Nowadays cars are boring and nobody does it. But historically yes, first with actual wood and later with decorative faux wood panels.
#39
On the internet and social media, I always see Americans talking about fast food and fast food chains, the ones they love and dislike, and this discussion seems to pop up in completely unrelated topics.
How often does the average American eat fast food? Is it more than once a week? And how often do they drink Coca-Cola and other soft drinks?
elliealafolie:
I think you’d have a hard time finding a meaningful average. There are those of us who don’t even have fast food or soda once a month (some not even once a year) and there are those who eat 3 meals a day from fast food restaurants.
I don’t drink soda at all but my mom lives alone and buys a 12-pack per week.
Mel in Georgia 1 month ago
The average American eats way too much fast food. As a kid it was a special treat for my family. Now it's "Eh, don't have time to cook - let's grab something at the drive-through."
#40
Pancakes for breakfast, also stacking a tower of them instead of eating each individually
I could get the first one, but the second just seems weird.
Cavfinder:
Yes to both but I only did those as a kid. I can’t eat wheat as an adult.
Lol, but yes, pancakes for breakfast is super common, stacking them 3-4 high is normal. I used to eat them 1 by 1 but my grandfather definitely cut into a stack of them.
marianne eliza 1 month ago
Stacking them helps melt the butter between and keeps the inside cakes warm.
#41
Do ya'll really egg people's house/cars?
Elegant_Bluebird_460:
It isn't as common now that there are doorbell cameras. On devil's night/mischief night (night before Halloween) it was especially common when I grew up for kids to egg/TP someone's house and to bologna their car. I was a forking kid, two thousand or more forks stuck in a person's lawn overnight. A real pain to remove, but actually more helpful for lawn health than destructive.
SmugScientistsDad:
Yes. This is a thing. The house across the street from mine got egged a few weeks ago. They have no idea who did it or why.
Beak Hookage 1 month ago
With the price of eggs you'd have to be very rich to do that these days.
#42
I still don't understand soda fountains. I've seen pictures from back in the '50s of people using them, but I don't understand how people use them, or how the staff operate them, or the attraction of them.
homebody39:
I love soda fountains. The fresh carbonation is what makes it so much better than a can or bottle of Coke. They are easy to use. Just put the cup under the valve for the flavor you want and push the lever until the cup is full. Easy peasy.
#43
I've always wondered what meat loaf actually is but not enough to look it up, my imagination is it's just a big loaf sized joint of beef.
I know I'm wrong and would probably be disappointed which is probably why I've never actually bothered researching.
achoosier:
😂 imagine a loaf of bread, but with hamburger meat and seasonings mixed together and shaped into a loaf pan and baked. You slice it like bread and everything. It's never been my favorite but a lot of people love it ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Wat Tyler's Revenge 1 month ago
Ground meat (usually beef, but you can mix it with ground pork, veal, turkey, etc) mixed with eggs and seasonings. Can be great comfort food when prepared well.
#44
This isn't a myth but something I see alot online. Using paper plates for a normal dinner at home? They are something you would only use for a party in Australia. Even if you work full time and have kids, which seems to be how most people defend it. Seems so wasteful.
SeekerOfSerenity:
In my family, and I would guess a lot of others, we used normal plates most of the time, and paper plates maybe once a week or less. If we had a pizza for dinner, we would usually use paper plates. But it's not an everyday thing.
#45
Does everyone go to bars after work?
kitsucoon:
Definitely not everyone. I feel like it’s more common in smaller cities and was more common in the 90s, 2000s
marianne eliza 1 month ago
It was quite common back in the 9 to 5 days. Everyone got off work at the same time. Now most businesses are open longer hours and shifts are staggered so it's hard to get together.
#46
When you walk around NY do you see rats?
Working5daysaWeek:
You're most likely going to see rats in all major cities.
Kirk Littlefield 1 month ago
I've tripped over a rat walking to work in Baltimore. I find them endearing little vermin, part of city life.
#47
Do you really cut frogs on biology class?
didifallasleep13:
Yes and I almost threw up. I also had to dissect a squid on a school trip. Later in college, I took a human anatomy and physiology class and we had to dissect a sheep’s eye; I was too freaked out by the idea of the eye squirting to initially cut into it, so my lab partner did that part and then I took it apart after it had been opened which freaked her out
#48
Sorority/Fraternity culture at university.
IKnowAllSeven:
Greek life as it’s called exists at the majority of four years universities. The vibe of the Greek life depends heavily on the university itself, and the frat/ soror.
All of them have an academic, social, and civic (volunteer) component, but how much emphasis is placed on each varies significantly.
My kid is in a sorority for STEM majors. You have to maintain a certain GPA to stay a current member - they do study groups together, and set up various science booths with kids activities at local fairs and have networking events and bring in speakers addressing career pointers and advice. Very academic.
My friends kid is in one of the Divine Nine which are historically black Greek organizations. These were and are historically and socially important organizations and many of their members stay active in the organization for life. Again, it’s a social and networking club and also does philanthropy. The adult members often hold fundraisers to create scholarships and also serve as mentors for younger members.
There is one another friends kid is in - it’s mostly the frat parties you see on Tv.
And another friend goes to University of Alabama and her kid is spending thousands on clothes and jewelry so she has the right look to rush a specific sorority. I don’t know much about that type, just that it exists (I think it’s nuts).
Wang Zhuang 1 month ago
Greek life is indeed very real and is taken very seriously at American universities. I have a quite a few friends who pledged fraternities and sororities, though I was never interested in that life myself
#49
Having a big coffee place (like Starbucks or something) on almost every street corner. Like, fact or myth? 🤔 I've genuinely always wondered if that's true, hyperbole, or something that Hollywood just likes to joke about.
I'm European, and we have Starbucks in my neck of the woods too. But there's like only two different big coffee chains like that in my whole country; sure, there's small mom-and-pop cafés everywhere, but not big box coffee places like that aren't really as common here. Starbucks is actually one of the two big chains in my country, and someone would have to at least commute a few minutes by public transport to get to even one of those in the first place.
It's also generally considered pretty upscale too in my culture to regularly go to those big coffee chains. Most people in my culture just go to those small mom-and-pop cafe's for a cup of coffee, lol.
Salamok:
It is not unheard of to have 2 starbucks at the same intersection on different corners, but you probably will only see that in cities.
So I have to wonder; are places like Starbucks and Tim Horton's REALLY more common in the US or nah? 🤔 Like, I've actually always wanted to genuinely ask an American that, but never had the chance, lol.
Zig Zag Wanderer 1 month ago
Meanwhile, in Australia, we can have several drive-through bottle shops (liquor stores) in a town centre. We win!
#50
In american tv-series people near 30 can often be in a significant managerial position making big money.
Does that really happen with "ordinary people"?
As in, I can sorta understand that if you're some genius level guy, but a bright ordinary person? That's just unheard of where I'm from. All positions which actually pay money are taken by old (often incompetent) people.
nimblesunshine:
Yes, this is true. You can be nothing special and get into a cushy position with big bucks, in some careers. There are some industries where you can make a ton of money from a young age, sometimes even right out of college. But if you aren't in one of those industries, you might make shit and have few safety nets to fall back on + tens and tens of thousands of student loan debt that you may never be able to climb free of.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
American tv series reflect little to nothing about American life. Do we really drop over to our friends' homes for breakfast?
#51
Is it illegal to not have health insurance? Also, what happens if you don’t / can’t pay your hospital bill?
FreyjaTheMutt:
Not illegal, but certain states do have mandates and if you don't have health insurance then you can owe money on your tax return
Zig Zag Wanderer 1 month ago
Same in Australia. We pay a levy of about 1% if we earn over maybe $100k and don't have health insurance. Seems fair, although Medicare covers almost everything here. I called for an MRI appointment yesterday, got scanned this morning at 9am. Zero cost.
#52
Are people *really* as uneducated as the stereotype? Could you *really* pick a dozen random Americans and they couldn't identify their own country on a world map? I feel this is a bit exaggerated really, the videos must cherry-pick the worst they could find.
czarfalcon:
Definitely cherry-picked. Yes there are a lot of uneducated Americans, as you would expect in a country of 300+ million, but I feel like you could say the same of any country.
Wat Tyler's Revenge 1 month ago
As a Canadian we would often say, "We know everything about you, but you know nothing about us". And that's true, but having lived in the States for 25 years now, I get it. It really is a case of if it doesn't happen in America, it doesn't happen.
#53
Do teenagers always get really nice cars as soon as they can drive? People turning up in like pickups and stuff. Can’t get a 20 year old 1.2L Toyota Aygo insured for a teenager without selling a kidney in the UK.
wexlermendelssohn:
Definitely not. In my high school, about 20% of my friend group even had a car and even people with licenses took the bus at least some of the time. The people who did have cars either bought cheap used cars or had hand-me-downs from parents or other relatives.
NastaciaLove :
I'm going to disagree with the others in the comments here. Obviously it's not every single person and probablydependson location. Im a barber and ALL the kids who's hair I've been cutting since they were basically babies have ALL got significantly nicer and newer cars than I've ever had. I don't have a single teen customer that's driving age that doesn't have a 2020+ year super nice car.
#54
Is it still so easy to coupon like in Extreme Couponing?
budgie02:
No, sadly. Couponing is actually a learned skill and extreme couponing like you’re talking about is incredibly rare.
What do you think ?
Marija Barcan 1 month ago
I want to know if lockers have locks that are just a part of them? If so then like do you have the same locker the whole time? Can the lock code be changed? If not can't anyone who used to go there just open your locker? What if someone figures our your combo, are you screwed?
Data1001 1 month ago
Probably depends on the school district (and the era). When I was a kid, I think all my school lockers used padlocks (which I'm pretty sure my parents had to buy). So you just had to remember your combination. For the ones which are built-in, I'm not sure if they had the ability to change the combination when that student was no longer using it, but I'd hope so. I think the padlock thing was more common, though, since in a worst-case scenario, they could always just cut open the lock and not harm the locker itself.
Load More Replies...
Anony Mouse 1 month ago
This was surprisingly gentle for a c**p-on-the-US article. With a few ignorant exceptions a lot of these seemed like genuine, sincere questions and not “hur dur bathroom door cracks too big” repeats.
Angie May 1 month ago
I know, it was a really refreshing read. I love articles like this (no matter which country is the one in question) because you get to learn new things and get clarification on stuff most media exaggerates/lies about.
Load More Replies...
Sally-Ann 1 month ago
A while back the family and I were watching a movie made/set in 1982. I commented on the fact that the characters including the cops didn't use seatbelts. Curious I googled. I was shocked to discover that it would be at least 2-3 years more before the first state laws were passed and nearly another 15 years before laws existed for all (most?) states and even then, they are often conditional. In Australia seatbelts are compulsory nation wide and have been since Jan 1972.
Auntriarch 1 month ago
Two of my comments have disappeared in the last half hour, anyone else having a problem?
Julie S 1 month ago
Are most funerals in America Open casket? I've been to a few funerals and have never been to an open casket and I don't know anyone else who has.
Angie May 1 month ago
I've been to a handful and it's kind of hit and miss on open versus closed casket, though there were more closed caskets with photos of the deceased up around the area versus having them open. I assume it's the preference of whoever is in charge of arranging the funeral, usually the deceased's close family.
Load More Replies...
Beef Brisket 1 month ago
A lot of these seem to be questions from people who think that everything they watch on TV is true. Also, questions about things that happen in LOTS of places, not just the U.S.. Do you have basements (pretty much a given in any cold climate)? Do kids go to camp? Are high school guidance counselors really a thing?
kansasmagic 1 month ago
TIL that nobody knows anything about anyone ... unless they saw it in a movie.
Börje Strömming 1 month ago (edited)
You sir are a moron, an idiot of seldom seen character. It’s easy to forget that not all people are of average intelligence even tho the name “average” itself states that a lot of people are bellow that line, people like you Bruno… And then mixed with your ignorance, ugh… makes one hell of a dumb person. You yourself strongly enforce the stereotype of americans being dumb….
Load More Replies... Marija Barcan 1 month ago
I want to know if lockers have locks that are just a part of them? If so then like do you have the same locker the whole time? Can the lock code be changed? If not can't anyone who used to go there just open your locker? What if someone figures our your combo, are you screwed?
Data1001 1 month ago
Probably depends on the school district (and the era). When I was a kid, I think all my school lockers used padlocks (which I'm pretty sure my parents had to buy). So you just had to remember your combination. For the ones which are built-in, I'm not sure if they had the ability to change the combination when that student was no longer using it, but I'd hope so. I think the padlock thing was more common, though, since in a worst-case scenario, they could always just cut open the lock and not harm the locker itself.
Load More Replies... Anony Mouse 1 month ago
This was surprisingly gentle for a c**p-on-the-US article. With a few ignorant exceptions a lot of these seemed like genuine, sincere questions and not “hur dur bathroom door cracks too big” repeats.
Angie May 1 month ago
I know, it was a really refreshing read. I love articles like this (no matter which country is the one in question) because you get to learn new things and get clarification on stuff most media exaggerates/lies about.
Load More Replies... Sally-Ann 1 month ago
A while back the family and I were watching a movie made/set in 1982. I commented on the fact that the characters including the cops didn't use seatbelts. Curious I googled. I was shocked to discover that it would be at least 2-3 years more before the first state laws were passed and nearly another 15 years before laws existed for all (most?) states and even then, they are often conditional. In Australia seatbelts are compulsory nation wide and have been since Jan 1972.
Auntriarch 1 month ago
Two of my comments have disappeared in the last half hour, anyone else having a problem?
Julie S 1 month ago
Are most funerals in America Open casket? I've been to a few funerals and have never been to an open casket and I don't know anyone else who has.
Angie May 1 month ago
I've been to a handful and it's kind of hit and miss on open versus closed casket, though there were more closed caskets with photos of the deceased up around the area versus having them open. I assume it's the preference of whoever is in charge of arranging the funeral, usually the deceased's close family.
Load More Replies... Beef Brisket 1 month ago
A lot of these seem to be questions from people who think that everything they watch on TV is true. Also, questions about things that happen in LOTS of places, not just the U.S.. Do you have basements (pretty much a given in any cold climate)? Do kids go to camp? Are high school guidance counselors really a thing?
kansasmagic 1 month ago
TIL that nobody knows anything about anyone ... unless they saw it in a movie.
Börje Strömming 1 month ago (edited)
You sir are a moron, an idiot of seldom seen character. It’s easy to forget that not all people are of average intelligence even tho the name “average” itself states that a lot of people are bellow that line, people like you Bruno… And then mixed with your ignorance, ugh… makes one hell of a dumb person. You yourself strongly enforce the stereotype of americans being dumb….
Load More Replies... You May Like “Safe, Reliable And Boring”: 43 People Compare What It’s Like To Live In Europe Vs. The US 44 Sustainable Halloween Ideas To Make The Festivities Greener American Didn’t Expect These 14 Cultural Differences Between The US And Germany
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