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It’s no secret—the rest of the world looks at how peculiar American culture can be and wonders if it’s even real.

‘Cause let’s face it—even if it looks fine for us, that doesn’t mean that having police patrol your school, paying for a ride to the hospital, and calling the toilet “restroom” when we all know very well there ain't nobody going there to have a rest shouldn’t raise a brow for others.

So this time, we are looking at what American things make our fellow non-American friends scratch their heads in simple, yet very spot-on questions below. Our dear American Pandas are also welcome to help separate what’s real, what’s rumors, and what only happens in movies in the comments! And after you're done with this post, check out our previous one with things Americans do that require an explanation for non-Americans.

#1

Questions-For-Americans

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Ceredwyn Ealanta
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But taking off shoes and socks when you come in is nearly as good as taking off your bra.

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#3

Questions-For-Americans

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GirlFriday
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have them. They are usually part of the cheerleader squad or dance squad. It is a sports thing. We take sports very seriously.

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Even though Americans and Europeans share many things, like commitment to democratic principles, a strategic alliance, and some of the highest standards in the world, there are still some very notable differences between them.

A 2016 study done by Pew Research Center was very revealing in that respect. First of all, it showed that Americans are more likely to believe they control their own destiny.

The research showed that a staggering 57% of Americans disagreed with the statement “Success in life is pretty much determined by forces outside our control.” The percentage was higher than in any other European nations polled.

#6

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

An affective way to make the 'popular' kids feel even more popular.

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The second interesting thing the Pew poll showed is that “Americans prioritize individual liberty, while Europeans tend to value the role of the state to ensure no one in society is in need.”

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When it comes to religion, it turned out that over half in the US (53%) say religion is extremely important in their life, which is nearly double the share with the same view in Poland.

In France, for example, only 14% consider religion a very important aspect of their lives.

#8

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chi-wei shen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How else would you call them? Students wouldn't use the teachers first name.

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Cristina Sacchi
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not in Italy. We call them teacher or professor depending in wich grade you are.

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GirlFriday
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. And at 46 years old, I see my past teachers in public and still call them Mr/Mrs/Coach because that is a sign of respect.

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Nia Loves Art
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In most schools yes. Calling a teacher by their first name is considered disrespectful.

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Martin Thomsen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Denmark we use first names. Always. At all levels of education. Some students probably don't even know my last name

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lailyfnoor
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe most of country use mr/mrs/ms 'last name' to call their teacher. But in Indonesia, we call our teacher mr/mrs/ms 'first name' since calling people's last name is uncommon here (even some people don't have last name)

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same in Australia, on occasions the teacher may use their first name if their last name is difficult to say ie Miss Katie instead of Miss Giannocopolis. Even as an adult when I talk to my son or daughters teachers I use Mr, Mrs such and such to address them.

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Little Wonder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep, when I got to "senior campus" (years 11 and 12) we used first names, but up till then it was Title and Lastname

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

We would Never EVER call a teacher by their given name even in grade 12

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SJM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Denmark we always call teachers by first name - even in university

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Candace Fitzpatrick
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I learned of this by watching Rita, an awesome TV series! In Canada we would never, ever call our teacher by their first name! We never even knew their first names anyways. It was Mrs/Ms/Miss/Mme/Mlle (lastname) or Mr/M (lastname).

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More!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same in Australia, in private schools we called all male teachers Sir, young female teachers were Miss but older married teachers were always Mrs [Insert Surname]. And of course the nuns were ‘sister’

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Hańka
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Poland students never called their teacher by first or last name - it would be judged as rude, unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour. In primary school it is Mrs or Mr, in high school Mrs/Mr Professor, at University: Mrs/Mr plus academic degree, student should be very attentive and vigilant so as not to get confused ;)

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NJM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Finland (at least the school my kids go to) they use first names, no matter if you're principal or a cleaner.

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Mette Olsen Douglas
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm European so I Gabe always referred to my teachers by first name so it was weird for me to have to reach my kid to do Mr and Mrs but that's just what they do over here. I'd think if it's a respect thing they should also refer to the kids by their last names too - which they don't

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Kathleen Nelson
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was freaked out when I started teaching in England. The first class came in and all I heard was "Miss", "Miss", "Miss". And they called all the male teachers "Sir". I doubt many of them even knew their teachers' names!

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Andrea Malone
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't have to... but when you accidentally call them "Mom" or "Dad" you get laughed out of class

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In primary school they are called miss, mrs, mr [first name].In higher education they are called miss, mrs, mr [last name] in the Netherlands.

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Ladislav Pollo
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this is thing in every civilised country...? No? Im from Slovakia and its normal here.

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Leslie Burleson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, it's a respect thing. They don't think it's too funny when you call them by their first name

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Ana Rodriguez
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the South they call adults Ms *1st name*. In the Nothern states, we always called them mr/ms/mrs last name.

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Jasmine Hufflepuff Henderson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In elementary through high school, yes. In college they prefer to be called by their first name.

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Heather Althouse
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when you are little it's Ms. Heather, or Ms. Kim(before school) ....but when you get to school it's last names..i don't get it

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Vuun
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, apparently people in most countries do this as a sign of respect. Would someone care to explain why I should respect some people more than others based on their age and/or profession?

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Sofia Monteiro
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Portugal we just call them teacher "Professor (a)" in portuguese

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Hollie Newton
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK at school we would call them Mr/Miss/Mrs but at college we used first names and it was weird to use their surname

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ning ding
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

same in canada or in french immersions (or french class) monsieur (last name) or madame/mademoiselle (last name)

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Mikal Du Preez
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my daughter's school, kids call teachers Mr/Miss [first name]. This seems very odd to me, when I was in school just 20ish years ago, we usually didn't even know teachers' first names - we always called them Mr/Miss [last name].

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Gemjoybug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In NZ depends on the teacher preference. For me it was Normally Mr/mrs/miss/ms when younger and as we neared the older years in school teacher would treat us more as equals and most of them would be fine to be called by first name

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Bhadrika Love
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My kids' school was a small, close community. In talking about the teachers at home, and with them in social settings, all (including kids) used frost names. And then in school they'd smoothly shift back to Ms. Last name. (It was a bilingual school, so they were used to code shifting).

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A Jones
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, cultural formality here in the states. Including pretty much all elders from the first interaction to show respect.

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Rissie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, after experiencing it for a year myself, I very much prefer the Mr./Mrs. Last name over "teacher". It feels more personal while keeping a healthy distance. And my sweet and dear teacher Mr. G, who inspired me 20 some years ago to keep up singing and being myself, is still someone I keep in touch with every now and the through Facebook :)

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CatWoman312
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What do y’all call them? Hey teacher can you help me? Hey professor can you repeat what you said?

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Scott Johnson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To save everyone time (this applies to most items in this list)...yes, Americans do all the things you see on TV and movies...just some less than others. If it was something nobody did, they probably wouldn't put it in the show/movie.

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deanna woods
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was taught that it is a sign of respect, so even as an adult I will refer to former teachers in this way.

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Doug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mr/Ms/Mrs until grade 9... then for most, it's just first name.

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Martz Migraña
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here in Mexico, at least in the region I live, since junior high school it's very common called them "profe" or "profa", it's the short for "professor", and teachers are really cool with that. In earlier grades it's more common calling them "maestro" o "maestra" (master), it's kinda odd, 'cause that would implies that they have a master's degree, which is seldom the case 😂

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Tabitha L
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on the teacher. In kindergarten Miss (first name). In Spanish class we said senorita (last name). In Chinese, we just said Lǎoshī 老師 (no name). But mostly dr/ms/mrs/miss/mr (last name).

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BG
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How else would you indicate to which patriarch they were subjugated. Ms. Brown answers to her father, Mister Brown. Mrs. Smith, her husband Mr. Smith.

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BG
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I forgot that sarcasm isn't a universally accepted form of humour. Sorry pandas! Also, my USA autocorrect is calling out my spelling of "humour" as erroneous.

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Jill Pulcifer
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No children here use adults first names, its considered rude and disrespectful.

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glowworm2
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. It was the polite thing to do. You didn't call the teacher by their first name.

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Rabbit Carrot
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same in the U.K. In one school I went to we had to use Sir and Ma’am.

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#9

Questions-For-Americans

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GirlFriday
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some schools are more strict than others and require them. My schools didn't require them. We just excused ourselves and went to the restroom when needed.

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#10

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GirlFriday
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. They don't - at least the schools that I went to and my nieces and nephews don't (they are ages 4 - 17). In the past, students were made to recite the "pledge of allegiance" each morning, but I think this is something that has fallen by the wayside.

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#11

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giraffescupcakesandlove
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some schools don't allow it, but at the schools I went to we were allowed to. It was fun! You can put magnets, quotes, pictures of loved ones.

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#12

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Potter
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, and there are usually one or two questions where you have to read something and write a few pages for it.

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#13

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Kat Hoth
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, and sometimes mail does get stolen even though it's a federal offense.

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#14

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#18

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chi-wei shen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's so unusual with this? I'm Austrian and my children's friends never used my first name.

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#22

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#24

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chi-wei shen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think children all over the world have to feel "slightly suicidal" to do this.

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#25

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80 Van
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, we call eye doctors “Optometrists,” and we call Opticians “Opticians.”

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#29

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Bill
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

most countries do because it has been a part of military training for centuries. They want inshape youth for military service.

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#30

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