ADVERTISEMENT

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

max_lus Report

Add photo comments
POST
ceredwynealanta avatar
Ceredwyn Ealanta
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

Questions-For-Americans

dreamdoie Report

Add photo comments
POST
erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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

Questions-For-Americans

melo1ore Report

Add photo comments
POST
brendanroberts avatar
Brendan
Community Member
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu

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.”

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#7

Questions-For-Americans

hobipeachyy Report

Add photo comments
POST
truthmonster00 avatar
Truth Monster
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you should see what we do to marshmellows....they had it coming

veronica_14 avatar
Veronica Volz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, microwaves are faster. Kettles take much longer in the US vs the UK eg, because of the the lower voltage/wattage.

chan_x_racerx avatar
Jack Chandra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since European electricity is 240 volts, while North American electricity is 120 volts, British kettles will boil twice as fast as American ones.

Load More Replies...
kerrie72rose avatar
Rosesinmyhair
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Glad I live in Australia with 240V. Kettle is quick to boil. I tried making a cup of boiled water in the microwave for my tea once and it tasted foul! Like the water was salty and it made the tea taste bland. Never again!

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am actually surprised with how many people think majority of people use stove top kettles. Have they never heard of electric kettles? I don’t know anyone or seen anyone use a stove top kettle unless camping, everyone I know uses electric kettles which boils water super fast.

jolynnk85 avatar
Just JoLynn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a stove top kettle and I love it, heats up my water super fast too.

Load More Replies...
george-florinconstantin avatar
xianjaguar avatar
XianJaguar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do too. If i need really hot water, I put it in the microwave to heat it up because it can heat it to a temperature higher than what comes out of the faucet.

Load More Replies...
cam_s_whalley avatar
Wubbleyew
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is probably in part due to the fact that American households only have 110volt outlets unlike the 200-240v a lot of other places. So their electric jugs are quite likely a lot slower.

rweaver-boredpanda avatar
Johnny
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was just going to say that -- our 120V electric kettles top out out 1500 watts of power, so a 220V 3000W kettle heats water twice as fast. Plus many Americans just don't heat water for beverages all that often -- they use a dedicated coffee maker for coffee and that's the only hot beverage some people drink regularly.

Load More Replies...
virgilblue avatar
Virgil Blue
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems to be a lot of kettle hate out there judging by the downvotes. Personally I prefer kettles because I drink a lot of tea.

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

i know some of you wont agree with this, but i really believe putting water in the microwave for a minute or two is way easier than boiling water in a kettle or in a pot. sorry if im wrong.

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

I don't see how it's easier than an electric kettle, which exists in the United States as well. To microwave water, you fill a container, put it into a cabinet, and press a button. To boil water with an electric kettle, you fill a container and press a button.

Load More Replies...
leodomitrix avatar
melissawong avatar
crunchewy-watson avatar
CrunChewy McSandybutt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really want anyone to explain why heating water in the microwave is wrong. Seriously, you all have kittens when you see it, but what difference does it make how you heat your water for tea?

deb-lucas avatar
Dilly Millandry
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's actually very scientific and all to do with how the water reacts with the tea leaves. Too hot or too cool makes a huge difference to the flavour. Water should be ideally around 93 to 97 degrees (teas vary of course) and by the time a kettle has boiled and you've gone to pick it up it is usually at the right temperature. I don't mind how people heat their water personally, but there are good reasons why microwaves don't do justice to tea.

Load More Replies...
erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. How else do you do it? I am not buying another appliance, especially one that is so much slower to occasionally heat up water.

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

Boiling water is a task that happens multiple times a day in the UK to make hot drinks, typically tea. So it makes much more sense to have an electric kettle.

Load More Replies...
nevits_yibble avatar
Nevits Yibble
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on how it's being used. Pressed coffee should be brewed around 205F - a stove and a thermometer is easier for me. Pouring water from a kettle - much better for tea. But berating people ("Americans") for microwaving water period is just pretentious nonsense. It works, it's efficient, and it's called science.

ajones_1 avatar
A Jones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some folks do, but I stick to using a kettle. Microwaved water/beverages tastes weird.

ltjlcd avatar
Carol Lewis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm at a loss as to why someone would question something that is a personal preference. It's not wromg or stupid to use a microwave.

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

Yes, I live in the Phoenix, AZ area. It was 118F yesterday (48C). Boiling water on the stove heats up my house. Definitely don't want that.

mjw0sysascend_com avatar
lara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is this a bad thing? The BEST thing about it, is even if you forget it the water will not boil away which, if you do it on the stove, results in a ruined stove and a ruined pot. The microwave, instead, will just beep at you incessantly.

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since electric kettles have come out, stovetop kettles aren’t very common. I don’t think I have ever seen someone use a stovetop kettle except when camping.

Load More Replies...
lesburleson avatar
Leslie Burleson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We used to ... until we got a water cooler with a cold and hot side

jackrericson avatar
Jack Ericson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How else would you heat up water? I mean, you could use a tea kettle, but that would take much longer

drh95051 avatar
Doris Bennett
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not? It's fast and easy. Why dirty a pan to just heat up a cup of water for instant coffee?

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Instead of using a pan you could use an actual electric kettle. It can hold up to 2Litres of water and boils in approx 2 minutes. We use the water for cooking pasta, cup of soup mixes, coffees, tea, 2 minute noodles, boiling potatoes instead of waiting for the saucepan of water to heat up etc.

Load More Replies...
max_lombardi_mi avatar
Max L.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also italians, for a quick heated leftover cup of espresso.

finfrosk avatar
Tor Rolf Strøm
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG heating up water in the microwave! I mean.. the thought! Using something created to heat liquids.. to heat liquids? CRAZY!!!!

twilight_mist avatar
Astrid Nineor
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not???! If you just need one cup it is faster than the stovetop, and roughly the same as an e kettle

donnycromwell avatar
Donny Cromwell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guilty, but personally I prefer to use friction to bring my water to a boil.

dwheater avatar
David Wheater
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans, tend to drink coffee rather than tea. Coffee should be made with hot, but not boiling water, so a microwave will probably heat up a cup of water to the right temperature easier than a kettle. Tea needs boiling water, so a kettle works better. You should take care when microwaving water as it can cause it to be super heated, putting a spoon into super heated water may cause it to go boom!

gabyk421 avatar
moconnell avatar
helmsbridge avatar
Bridgette Helms
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. So much faster and you don't need to take out a big pot. You can just put a mug or something smaller in the microwave.

gerry1of1 avatar
Gerry Higgins
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those electric tea kettles that heat water quickly in the UK never caught on in the US. Yes, poop it in microwave. Don't worry, it won't ruin the flavour of the water.

emileecalahan avatar
leah_6 avatar
leah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have an electric kettle and a stovetop kettle, but I sometimes use the microwave if I make a single cup of hot chocolate or tea.

sill avatar
Sill Marien
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guilty of heating up tea in the microwave when I make and forget about it and it gets cold - central Europe ;p

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

Funny story, my mother once let my brother and I put a hotdog into the microwave without poking holes into it first on the condition that we cleaned up the mess. It was so worth it to 14 year old me lol.

moviery avatar
Ry Keener
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everywhere I've lived had a microwave. Easy. Never had to waste extra space or money for another item to do what the microwave already does.

tribalista001 avatar
Gussi Gusii
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Done this too out of laziness. Also cooked ramen in a microwave and an electric kettle.

perifiorentini18 avatar
Rene Henrichson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We use an electric kettle because using the stove creates too much heat in the house during the summer months. The electric kettle also works much faster.

userh6478 avatar
Heather Althouse
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah how else would you do it, besides the stove which takes a lot longer

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An electric kettle, that is what everyone I know uses. The only time I ever see a stovetop kettle is when I go camping.

Load More Replies...
alicebrownell avatar
Lyra Rey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a kettle, but it's fancy looking and it was kind of expensive. Most people don't have one. When I went to New Zealand nine years ago it was eye opening to see that every hotel, hostel, and host I stayed with seemed to have a cheap (but perfectly functional) kettle in their kitchen. They also seemed to use hot water more often than we do in the US. I was there in mid to late spring and more than one host offered me a hot water bottle to take to bed. I've never seen that here, but I also don't sleep in a lot of other people's homes here so maybe everyone here has one but never talks about it.

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

For the people using it to make tea, how long would it take to microwave enough water for a pot?

joeymarlin avatar
Joey Marlin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on the wattage of the microwave, cup size/volume of water, how cool or warm the water is already (eg comes out the tap warmer in the summer or some people might have it in a filter jug in the fridge). Too many variables.

Load More Replies...
fordsummit avatar
Ford Summit
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only when I want to make tea, which I'll later cool down with ice and keep in a huge pitcher in the fridge. And on the next day I mix it with lemonade

aimee-mastro avatar
Aimee hester
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes and it drives me INSANE. I strictly use my kettle on stove. I teach my kids to as well. Learn some damn patience! (Not America's strong suit)

sarahpanhorst_1 avatar
Luna Lovegood
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't, but I know people do. It's not the only way everyone heats up water though. Most people I know have a kettle for boiling water that they use mostly.

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

I do not. Many people I know do not, but some do. I don’t know anyone who does to make coffee, but I know a few who do to make tea.

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

I don't evens the microwave anymore. I just run a cycle on my Keurig without a pod in it. Instant hot water. No waiting. (Of course the only time I usually need hot water is when I'm making tea or coffee, so it's just easier to put a coffee or tea pod in.

chimesstreet avatar
Tabitha L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. Water is heated in kettle on stove. Or electric kettle, but those are less prevalent.

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

I use the kettle for boiling water. If I'm making tea, that's a different story.

feckerkehoe avatar
dirigobill avatar
Bill
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They sell electric kettles in walmart but most Americans don't know what they are.

Load More Replies...
jamie1707 avatar
jamie1707
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone handed me a cup of tea that had been microwaved, I'd 'accidentally' drop it. Disgusting habit.

moconnell avatar
M O'Connell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I suppose you buy free-range paint, and organic concrete too. It literally makes zero difference how the water came to be hot.

Load More Replies...
spotif70-email avatar
Xan A. Du
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American here. I no longer have a microwave. I remember years ago when using the microwave to heat water for a cup of tea, that the water would develop a film or foam on top after adding the tea bag. Thad never happened when boiling water.

virgilblue avatar
Virgil Blue
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That could have been calcium separating out and floating perhaps? My local water tends to do that foam/film because it contained a lot of it. Mostly harmless but kind of yuck. With kettles it tends to deposit on the heat plate while boiling I think.

Load More Replies...
xcomputernautx avatar
Computernaut
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so dumb to me, do you people really not have kettles?

timdsampson avatar
Toasty
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Some do, but the decent ones among us use a kettle.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Questions-For-Americans

thatsgayrichie Report

Add photo comments
POST
chi-weishen avatar
chi-wei shen
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Questions-For-Americans

whorevina Report

Add photo comments
POST
erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

Questions-For-Americans

alfadamson Report

Add photo comments
POST
erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Questions-For-Americans

lovetrivialove Report

Add photo comments
POST
averyclay avatar
giraffescupcakesandlove
Community Member
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Questions-For-Americans

kraken_seance Report

Add photo comments
POST
epotter215_1 avatar
Potter
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Questions-For-Americans

maydaybaerade Report

Add photo comments
POST
karenlhoth avatar
Kat Hoth
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Questions-For-Americans

dsicknasty Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#18

Questions-For-Americans

shcbangsthedrum Report

Add photo comments
POST
chi-weishen avatar
chi-wei shen
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

Questions-For-Americans

TANGYRO Report

#24

Questions-For-Americans

Lissasies Report

Add photo comments
POST
chi-weishen avatar
chi-wei shen
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#25

Questions-For-Americans

cmangles_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
askrivan avatar
80 Van
Community Member
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.”

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Questions-For-Americans

Kaylee_Crystal Report

Add photo comments
POST
dirigobill avatar
Bill
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Questions-For-Americans

floatign Report

Note: this post originally had 34 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.