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Americans have long been exporting their pop culture to the world. With TV shows and movies being among the most consumed global American exports, it's no surprise that US actors and directors are recognized all around the globe. However, for all of us non-Americans out there, sometimes the silver screens get us all dazed and confused. Do American people really drink from those red plastic cups at parties? Do they really wear shoes inside their houses? Is homecoming really such a big thing as movies make it out to be?

But we're gonna need a true expert's opinion on the matter—our Bored Panda readers living in the US! So scroll down below to read all the questions that people had about the things they saw on TV and feel free to share your answers!

#1

221Lauren Report

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

Living in a college town I can attest that yes they do. It's all anyone talks about, and the traffic jams are awful. High school football here is just as bad.

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#2

euricawithhope Report

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

Its the easiest reference for us and a football field is 100yards or 300 feet or 91.44 meters.

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#3

PaigeImogenxx Report

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

We say goodbye, or something like it. It's an idiosyncrasy of script writing, not Americans.

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#6

kaya_lorne Report

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

When my relatives from Ireland come to visit, they love to play with the garbage disposal. Even the people in their 60's think it is hilarious. They refer to it as "the murder sink".

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#7

XXXX_G0LD Report

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#9

disposablefilms Report

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

When I was in school, it was hard boiled eggs. Now they have high-tech baby dolls called Baby Think About it. It is a Life Skills class that teaches you how to be an adult.

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#12

benallenwf Report

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

The "funeral" is usually in a church and then a burial service graveside.

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#14

RiverrunStately Report

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Catlady6000
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is especially true in small towns. The largest parking lot in town is the local teen hangout

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#15

sam_pIant Report

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

Yes, Homecoming is really big here in the US. Celebrating at high school and university.

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#16

Uhuras Report

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Laugh or not
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but no. Microwaved water is not the same as water heated in a pot or kettle. I know it sounds crazy, but microwaved water makes flat tea. Don't ask me to provide a scientific explaination, because I can't, but that's something that many people can agree on.

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

Ok, I googled this one because I thought that hot water is hot water. BUT..Microwaved water can heat unevenly or it can overheat, both of which, something a kettle wont do, also, if boiled or heated for too long, water loses dissolved oxygen and therefor the tea tastes different. In conclusion, it is not just a form of crazy, the connection between the Brits and their teakettles.

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

You are right - though we would just call it a kettle as we use them for more than tea.

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

In america having tea isnt ritualistic..there is no tea time,tea break...having a cup of tea is more of a spur of the moment thing for us... So we just microwave a cup

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

I think for the majority of the US tea isn't a ritual, it's just a beverage and we don't really like spending more time on things than we have to, as a rule.

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

Fastest way to boil a single cup of water. Teabag goes in after it boils. What's disgusting about it (really curious)?

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

If only the water gets microwaved to a boil and the tea is added later what's the problem? Microwaves don't chemically change water.

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

Apparently in the USA the mains voltage is relatively low (120V as against 240V in Australia, from memory) so electric kettles are slower than using a microwave.

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

Nope. Boil water. Leave a few moments so it cools to at around 97°C. Pour on to the tea and leave to steep for several minutes. When at required strength add any extras - lemon, milk, honey... whatever your preferences. THEN drink.

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

I once accepted a cup of tea from an American and the first thing I noticed from the first sip that it wasn’t with boiling water and was almost lukewarm. Then I could taste a tangy metallic taste and they said they brewed it in the microwave. You can tell the difference. It’s unnecessary when you can heat water alternatively and it tastes bloody awful. Americans, if you want to serve tea like this to your fellow American friends then feel free, but us Brits have flown halfway across the world to visit your country. Would it kill you to boil some water on a stove?

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

I use a proper Brown Betty teapot from England. I love it. The tea tastes better made in a pot.

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

most Americans aren't really adept at proper tea. those of us who take tea seriously, however, have kettles.

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

I can't think of a TV show where this happens either. I think since people may do it, but no, it's not everyone in the US.

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

IKR!!!! My American friend once made me a cup of tea by running her hot water tap directly into the cup. I just about fell over.

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

Yah that's not a thing. At least heat it up somehow. Tap water hot is not gonna cut it.

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

I don't microwave water for tea. Always a kettle. So...not all people in USA?

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

I have never done this in my entire life, I have never seen this either.

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

Have hope! Enough of us use kettles that they're a common appliance to find in most retails shops in the US. But, in a pinch, yep, I've done it.

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Peter Showers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would say most people I know boil water on the stove, but I have known people especially in work environments to use the microwave because of a lack of a stove. Like if you want tea at work, either there’s a hot water machine or use the microwave. No one makes a big deal out of it but foreigners

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

Who puts water in the microwave to heat it up??? I'm an American and I have never done this

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

I made the mistake of looking inside an electric kettle with a plastic body while I was in England. It was stained and the element was corroded -- and the tea wasn't brewed in it, it turned dark from the water.

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

I have a dear friend who does this - makes tea in microwave- when he's mad at his gf and trying to annoy her. She's British and it drives her batty!

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Jaybird3939
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to do it all the time, then I was at a friend's house and she made tea with an electric kettle, poured in a little hot water and swished it around in the mug. My tea had a lot more flavor and stayed hot longer. It's been electric kettle for me since!

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

k. Thanks? I dont guess you want to hear how I make tea with boiling water, a gallon pitcher, sugar and 6 large teabags, that after steeping, gets chilled and served by the glass with ice. At all times of the year.

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

They are not putting the tea in there just heating the water quickly. Honestly I think more drink coffee.

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

Here's something that actually happened to me in a roadside café in Vermont. Glass pitcher on counter filled with hot water with a teabag slowly releasing its golden goodness. Me:''I'll have some of that''. Waitress:''I have to put ice cubes in it first''. Me:''I want it hot''. Her:''no problem; when it's cold, I"ll microwave it"''

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

Why have another appliance that only takes up space and only does one thing? Why wouldn't you put your cup in the microwave? It takes 2 minutes to make a cup of tea with it. A separate kettle is completely unnecessary and takes up valuable counter space.

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

Why does everyone on Twitter come off as pedantic and judgmental?

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

This really is a thing. When I was in the States I took Rooibos with, because it's crazy expensive there. I am never drinking microwaved tea again in my life. I'd rather heat it in a pot or something. Didn't have that option where I was.

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

Oh my god people do that? Disgusting! I heat water in a kettle, where it's meant to be heated!

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Toast Of Saint Louis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I'm treating a cold I will put it in the radiation box, but nine times out of ten i use my kettle.

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

I know that some do but, in my experience, it's a rarity.

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

You can only use your stove 10 minutes a day. Everything we make is from the microwave. Or we have fancy blenders that cook things now too.

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

stodgy Brit! "Only WE make tea right!" like it's hard to make freaking tea. They conquered the world for spices and refuse to use a single one.

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

My English Kiwi husband was appalled when I microwaved tea water. I was surprised not everyone microwave heated water. I’ve come around to his way of heating the water. It does seem more satisfying .

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

i dont even like tea but, how could you put water in the microwave. like cmon boil it on the stove or in a kettle or smth idk

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

I'm an American tea drinker (living in Seattle, no less) and I think it's disgusting too. But have you seen American style tea?

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

You just don't reheat tea in a microwave full stop, let alone actually use the microwave as the basis for making said tea.

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

It heats the water quickly and nobody has kettles in America so it's that or however hot of water you can pull from your tap

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

I keep my kettle on the stove and hot at all times. Keeps the house air moist for one thing. all this drywall sucks the moisture from the air and makes my sinuses hurt. Microwaving the tea is bad. Heating the water by itself in the Mic is ok, but still not so healthy.

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

I don't own a microwave. I had to move into a tiny apartment and decided the counter space was more important. 12 years later I have a huge house and still refuse to own a microwave. Hate those things.

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⚞ Katniss Everdeen ⚟
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

imao the only proper way to make tea is to boil it in a metal tea kettle and use a cast-iron tea pot and strainer.

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#18

KatieBelsey Report

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

Because Americans have been sold the lie (mostly by Nestle, thank you!) that bottled water is better than tap water in some way. In truth most of the bottled water IS tap water.

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#22

todorokidokie Report

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

We do call them Kleenex all the time probably because that brand is what we used.

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#24

ThandekaMsane Report

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

I think that is to avoid accidental advertising? I'd think that in most (industrialized) countries, the typical bags offered by stores have the store logo all over them...

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#25

tobesostyles Report

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

I guess it depends. My family and friends only do photoshoots for weddings, 18th birthdays (girls), 21st birthdays (boys), or someone's first birthday.

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#26

danaokeke Report

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

Chicken and waffles is a religious experience. I live in the Midwest and some of the best chicken and waffles in the world is right here in Indianapolis at Maxine's Chicken and Waffles. Another awesome place is in Harlem (where chicken and waffles was invented).

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#28

Fkatiee Report

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

It's ground meat with binders like egg and breadcrumbs, and can also have minced onions and peppers (capsicum), and seasonings that's all mixed together and baked in a loaf pan in the oven. Most people make it with just ground beef, but when I was little in the 70s, in our home it was made with ground beef, pork, and veal, and we had it maybe once a month with homemade mashed potatoes and brown gravy, and a green vegetable. I don't eat meatloaf now. It's not horrible, it's just not my first choice for comfort food.

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#30

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

In the big cities, all you need to do is raise your arm on a busy street. I've lived in NYC almost 30 years now, and no one yells "TAXI!" here. I grew up in a smaller town, though, and in the smaller places, you pretty much have to call a taxi in advance. I never flagged a cab until I moved to NYC.

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