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In the current sociopolitical climate, the United States gets a pretty bad rap. Whereas 59% of 29 countries in October 2024 thought the U.S. will have a positive impact on world affairs, only 46% of people in the same countries felt the same way in 2025.

On social media, people like to dunk on the U.S. for simple everyday things as well. Those who live in other countries call out Americans' diets, habits, and opinions on almost a daily basis. Recently, we came across a discussion on Threads where non-Americans were sharing the things they found weird when visiting America.

"Non-Americans who have been to the US: What is the weirdest thing about America that Americans don't realize is weird???", @jenny_nuel1 asked. And, as is almost usual at this point, America got a pretty hilarious lashing in the comments.

#1

49 Weird Things In The US That Americans Don’t Realize Others Don’t Consider Normal I’m Japanese and my observation is
1. Being afraid of guns
2. So many obese people
3. Artificial colors like blue cakes, green drinks
4. Huge drink sizes and food portions
5. Tipping
6. Homeless people everywhere
7. Wearing sports casual clothing like Lululemon everywhere
8. Electing a president with zero human decency

qingyelihui1513 , EyeEm/freepik (not the actual photo) Report

RELATED:
    #2

    Mount Rushmore showing famous US presidents, a symbol often noted in things non-Americans find weird about the US. The misreading and illogical allegiance to an 18th Century commitment to the right to bear arms, resulting in countless deaths of innocent children and adults.

    wrightetal , Laura Nyhuis/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Vicki Barlow
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many Americans are appalled by this gun lust and find it illogical. Can some of us move to England?

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    #3

    Crowd wearing patriotic hats and clothing highlighting things non-Americans find weird about the US locals see as normal. That they think the world revolves around them

    stephenlightsvancouver , David Todd McCarty/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Schrödinger's Douchebag
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Brainwashed from birth into thinking they're the "greatest country on Earth" is crazy business.

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    #4

    49 Weird Things In The US That Americans Don’t Realize Others Don’t Consider Normal Abortion bans and shortest parental leave. It's the most inhumane, discriminative, misogynistic thing ever. It's heartbreaking to see a woman who's still bleeding, in pain after episiotomy/C-section, breasts swollen days after labor, crying at her workplace cause she wants to be with her newborn, but still needs to work to pay her bills. And it's inhumane to the newborns to not be able to be with their immediate family, and to be at daycare instead. As a former dc provider it's heartbreaking

    gaiane_min , freestocks/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Schrödinger's Douchebag
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bodily autonomy should be for everyone. Stop minding what Sarah in a state on the other side of the country wants to do with her teen pregnancy!

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    #5

    A man comforting a woman at a table in a home setting, illustrating cultural differences non-Americans find weird about the US. Thoughts and prayers apparently being a solution to anything.

    friendlycheese , Gabriel Ponton/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Schrödinger's Douchebag
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The amount of bible bashers is WILD! Their actions are usually in complete contradiction too!

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    #6

    49 Weird Things In The US That Americans Don’t Realize Others Don’t Consider Normal The healthcare system prices. It's absurd.

    evelinbandeira , Getty Images/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Schrödinger's Douchebag
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hospital visits and ambulance rides throw those already struggling into crippling debt. It's sad how easily they exploit their people.

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    #7

    Two young women wearing sunglasses take a selfie outdoors holding an American flag, highlighting things non-Americans find weird. Thinking life is better in the US than anywhere else.

    mdhblackburn , Getty Images/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Schrödinger's Douchebag
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again with the brainwashing from birth. Greatest country in the world - what a joke!

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    #8

    Two news anchors in a studio discussing things non-Americans find weird about the US that locals see as normal. Americans get the most propaganda yet believe they are still free. At least the Chinese know their media is propaganda

    patrickwu1119 , Stockbusters/freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Al Fun
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The odd part is that there is a choice of propaganda, and people consciously pick the direction they want to be influenced to. There is hardly any individual opinion, you follow one or the other like a sports team. You also believe the lies of your team.

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    #9

    US soldiers marching in uniform with civilians holding thank you signs in a patriotic scene considered normal by locals. The whole worshiping the military ‘thank you for your service’ cult. It’s a career, a job, a way to earn money, and they went into it with their eyes wide open. I personally find it cringeworthy.

    chrish_photos , Kres Thomas/pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think that's a backlash to what happened after Vietnam - young men who'd been drafted (and thus HAD NO CHOICE) had been denounced as murderers and protested against.

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We should never again demean people who were forced to defend our nation (draft).

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    Leesquee
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I served in the Maryland National Guard, 231st Transportation Battalion, deployed to Bosnia/Herzagovania in '84/'85. I don't know a single vet who enjoys being 'thanked' for their service. We all know people who sacrificed more, lost more, or suffered more. If you don't cringe every time they assuaged their sense of obligation.

    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry to be that person...94/95. M@ss@cre of Srebrenica 30 years ago was in European media a lot these days. (Well, in German media at least) Thank you very much for risking your life and health to help fight to achieve a truce. Also, thank you to every soldier who helped free Europe 80+ years ago. And thank you to every person who fights against criminal aggression of invaders.

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    Jelena
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The most terrible thing is that the US government creates crises in many countries and then appears as a defender of democracy and human rights, self-styled planetary policemen who punish and "pacify" conflicting parties and then cynically call the victims collateral damage and neglect its veterans and leave them to their fate.

    Silberwolf
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't even get why the US has the need for such a large, powerful military. Your country is basically half of a continent with only 2 neighbours who will most likely never attack you. Wouldn't it make more sense to pump a big portion of the money for the military into something else, like e.g. education?

    CooperDooper81
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Educating the people makes it harder to control them.

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    Earonn -
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Especially that a lot of other occupations include the risk of dying as well - fire fighters, divers, even teachers. But although there's reverence for fire fighters, they don't get any special offers at shops or restaurants.

    Vermonta
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they can quit their job if they don't Iike it. Military you are locked in. You even have to pretend you support the president

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    Jerome Lenovo
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    with the religion, thats how you create a fasc1st country. This has been a plan for decades now. It was so subtle (at least for americans) that they didnt realize that they were manipulated...... thank you for your service..... jesus this jesus that, and bam, theocratic country, like iran or pakistan. Kudos ameriKKKa

    BK BigFish
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Thank you for your service" is like "thoughts and prayers" - words as a substitute for action. If we really cared, we'd stop unnecessary wars and offer more post-service support (better VA, job retraining, PTSD treatments, etc.). Also, it's a substitute for guilt for civilians, since fewer and fewer people serve.

    Anony Mouse
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many go into the armed services because they have virtually no other employment options.

    Vermonta
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    or college money. That's the 2 main reasons. I never met anyone that was a "patriot"

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    Anthony Elmore
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "It's a career, a job, a way to earn money" It is a TERRIBLE way to earn money both in terms of morality and in terms of the actual pay which is why private military forces are a thing. You don't join the military thinking it's just another source of pay, because no one in their right mind takes money to k**l people. There are so many better ways to get the benefits you get from being a grunt in the military. I'm not a huge fan of ANY military, but even I find this impressively callous. I kinda feel sorry that OP's army is stuck defending such an ingrate...

    G A
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cringeworthy platitudes.

    L.V
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But when they need help as veterans, all of a sudden it's all thoughts and prayers, you won't get actual help

    turk
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    About a decade ago my steel mill put a clause in our labor contract to give preferential hiring to veterans. This happened right before we had a lot of retirements. So, we got a lot of them. Our production has gone down year to year, we've been sold twice, the atmosphere has gotten toxic with fake testosterone, racism, and sexism, and the union has gotten weaker and weaker. I'm not impressed with them.

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those preferences are due to tax breaks for companies hiring vets.

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    basmilko
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like police and firefighters who risk their lives WILLINGLY (cause our military is 100% voluntary) I d**n right will thank them for making that sacrifice, cause lord knows i'm not gonna do it.

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You probably also don't want the job of a nurse or a carer for mentally ill people, so don't forget to thank those, too.

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    Alexandra
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many European countries have been occupied in WWII with all its attending horrors. We don't want that anymore so you need a strong army. I see an army as a defense-force: anyone who invades my country and kills my countrymen should never be able to do that unpunished. An army is there not for war, but to keep the peace, they are the ones who don't get to run when things are bad. Wanting to protect is not a bad characteristic. We don't 'thank you for your service' but we respect the sacrifice you make and acknowledge that you are prepared to lay down your life for others.

    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All that is fine. But, none of that happens with the US. ALL it's wars have been on foreign soil for political influence or money (ok, except the civil war.)

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    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe it looks different to countries with universal service. Thanking us for giving up most of our rights and risking or being in harm's way deserves a thank you, which is hardly worship. Military and veteran's discounts acknowledge the pay limits and for some (moi) the rest of a lifetime of underemployment and corresponding lowered retirement pay because of the experience. The orange man cult, on the other hand, does seem to worship the wanna be tyrant whose cronies are destroying the country, in violation of their oaths of office.

    Ripley
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks different to countries without national service, too. We're not compelled to serve in Australia, and no one thanks military personnel for their service - it's just weird. You're right about the orange toddler, though.

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    TheGreaterDebater
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell that to my dad (Vietnam and Korea). He has gone through so much for this d**n country. He has 4 purple hearts (wounded in action), and too many medals to count. The amount of trauma and PTSD he had to go through was incomprehensible, but he was still an incredible person, even from what happened to him. This is why I thank him for his service.

    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The platitude of "Thank you for your service" has the same energy as "Thoughts and prayers" in that it is an easy throwaway phrase that exonerates the speaker from making any actual effort to make real change.

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    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks to every person defending Ukraine for their service. Thank you US soldiers who freed us Europeans some 80 years ago from the demon my parents adored. Living in a country that is always suspicious of their armed forces, where a big amount of people say (in polls) that they would NOT defend their country, their and their compatriots' freedom---I believe some of that "thank you for your service" attitude would do my country good. (Not the US extent, but the lack of it is scary as well).

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rachel Pelz: when European leaders gather to commemorate the sacrifices made to liberate Europe from Nåzism, they make a point of trying to honour *everyone*. That includes not just the US troops. There were Poles, Canadians, Brits, Aussies, Czechs, Free French and I don't know who else - not to mention the Soviet troops on the Eastern Front, many of whom were Ukrainian. (it's complicated, because various groups don't get the mention they deserve - British troops from India, to give just one example of many. And Russia tries to pretend that it was only Russians in the USSR who fought the Názis).

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    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Erm WE DO THAT HERE IN THE UK !! Only unlike USA we LOOK AFTER OUR VETERANS!! we don5 leave em to rot on the streets , with f*k ptsd WE LOOK AFTER OUR VETERANS!!

    British Canadian
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I say it to every waiter I meet in the US, instead of a tip.

    Dave Walters
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm extremely proud to be from a military family. My Grandad was first wave on D-Day, my Great grandad was in the Imperial Camel Corp, My Uncle sniped those who tried to stop people escaping across the Berlin wall to the West and my brother is a Lt. Col. Cringeworthy!!!!!, whoever you are you can sod off to north korea. I thank them all for their service every day!

    Gavin Johnson
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kinda feel like this is a bit harsh. Wouldn’t say it was cult level, nor would I say it’s cringeworthy. Perhaps rolling it out to other services who put their lives at risk or make sacrifices for the benefit of the country ie. Firefighters, Police Officers etc might make more inclusive?

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've never even heard of it apart from people on Bored Panda saying it's weird.

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    LooseSeal's $10 Banana
    Community Member
    4 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    But it's not just another job. Signing up for the military requires a level of commitment and sacrifice that most (myself included) are simply not willing to make.

    liam newton-harding
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But the “thanks” is purely performative…our Vets need proper long term medical, and mental healthcare, they need a living wage, they need to be NOT sent on useless “police actions”…what? Healthcare? They chose to do that! They need to “man up”!

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    Sapna Sarfare
    Community Member
    4 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Why shouldnt we thank them? its a job that might k**l them for us.. Indians thank their military too and have special stuff for them too.. it is the least we can do

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    #10

    Diverse group of students laughing and chatting indoors illustrating things non-Americans find weird about the US culture. My European friends tell me we are SO LOUD which i have witnessed when traveling. Lordy we are loud.

    staciotter , Yan Krukau/pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    troufaki13
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Americans are not the only ones who are loud. Have you met any mediterranean people?? We are very loud!

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    #11

    49 Weird Things In The US That Americans Don’t Realize Others Don’t Consider Normal Today I saw a picture of an American family wearing a « Trump is God » shirt. All of them. We all have our stupids in every country but USA beats them all 😎🤷‍♀️

    laviniavannini , Gage Skidmore/flickr (not the actual photo) Report

    #12

    Driving instructor explaining car controls to a learner in the US, highlighting things non-Americans find weird about the US. Being allowed to drive at 16 and married or enlist at 18 but not drink until 21.
    Flags everywhere.
    Tax not being included in the price tag.

    mariamoerk , Getty Images/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sales tax varies by state, county, and city. Corporations are too cheap to pay for the computer programming that would fix this.

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    #13

    Two people walking by the river with a city skyline in the background, showcasing US cultural scenes seen as normal. That walking from one place to another is not normal.

    pekka.taipale , Katelyn Perry/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Trisec Tebeakesse
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That depends on where you are. Boston? Yes, we walk everywhere. Los Angeles? Not so much.

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    #14

    US soldier in uniform standing in front of American flag, illustrating things non-Americans find weird about the US. When I first moved here from Canada, I thought the army recruitment commercials on TV were jokes or a form of satire. I was blown away by how much military propaganda there is in the States.

    _kathrynrose_ , Sharefaith/pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Jerome Lenovo
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    like said : army + religion = fascism. Amerikkka is screwed for a long time. Deprograming brainwashing and p3d0 propaganda is very hard

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    #15

    49 Weird Things In The US That Americans Don’t Realize Others Don’t Consider Normal how young and sparsely populated it is as a country. also how un-free it is as a country. you're about 5-10 bad decisions from being outside of the system and bankrupt / homeless with little to no help.

    walkercombe , Radek Skrzypczak/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    basmilko
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As an American I have one thing to say about this post - Facts.

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    #16

    Times Square in New York City with crowded streets and bright billboards showing things non-Americans find weird about the US Most of what I notice have been covered, butt I'll add the whole scenery of religious billboards standing next to gun show billboards standing next to adult depot billboards.

    itsalextat , Sergey Zolkin/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #17

    Older woman with glasses standing on a forest path, representing things non-Americans find weird about the US The entire condescending attitude towards anything different or not known to them.
    The immediate solution to a problem is aggression, compromise, compassion and understanding is seen as weakness
    The idea of fairness being evil and unfair (I must get mine and you must suffer)

    peteswanderings , A. C./unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Schrödinger's Douchebag
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every manchild is so easily triggered, and their solution is show of physical strength. Like ewww.

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    #18

    Young woman in a denim jacket shrugging outdoors, illustrating things non-Americans find weird about the US. Calling something "World Famous" when NOBODY outside of the US or even perhaps the city it is in, knowing anything about it.
    New York is expert at this.

    robbushell23 Report

    Pernille
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even BP caters to the US American exceptionalism. The internet is full of US americans that doesn't understand that the rest of the world doesn't live like them, and they get offended when you point it out. I'm not a fan of these lists, but at least they seem to have made most US based pandas discover that there is a whole world out there.

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    #19

    49 Weird Things In The US That Americans Don’t Realize Others Don’t Consider Normal Where I'm from, once you have a seat at a restaurant, you can take all the time in the world to eat, chat, order some dessert and a coffee or tea, chat some more, etc.
    In the US, the waiters are lurking around me like sharks, waiting for me to get my last bite so they can throw me the bill, which I am expected to pay right away and leave.

    jf.levy , Curated Lifestyle/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Al Fun
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, this is more perception than reality. Yes, servers sometimes bring the bill without being asked, but it’s totally ok to spend as much time as you want after that. In thousands of restaurant visits I have only been asked a couple of times to leave, and each time the server was profusely sorry because they absolutely needed the table.

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    #20

    Colorful US style cookies topped with candy, chocolate, and frosting showcasing things non-Americans find weird about US food. Sugar. Literally everywhere.

    annagt91 , Jeswin Thomas/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Kristiina Männiste
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They put sugar in god d**n bacon! Bacon!! I actually gagged when I tried to eat it. Silly me thought "maple flavored" means lightly smoked over maple wood or something - no! it means soaked in artificially caramel flavored corn syrup apparently.🤢

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    #21

    Woman showing credit card during a meal, illustrating things non-Americans find weird about the US culture. How they pay with cards at restaurants. Why are you taking my card away when we could just do this at the table like literally everywhere else??

    markedwithanm , Curated Lifestyle/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my country it's illegal to take away a guests' card.

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    #22

    49 Weird Things In The US That Americans Don’t Realize Others Don’t Consider Normal I’ve lived in America for 15 years and I’m STILL not over the pledge of alliance. It’s just so freaking weird to me to this day

    yul.kor , RDNE Stock project/pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Schrödinger's Douchebag
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But drag queens reading to children in a library is indoctrination, right?

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    #23

    49 Weird Things In The US That Americans Don’t Realize Others Don’t Consider Normal No federally paid maternity leave. It's basic human right.

    mariana__korol , Getty Images/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have paid maternity and it's funded through taxes. Americans tend not to 'want to pay for someone else' especially if they don't approve of them for whatever reason so I don't see any kind of paid maternity leave on the horizon.

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    #24

    49 Weird Things In The US That Americans Don’t Realize Others Don’t Consider Normal Ads for prescription d***s that sound like death threats: “May cause internal bleeding, night terrors, and loss of moral compass. Ask your doctor!”

    sqhoughton , A. C./unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #25

    49 Weird Things In The US That Americans Don’t Realize Others Don’t Consider Normal Three things hit me 1. classifying people as black when they were more white than black, ( like Megan Merkle), 2. Maintaining reverence for confederate generals. 3. Calling the endemic corruption “ lobying”

    phatfill , Archewell Productions Report

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    #26

    US airport security officers with a sniffer dog inspecting luggage while a traveler waits, showing customs checks seen as normal. Being treated like an unwelcome suspect at most incoming airports when arriving as a guest
    Mass gun ownership
    Dearth of electric toothbrushes
    Prevalent beliefs that no other countries have basic amenities or products
    The confusion of what an appropriate tip is, and when
    ‘Chocolate’ that is 🤢🥴🤢🤮

    drjamescant , CDC/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know people who have bought a 'burner' smartphone to take with them visiting the USA, because they don't want some airport official to get full access to their real smartphone. If you don't want tourists, just say they're not welcome and be done with it.

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    #27

    Group of people eating classic American fast food with burgers and fries, illustrating weird things non-Americans find about the US. People I know from other countries often mention the monstrous portion sizes at many American restaurants.

    donzeigler_ , Yunus Tuğ/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #28

    Man in casual clothes watching TV in living room, illustrating things non-Americans find weird about the US. Commercials every 2 minutes during a TV show/movie. Huge gaps at bathroom stall doors. Saying 'like' ten times in every sentence.

    schanullekeamsterdam , Getty Images/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Spittnimage
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The 'like' thing is annoying. Some people even stick it in when writing.

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    #29

    Pregnant woman jogging outdoors at sunset, highlighting things non-Americans find weird about the US lifestyle. Thinking carrying a 38 special when you are jogging will protect you.

    maxwell_au , Alex McCarthy/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Trillian
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thinking you NEED a gun to protect you while jogging sounds weird af

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    #30

    Man eating fast food with burger and fries inside a parked vehicle showing things non-Americans find weird about the US Eating fast food daily. True story, cousin goes back to work, no home cooked meals, just take out 7 days a week.

    anniec567890 , Elisabeth Jurenka/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #31

    Other countries people can speak multiple languages. America: 🗣️SPEAK ENGLISH. Nosies

    country_duchess223 Report

    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly, that's an "Anglo" thing. Countries that speak the "lingua franca" tend not to need to learn other languages. UK, Ireland, Australia etc also tend to have poorer language skills. To my shame.

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    #32

    Smiling woman talking on phone outside a building with American flags, illustrating things non-Americans find weird about the US Thinking an American accent = Standard English

    chizz3lz , Mizuno K/pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Writing as a standard Englishman, this one remains laughable - I'm absolutely certain I speak standard English, but I also know that there are tens of millions of actual English people who will dispute my claim (I'm fully aware of Wales, Scotland, and various overseas aspects. Apologies to Ireland - it's not my fault). Americans don't even get to join the argument.

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    #33

    Applications asking your race, disability, protected veteran, & home address

    jzamaria Report

    Jerome Lenovo
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the system has to know you, to figure how to mistreat you

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    #34

    Young woman unpacking boxes in a room, illustrating everyday normal life in the US seen as weird by non-Americans. As an American who only knows the single family household culture, that still seems odd to me. Lack of community. Doing everything by yourself without help is supposed to be some sort of flex.

    christinebakerwellness , Vitaly Gariev/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    basmilko
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is actually starting to change with the younger generations - my generation - Gen X - is absolutely the above. Millenials and Gen Z are much better at asking for help and having a sense of family and community.

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    #35

    - Student loans ( it's interest is higher than the mortgage interest?!)
    - People use paper plates at home.
    - Lunchables. Seriously? Why is this food for kids

    winnnnnie_wen Report

    Beef Brisket
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Um, they do not typically use paper plates at home, unless they're having a party.

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    #36

    Female reporter in a red suit filming breaking news near police tape and an orange news van, illustrating US weird local customs. Ultra-parochiality of television news, especially in Southern states

    discodialogdiva , cottonbro studio/pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    Jerome Lenovo
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, and my belly button

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    #37

    Row of vintage trailers in a grassy field, illustrating things non-Americans find weird about the US but locals see as normal. Trailer parks!! Awful and scary!
    Shop workers and service workers being surprised when you're nice to them.
    Biscuits and gravy
    Grits
    Not being able to walk safely in urban areas.

    nessiefewt , Maryna Nikolaieva/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You need to take that back about biscuits and gravy. Now.

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    #38

    It’s so decrepit, crumbling infrastructure, garbage everywhere. Everyone looks miserable.

    micartist6 Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tosh. Every country, every town, has it's backside.

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    #39

    Woman observing classical busts in museum, reflecting on things non-Americans find weird about the US that locals see as normal. There’s like, a museum for everything. I absolutely LOVE it, but when I drove through the states for the first time I was so confused by all the signs for all the different types of museums lol.

    outfoxedmulder , bearfotos/freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Joshua Tree, outside the National Park in the southern California desert, we have a museum of crochet in a giant green pepper.

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    #40

    Breakfast with American food items on plates, a person in a robe eating, illustrating weird US habits. Hotel breakfasts don’t include vegetables

    ditagdr , EyeEm/freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    #41

    Neverending breakfast cereal aisle in the grocery store. I have been an Australian for over a decade now and the cereal selection in the states is ridiculous!

    sesameellis Report

    Sarah
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don’t believe you! From what I’ve seen in films— it’s bright and sunny and they all have eggs and toast and pancakes with bacon for breakfast,

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    #42

    Two colleagues discussing work at a desk, illustrating things non-Americans find weird about the US culture. Talk too damn much. I’m talking the kind just to fill the silence.

    protectblacklifefreepalestine , Getty Images/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You learn more by listening than by talking. Who knows it all?

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    #43

    The lack of third spaces. We gather in parks and hang out in libraries and stuff, there is just drive-ins and "no loitering" signs. Houses must be overly Huge with all s**t since you have no where to go?

    marjoviktoria Report

    ADJ
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This "loitering" concept, I once saw it in some movie and had to check what is that and why police are giving people hard time for this. Strange idea.

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    #44

    Person sitting on a couch tying sneaker laces indoors, illustrating everyday US habits non-Americans find weird. Not taking off their shoes at the door. Using paper plates when it isn’t a picnic in the park

    63smiley , Adiel Gavish/unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The shoes thing is very variable. Some households in the UK do, some don't. It varies by family.

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    #45

    American residential house with multiple utility wires and flags showing common US oddities seen by non-Americans Why do you still have overhead power lines everywhere, even in big cities, like here near Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York? In Europe, we've had power lines buried for decades. And the phones are only mobile.

    halloj_inger Report

    Ripley
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a pretty dopey statement. Here in Australia we have overhead powerlines as well. The cost to bury them would be *astronomical", as it would be in the US.

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    #46

    Group of young adults laughing and chatting on a couch, illustrating things non-Americans find weird about the US. How peppy they are, even with absolute strangers. It was very off-putting when I first moved here.

    ashcashgotjokes , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Samantha H
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I lived in the USA for 15 years, I found them very friendly, I don't understand why anyone finds it off putting.

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    #47

    I slept through the flight
    Woke up as we prepared to land
    Saw miles of blocky buildings in straight lines
    Thought I'd just been twilight zoned into fuckin Minecraft...that's what USA looks like from the air

    ladytalonia Report

    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fly into Minneapolis/St Paul. Surrounded by rivers, lakes, and tree filled suburbs. Or Palm Springs, with the mountains and deserts and green golf courses. Denver in the Rocky Mountains is impressive. I couldn't like in New York City, either, but I hear upstate is gorgeous.

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    #48

    Drinking water with ice🤔 wearing PJ to Walmart or school🤔 Use fork to eat rice🥲 The tipping culture🤔 The huge portion of foods, even for breakfast menu😂 I think that’s it hahaha but I found this fascinating

    haaitika Report

    #49

    They walk into a room, no greetings, no howdy, NO MANNERS! Makes my 🇯🇲 blood boil.

    theyardieyogi Report

    kansasmagic
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But I just read that Americans are overly friendly and talkative?

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