One of the best things about visiting a new country is embracing its unique landscapes, new foods and drinks, and a range of cultural quirks. But not everything is embraced with open arms; there are things in the US that are questionable and odd to non-Americans.
Here are 19 things that non-Americans don’t get.
Fast Food Culture
The fast food culture here in the US is palpable. You may not even notice it until you visit other countries. Studies show that people spend an average of $148 monthly on fast food in the US.
Gun Laws
Gun laws are a heated debate not only in the US but also in many other countries. When non-Americans come to the US, they often question the laws because of safety issues. Gun crime statistics in the US are high, so it’s no surprise that these laws are questioned.
Huge Food Portions
Everyone is aware of the stereotype of the overweight American. But there is plenty of truth to this, with the US being in the top 10 countries with people suffering from obesity. This can be attributed to the enormous food portions that people eat here.
Tipping Culture
Tipping culture is huge in the US. Some workers work exclusively for tips, which is rare in other countries. Non-Americans often ask why the customer has to pay the wage of the waiter or waitress when they have an employer.
Warehouse Shopping
Warehouse shopping such as Costco is a strange concept for no-Americans. Costco is a cultural institution in the US and is where many people go where they need their everyday essentials, rather than their local supermarket.
Patriotism
Patriotism is a positive characteristic of every country. But in America, it can be taken to the extreme. Flags are hung everywhere, no matter which state you’re in, and people can be incredibly defensive about domestic and international policies in America.
Obnoxious People
Americans are also associated with characteristics such as being loud, expressive, and even obnoxious. Whether in a bar, on a bus, or in a cafe, Americans speak openly and loudly with confidence, which can border on obnoxiousness.
American Road Trips
With so many countries in the world to visit, one might question why road trips are so popular in the US. But with such a diverse topography, cultures, and climates, there’s no reason why Americans shouldn’t embrace its road trip culture.
Hunting Season
Hunting is also a common activity among many Americans. Hunting season allows people to hunt particular animals that are otherwise protected by conservation laws. There is great anticipation and excitement for hunting season in the US, which is otherwise a strange concept in other countries.
Over Friendliness
Americans can be very friendly, potentially too friendly. This can be a culture shock for Europeans who come from countries such as France, where over-friendliness is met with caution.
The Superbowl
When the Superbowl is on, it is the most talked-about event of the year. It dominates the news, social media, and TV screens as Americans gather to watch the NFL championship game. Outside of America, the Superbowl still has a large following, but many still question why it’s as big as it is and why there are so many ad breaks.
Calling It the World Series
Why is it called the World Series if it only occurs in America? The World Series is the annual final championship of the Major League Baseball (MLS) season, and while it is popular, many non-Americans question its name. This is because the entire season takes place in the US and Canada.
Celebrity Culture
Celebrity culture is huge in the US. Whether people keep up with the Kardashians, monitor Taylor Swift’s activities, or wonder who Billie Eilish is dating, celebrity culture is bigger in America than in most countries worldwide.
Commercial Breaks
Adverts predominate every aspect of life in the US. Pharmaceutical drugs are constantly advertised on TV, the Superbowl is broken up by 50 minutes of advertisements, and there are around 15 minutes of commercials per hour on TV.
Privately Run Prisons
Most non-Americans are unfamiliar with the concept of a privately run prison. While prisons are often associated with state-run programs in other countries, private prisons are an example of how anything can be monopolized. Unfortunately, this can lead to many corruption issues, such as increased incarceration rates, false imprisonment, longer sentences, and more.
Florida Man
Florida Man is frequently a phrase in the news that precedes a strange headline. You can type Florida Man into a search engine, and on any date, you’ll find heaps of strange headlines that have bred a range of connotations with Florida. To the non-American, they may not understand the significance of this entertaining and bizarre trope in the news.
Red Cups for Drinking
Non-Americans are surprised and even excited when they see someone drink alcohol out of the famous red plastic cup. This is because this is often the hallmark of a comedy coming-of-age story on American TV shows or movies. They can’t believe how accurate it is when they see it in real life.
Frat Houses
Similarly, non-Americans are intrigued by the concept of a frat house—the idea of having a house where students and frats can chill, relax, and throw parties. In the movies, non-Americans may believe that these frat houses are grossly exaggerated, only to discover that they are actually a common thing over here.
Healthcare
Private healthcare is something that is not only surprising but shocking to residents all over the world. Health is considered to be something that you cannot put a price on. As a result, most countries will include healthcare through whatever the citizen pays in tax. Not only does this create a great deal of financial insecurity and health scares, but many Americans don’t feel that they are paying for good quality care in US hospitals.
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