While other countries have Hollywood movies and TV shows to give them some ideas about America, sometimes, they take our everyday stuff way more seriously than we do. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinners or prom night, other countries get the wrong idea about our traditions. Here are 18 American customs that people abroad blow way out of proportion.
The Big Deal About Baseball
Baseball is big here, but you might be surprised to learn how some people overseas treat it like the holy grail of American culture. They think that understanding baseball means they’ll understand all Americans, which is just wrong. We do enjoy catching a game, but it’s just one of many ways we hang out and have fun.
More Than Simply Turkey
Ask anyone from outside the U.S. about Thanksgiving, and they might imagine it as this grand celebration every American lives for. But the truth is that while it’s a lovely time for families to come together, not everyone’s Thanksgiving looks like a Norman Rockwell painting. Some of us prefer a low-key day, and that’s perfectly fine.
All That Hollywood Glam
There’s no denying that Hollywood is popular worldwide, and sometimes, it seems like non-Americans think Hollywood is America. It’s a big part of our cultural export, but the U.S. has all kinds of arts and culture beyond Tinseltown’s glitz. There’s a whole country out here with plenty of different stories and styles of its own.
Chasing the American Dream
The “American Dream” can sometimes be a bigger deal abroad than it is at home, and many people overseas see it as a surefire promise of success. Over here, we know it’s more about the opportunity to work towards a better life. We understand that the Dream is a possibility and not necessarily a guarantee.
Fast Food Nation?
There are many myths that Americans live at fast food joints. Of course, fast food is definitely part of our culture, but American cuisine has so much more heart and soul. Whether it’s barbecue or vegan cafes, we have many other food traditions that the big burger brands usually overshadow.
Prom Night Hype
Thanks to the movies, some people think American high school proms are epic, life-changing events. But the reality is that it’s a fun dance that’s just one of many high school memories instead of the only one. Most of us just worry about what to wear and who to go with, and by the next week, it’s old news.
Halloween Hysteria
Halloween is big fun in the States, but you’d be amazed at how seriously some people in other countries take it. They think it’s an extremely important cultural tradition when, really, this is just a time for costumes and candy. We enjoy the creative costumes and neighborhood decorations, and it returns to normal.
Flag Waving
The American flag is practically everywhere, although it’s not as nationalistic as some outsiders expect. For many of us, it’s just a way to show some patriotic spirit, especially on holidays like the Fourth of July. That’s why we might hang a flag on our porch or wear a flag-themed T-shirt to a barbecue. We’d rather feel part of a community than make a political statement.
Coffee Is King?
Some believe Americans drink more coffee than water, which is false. We’re not all walking around with a coffee IV drip because water’s still our number one choice for staying hydrated. Most people just enjoy their morning cup as a way to start the day, and then it’s onto whatever else keeps them going.
The Greek Life
Forget what the movies say because American colleges aren’t just focused on fraternities and sororities. In reality, Greek life is one part of college life, and many students never go near a fraternity or sorority house. Most of us are too busy with classes and part-time jobs to consider pledging.
On the Road Again
Of course, road trips are iconic in American culture and almost like a rite of passage. But people abroad seem to think they’re a common weekend activity when they’re usually special occasions or vacation plans. Most Americans are more likely to commute by car for their daily routine rather than hit the open road.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping can be confusing for visitors, but it’s really just a way to show appreciation for good service at restaurants and a few other places. It’s just a custom, and most of us tip according to how well we feel we’ve been served. Of course, there are some tipping rules to follow, but that shouldn’t make it scary.
Almost a Holiday?
The Super Bowl is definitely a big deal, but calling it an unofficial holiday might be stretching it. We watch the game and eat snacks, although it’s essentially a big sports day, not a national celebration. The important part is gathering with our friends or family rather than the actual football side of things.
Shopping All Hours
The idea that Americans shop 24/7 is an exaggeration, as most of our shopping is routine. Late-night runs to the store might happen when you realize you’re out of milk or need an emergency diaper change, but they’re the exception, not the rule. We’re not usually visiting the store late at night.
Yard Sale Socials
Yard sales aren’t exactly huge social events because they’re usually just a way to clear out old stuff. These are ways for us to declutter and maybe make a few bucks; instead of the community events, sometimes people abroad think they are as well. Most yard socials are casual and a far cry from the bustling market scenes you might imagine.
Black Friday Madness
Not every American participates in those mad Black Friday sales you see on TV. In fact, many of us would rather skip the crowds or shop online to get those fantastic deals without dealing with all that chaos. It’s one day of the year that’s quickly forgotten as the holiday season continues.
More Myth Than Reality
The image of the cowboy is certainly an important part of American history, although you hear more myths than reality about them these days. Cowboy culture isn’t a widespread lifestyle, even though you’ll find communities in some parts of the Southwest where rodeos and ranching are still a part of life. Overall, cowboys are just in the movies.
AC Overload
We use a lot of air conditioning in the States, especially in the hotter areas, but many non-Americans don’t realize that this is a necessity rather than a luxury. When it’s hot, AC makes life bearable, and sometimes, it’s safer to have it than not. Without it, we couldn’t deal with our sweltering summers.
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