America’s influence around the world remains undeniable, whether through films, music, or consumer brands. However, many facets of its culture may seem confusing to those outside the United States.
This was a recent topic of discussion in a Threads post where someone asked about American habits and customs that British people might find weird. Some were baffled by the healthcare-related bankruptcies, while others questioned the obsession with weapons and the military.
For other non-Americans with similar sentiments, feel free to voice them in the comments below.
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Electing a clearly crooked and insane president, twice.
I lived in Germany for 3 years and wondered how the German people could have ever followed Hitler. I have a much better idea now.
Health care related bankruptcies.
Do not worry fellow British people, the tories and reform both support your right to be bankrupted by medical debt too!
Expecting customers to subsidise staff wages in restaurants.
Throwing a tantrum to get a perfectly correct red card overturned.
Temper tantrum toddler trump throws a hissy fit about a game he knows nothing about
Obsession with the military.
The price on the item you are buying, isn't the final price.
Pledging allegiance to the flag at every opportunity and singing the national anthem at seemingly every group gathering
Your obsession with weapons.
100% belief in American Exceptionalism.
That's because it's spoonfed into them from an early age onwards. Schools, the media, politics, ... they are all harping on the same theme.
Obsession with religion.
Excessive Nationalistic propaganda easily on a par with North Korea: ‘We are the GREATEST in the world at absolutely everything’
I watched a YouTube video earlier with someone reading ‘ s**t Americans say ‘ and a lot were about how America was the greatest country in the world and EVERYONE wants to move there 😂😂😂
Instead of protecting kids in school, y’all just have drills.
For kids.
Like, little kids.
“Well, it’s going to happen, so sit under a desk. Cool, we get our funding now.“
WTH?
I still can’t wrap my head around that, little children having ‘ school shooter’ drills
Voting a reality TV host in as president.
Gaps around toilet doors. We can't find a piece of wood big enough???
Being sure America is the greatest country in the world when you’ve never been abroad.
It’s drilled into them at a very young age. And the only reason other countries exist is bc America lets them. For now. 🙄
World series... "World"...
Politicians 'hearing messages from God.'
If you talk to God that's called prayer. If God talks to you, that's schizophrenia.
Obsession with flags.
The idea that everyone wants to live in the US/be American.
Underpaying waiting staff and mandatory tipping to give them a liveable wage.
That's just part of the American capitalism. Everyone is trying to take, take, take as much as they can, even if it means leaving others with little or nothing.
No women's rights;
No workers' rights.
During a tour of a Ford factor discussing the impact of his tariffs, a worker yelled at him about hiding the epstein files, as a worker and human he is aloud to do this. here is Trump, the President of the United States responding and afterwards tried to have him fired. (As Trump walked along a factory catwalk, 40-year-old worker TJ Sabula shouted criticism at the president, reportedly calling him a "pedophile protector" in reference to the Jeffrey Epstein case files) *In cell phone footage, Trump can be seen pointing, mouthing "f--- you" twice, and raising his middle finger*
The concept of other countries having a different currency is completely alien to them.
Chemical food.
Being afraid to go to the doctor because it might bankrupt you.
Just because we pay into coverage doesn't mean the company okays the treatment. They can deny payment if they think it's unnecessary, even if a doctor says it's needed. They make you jump through lots of steps until they deem they'll pay when you spent a certain amount of money for bogus stuff that wasn't helpful.
"Tell your doctor you demand THIS medicine!" adverts on TV
If you listen to local American radio stations, you will be bombarded with ads for medicine / local pharmacies, but also lawyers and car dealers. Those seem to be in high demand.
At the moment, nothing is normal in the US
Bread that tastes sweet and cheese that has a weird plastic consistency 😝
Working late and not taking holidays.
Those are one thing. It's those who think of it as a flex to work that much extra who are on a whole other level.
Saying thank you for your service to random military people and those military people expecting preferential treatment on planes etc.
The incredibly long paying process which involves the bank card being taken away, a pen, and calculations.
No one will be grabbing my bank card and taking it away. If a bank finds out you allowed someone to take your card when you report a fraudulent charge, they may deem you complicate and may not help you get your money back.
Pharmaceutical adverts on TV.
How else will you know what new, likely ineffective, prescription will bankrupt you?
Things being inaccessible on foot.
Insurance culture, expensive healthcare provision, lack of annual leave or maternity leave.
Poor public transport.
The 'American Dream'.
Not having kettles.
Waiters who keep pestering you.
Doing check ins every minute is too much. Once during the meal is just fine. Being ignored is worse.
Drive in everything.
Also fake cheese with everything.
And also the friendliness of the people. Can be a bit overwhelming to us cold Northern Europeans
The only thing liberal about the US is their definition of cheese.
Drive-though everything, including banks.
The huge portion sizes in restaurants with the intention of taking leftovers home.
I'm sure the prices wouldn't be so extra if the portions were more reasonable.
The high water level in the toilets.
TBF I never did get used to the "continental shelf" when I lived in Germany.
Service staff (even in fast food restaurants) calling you sir or ma'am. It's weird.
Telling everyone you’re the best at everything when that’s clearly a lie.
Using paper plates.
Putting the knife down after cutting up food and eating with only a fork in your hand.
I am sorry American friends but your clownesk president made the whole nation unpopular in the rest of the world.
And now for something that matters a bit more than the usual who-hates-who at BP: Andrew Tate and his brother have been arrested in Florida and await extradition to the UK on 38 serious charges. Link to follow.
I am sorry American friends but your clownesk president made the whole nation unpopular in the rest of the world.
And now for something that matters a bit more than the usual who-hates-who at BP: Andrew Tate and his brother have been arrested in Florida and await extradition to the UK on 38 serious charges. Link to follow.
