While both the US and Europe are mostly considered Western cultures, and they are deemed neighbors from across the pond, there are still some substantial differences between the two that people just can’t stop pointing out because they are curious and they want to partake in this cultural learning experience.
Reddit user u/Dependent-End5909 turned to r/AskReddit with the question what is something Americans have which Europeans don't have? Over 21,000 comments later, the post went viral with nearly 22,000 upvotes and over 60 Reddit awards.
110-volt outlets, huge refrigerators and garbage disposals were just some of the many great things Reddit pointed out, so strap up and start scrolling to see the best answers found in the post. And while you’re at it, vote, comment and give us some examples of things.
More Info: Reddit
#1 Crippling Medical Debt
Crippling debt due to medical care
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176points
#2 The Grand Canyon
Ulf67 said:
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon
dimacq replied:
Oh yes!!!! And I’d say the whole system of National Parks is just amazing! Open 24/7 (unless some weather or gov’t shutdown), maps available, trails laid out, camping spots designated… It’s the most treasured and inderappreciated thing in the US, IMO.
Oh yes!!!! And I’d say the whole system of National Parks is just amazing! Open 24/7 (unless some weather or gov’t shutdown), maps available, trails laid out, camping spots designated… It’s the most treasured and inderappreciated thing in the US, IMO.
161points
#4 Space
Space. I love spending time in Europe, but man, it is amazing to come home and have hundreds of thousands of square miles of just open country to explore, hike, ride, camp, etc...
A lot of it isn't even in national or state parks (which are also amazing).
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129points
#5 Colossal Refrigerators
"Refrigerators the size of my flat." - every European who has seen my moderately-sized refrigerator
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116points
#6 "Florida Man"
No-Dark-9414 said:
Florida Man
Florida Man
Ilmara said:
Europe has Polish Man and Russian Man.
Europe has Polish Man and Russian Man.
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105points
#7 Mourning Doves
Mourning doves. They're cute and chubby, and their boo-hoo-hoo songs sound like wooden flutes.
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97points
#8 Ranch Dressing
Ranch.
Like why is it so good, why don’t we have it. And can we please exchange boris Johnston for a bottle. He’s be good in your circus
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96points
#9 Good Mexican Food
Trek1973 said:
Good Mexican food
Good Mexican food
burningfirelily replied:
Man so im a Mexican who wants to move to a European country but my biggest fear is losing access to ingredients to make my food and also having to endure whatever the heck people in those countries believe is "authentic" Mexican food.
Man so im a Mexican who wants to move to a European country but my biggest fear is losing access to ingredients to make my food and also having to endure whatever the heck people in those countries believe is "authentic" Mexican food.
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92points
#10 Legal Right Turn On Red
Legal right turn on red, I don't always agree with Jeremy Clarkson but in this instance he's correct that's it's one of the US's greatest contributions to society.
87points
#11 Drive-In Everythings
Drive in EVERYTHING! Drive in Starbucks, I’ve head Drive in Banks, that’s so crazy to me
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86points
#12 Root Beer
Root beer is a popular beverage in the United States. Visitors from Europe frequently comment on how "strange" it tastes.
The road splits in two. It's a beloved American ritual that foreigners are unfamiliar with. Imgur
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82points
#14 Drinking Age Is 21
zephyr1004 said:
We have a high drinking age at 21.
We have a high drinking age at 21.
UnilateralWithdrawal replied:
Europe is definitely more laid back. I’ve been to manufacturing plants in Germany where beer is sold out of vending machines.
Europe is definitely more laid back. I’ve been to manufacturing plants in Germany where beer is sold out of vending machines.
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76points
#15 Pancakes With Maple Syrup
Pancakes with maple syrup.
...date German, and she is super confused why there is so much sugar in the American breakfast. Go to the U.K. and there is none...go to Amsterdam where pancakes are practically the national specialty, and they are mostly savory!
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69points
#16 Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposal units are installed beneath the kitchen sink.
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66points
#17 Automatic Ice Dispensers
Automatic ice dispensers in your fridges. It's such an American thing you only find it on fridges that are labelled "American style"
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63points
#19 Window Screens
OkAnteater9569 said:
At home or somewhere else, they have screens on their windows.
At home or somewhere else, they have screens on their windows.
blackwe11_ninja replied:
You mean mosquito screens? We have them too. In my city you would have to be insane not to have one.
You mean mosquito screens? We have them too. In my city you would have to be insane not to have one.
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58points
#20 Personal Graves
Just found this out on another post: our own graves. Apparently graves are often dug up and reused in Europe and Australia. They’re owned by the government and will not always be yours. The only reason why we don’t do the same is because we are a younger country and we haven’t run out of room to bury people yet.
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58points