It would be really hard to escape the influence of American culture if you tried, especially in Western countries. It feels like the media is saturated with American life, starting from cartoons and going on to high school-set TV series, Hollywood movies, sitcoms, drama shows, YouTube channels, and everything in between.
Even though we consume so much content based in the US, there are still some things that raise questions. One Reddit user wondered what non-Americans still don't understand about America, and people flooded the thread with their questions. To be fair, some of the things mentioned are just as confusing to Americans as well.
Over 36k comments later, Bored Panda selected the most popular answers to what foreigners just don't get about the US. If you're from the US, maybe you can answer some of these, and if you aren't, maybe there are some things you'd like our American Pandas to clarify, so feel free to leave your questions in the comments below!
#1
How people seem to be liberal or conservative and will support their side no matter what bad decisions they're making. In Ireland we frequently change allegiance in terms of political parties and support the ones that are doing the most for the people at that time- we are person centred, not party centred. I could never understand this about America.
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172points
#2
Healthcare and higher education prices. Isn’t having healthy and educated population is what society would benefit from the most?
170points
#5
What is up with Homeowner Associations? Why would you pay to let a nosy neighbour (neighbor sorry) dictate what you can and can not do on your own property? I understand living in an apartment block and paying maintenance fees etc, but in a suburban home?
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150points
#6
The Americans are genuinely friendly and kind, whenever I travelled there I had great experiences. We often see the bizzare side of your vast nation on tv etc. but your average American is a pleasure to meet.
I do find it odd that service industry workers aren’t payed appropriately - tipping really stresses me out as I know it’s not just a bonus for great service. Also, you lot deserve better healthcare.
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148points
#7
So, why do you buy politicians' merchandise? Shirts, caps, banners, stickers, etc. They're public servants, not rockstars. Also, usually the more boring they are, the better.
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137points
#8
The fact that workers have to file their own taxes, even though the government knows how much everyone owes. But they won’t tell you. They make you do complicated calculations based on a set of ever-evolving rules to figure it out. And then they fine you if you’re wrong.
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134points
#9
Why everything is just SO damn supersized.
My first time in America I went to get ice coffee from Dunkin Donuts, I ordered a large and my friend is like… Are you sure you want large? Yeah no biggie, in the UK a large is not overwhelming I feel so I was expecting the same kinda thing. Oh my god it was like a god damn bucket of coffee. I think maybe a small would have been equivalent to a UK large, lesson swiftly learnt.
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129points
#13
Pledging allegiance. To me that's just silly. i love my country but I would never expect or be expected to stand and salute the flag in school (or is that just the movies).
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102points
#14
The amount off National Parks! My dream came true in 2017 to make an RV trip southwest off USA. Yosemite blew my mind away.
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99points
#16
The tipping culture is so foreign to me, I would be so scared to make a mistake or not tipping enough if I ever go to America, because it's not something which is common here in Denmark.
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93points
#17
Why do public restrooms include a small opening between the doors that allows passersby to see you when you're taking a p**s?
80points
#19
Scottish person here but the work/always available for work culture. Minimal vacation time, minimal maternity/paternity leave and the fact you can pretty much just be let go. It makes me sad to think about it!
But I do love that you guys cram so much in to your time off - you guys love a road trip!
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75points
#20
Valet parking. Why would I want some stranger messing with my car? I can park my own car, thank you very much.
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71points