However, today’s collection of X posts is all about the things people actually like about the land of the free and are even a bit envious of. From coupons to a deeply rooted cheerleading culture, scroll down to find aspects of American culture others would want to have in their country.
We also reached out to the digital creator and Indian expat living in the US, Priya, from “It's Ok Yaar,” a content platform she created together with her partner, Darshan, to help other South Asian immigrants. She kindly agreed to share the things she likes about the USA, too.
Priya’s and Dashan’s creation, “It's OK Yaar,” is a philosophy that most South Asians live by. It’s their way of saying, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.” Their joint project is a nod to their community’s perseverance, which pushes them take a leap, leave their homes, and move to a foreign country.
The couple lives in New York, where they foster their content platform and aim to educate, entertain, and empower South Asian immigrants. On their YouTube channel, they post various videos helping people navigate visas, housing, insurance, and everything in between.
First, we wanted to find out what prompted Priya to move to America. “I had the opportunity to transfer to Google’s Chicago office, but initially turned it down as I didn’t know anyone there. When the offer resurfaced a few months later, I decided to take a chance and give it six months,” she told Bored Panda.
“Worst-case scenario, I’d dislike it and return. Darshan and I started dating around this time. After a year of settling in and advancing my career, we got married and he moved to Chicago to be with me, ensuring I could maintain my professional momentum."
She admits that moving to the US wasn’t an easy step to take. “While I consider myself adventurous, moving to America was unexpected. With no friends or family here, the unknown loomed large. Growing up in the college town of Durgapur, West Bengal, I always dreamed big and refused to let limitations hold me back.”
However, despite the fears of not fitting in and failing, she pushed forward. “As a petite 5-foot woman, I worried about not being taken seriously or underestimated, but I was confident once I started speaking that it would change perceptions. Ultimately, this journey required immense self-belief."
We were also curious to know if she had any opinions about America before living there that were proven wrong during her residency. She told us, "Coming from India's community-oriented culture, I was concerned about the potential isolation of American life. However, I couldn't have been more wrong. Chicago welcomed me with open arms. I've been incredibly fortunate to meet amazing people who invited me into their homes for holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. They were genuinely curious about Indian culture, making me feel truly included."
What she likes the most about America is its liveliness and multitude of cultures. "New York City felt like a natural fit—the constant energy is addictive. With its massive expat community, I've been exposed to countless cultures and perspectives. I'm incredibly grateful for this experience. The freedom to manage my own time has been liberating. Moving to a new country was undoubtedly an adventure that unveiled a stronger, more confident version of myself."
