Every country has a distinct quality that makes it unique and different from others. People living in a particular country has a peculiar way of doing things. There are things you love doing in your home country that may seem odd and absurd for some nationalities.
Your way of life may be very different on the other side of the globe, and theirs may be odd for you. America is a perfect example of a country doing things very differently. Outsiders like those in the European world find the country strange and, yes, unique.
Some find themselves scratching their heads. Some are amazed by how Americans live their lives. America has a unique lifestyle. They enjoy their way of life, which sets them apart from other people living in this world.
So, what are the things Americans do that makes them special and unique? What is America known for aside from being the land of the free?
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What are things only in America?
When you travel to America, you will notice that the country is very different than the rest of the world. Americans have a way of doing things that seem familiar to them but are perceived as weird and odd. It makes the country unique, exciting, and relaxed.
So, what are the things that are only in America?
Supersize Serving
I know it seems relaxed and great if you are served with food in large sizes. Well, in America, it is normal. Anyone who has tried fast food in the country knows that getting a food upgrade is always an option. Sizing up your already large fries into bigger serving is ultimately a fad. It also applies to drinks where supersize soft drink comes with your ultra-large fries. When you try to measure it, your drink may reach up to 42 ounces. It is a huge thing.
Other countries may not embrace it, but it is wholly accepted in America. Yet, it poses serious health problems among Americans. There is a growing number of Americans with diabetes because of the high sugar and starch in food. At present, the government is dealing with the increasing number of obese Americans. It turns out that supersize serving is not beneficial to the Americans.
Love for Football
The world stops in America during the Super Bowl. It is the annual championship game of the National Football League. Superbowl is the most anticipated event in America. Millions of Americans gather in their home with family and friends to watch football. Some come with jersey shirts and props to feel the intensity of a football match.
So, why do Americans became obsessed with football? Well, it stems from how Americans learn to love college sports. Sports in America is a serious business. Many sports leagues around the world are situated in America. It became more serious when it comes to football. The biggest stadiums in the America are college football stadiums. You see, when it comes to football and college sports, Americans mean business.
Black Friday
The busiest shopping day in America is the day after Thanksgiving. Like the latter, Americans also wait for Black Friday to come finally. Year after year, you will see people lining up outside their favorites stores to get the best deals of the year. During this time, big sales are flooded to almost all kinds of items American stores can offer.
Sometimes, the one-day blowout can be pretty dangerous. Stampede, big crowd and impatient buyers can get in the way. I know, if you are part of the group, you can’t help yourself but crash in line to get the best deal on iPad from Apple. After all, it is a once in a year kind of deal.
Surprising Price Tags without taxes
It seems weird that you must compute for its corresponding tax when you get to pay for your goods. But that’s completely normal in America. The United States may not be the only one in the world to apply this rule. Yet, it’s odd as the country has 50 states imposing various state taxes, it is easier to include a tax price tag.
Most countries in various parts of the world have full price tags, unlike the United States. Tourists get confused shopping in America as they pay rate different from the tag. But, that makes America unique compared to the rest of the globe.
Take out food and doggie bags.
Since American restaurants have big servings, most of the time, there will be leftovers. Large portions and supersized meals are hard to eat in one sitting, so they introduce doggie bags. This practice is helpful to save food and save money as well.
You can see many Americans coming out of the restaurants with food bags in their hand. These are leftovers which they take home for the next eating. Again, compared to other countries with normal food portions, doggie bags seem to be odd.
Tipping is a way of life.
Unlike in Japan, Americans are accustomed to giving tips, especially in restaurants. It is a general practice that most Americans are obliged to do. The tipping culture may be bizarre in some other countries. But Americans will find you weirder when you don’t tip, mainly when you are in their country.
The tipping culture is widely practiced in America. It is a way of extending help to waiters who only receive a minimum of $4 an hour. In other countries, they pay their staff more, and giving tips is not the norm.
What is considered rude in America?
Now that we know things uniquely American, then what is considered rude in the United States? Well, the following may sound familiar and acceptable in other countries, but in America, it may be not nice:
Latecomers
Americans may seem to be easy-going people, but they take time very seriously. Arriving late in an event is the ultimate sign of rudeness for Americans. It may be typical with other cultures, but meeting with an American, always be on time.
Not respecting privacy
Americans are very private individuals, and asking them personal questions may sound rude. Some queries can be uncomfortable for Americans to answer. Some of these questions can range from age, marital status, rate, and family matters. Be more cautious when asking personal questions to them in order not to sound impolite.
Not asking permission
Americans have the concept of personal space. They are individualists. Not making permission, especially if it concerns them, is rude. When dining in, you should be aware that Americans maintain personal space. Touching or sharing other people’s food without asking first is very off-putting. You should not grab food from your American friend’s food as it will turn him off.
Eating with hands
Americans learned how to use spoon and fork; using hands when eating is not customary to them. There are cultures in Southeast Asia wherein eating using hands is the norm. But in America, this will look rude and off-putting. When dining in with American friends, keep in mind to always use a spoon and fork.
Noise when eating
In Japan, slurping noodles with all the sound is the most polite way to eat the food. But in America, it isn’t polite. Americans eat quietly using spoon and fork; they are not used to eating with noise and sound. If you are an Asian and enjoy food while making noise, refrain from doing it when you’re with an American.
Not doing eye contact.
Of course, Americans are good communicators. When talking to one, you should maintain eye contact. It signals that you are interested in who you are talking with. Also, it shows that you respect the other person. Having eye contact when talking to someone, particularly with an American, is a way to show respect.
Why America is the best country in the world?
We all know that America is considered one of the best countries in the world. Its degree of influence stretches from west to east and north to south. Its greatness is felt and experienced in many facets of life. It has established its way up to the ladder that many other countries, like the developing ones, look up to.
So, why the United States is considered the best country in the world? Here is our quick list of why the country became great:
Economic Influence
Of course, the idea of free trade and open market stems from the United States of America. The liberal economy, as we know today, propelled the country to develop. In manufacturing, America launched several brands that are top and the best in the field. In technology alone, Apple, Google, Twitter, and Facebook are all American.
Let’s add to the list the famous brands in fashion like Gap, Nike, and Adidas. American brands are ubiquitous. You can find it everywhere. Even the most impoverished country knows what these brands are. Of course, the influence of the world’s number one food chain, McDonald’s. America truly made the top spot in the aspect of how its influence on the world economy.
Military Power
Another important factor why America is great, the level of its military power. The United States has military bases in most parts of the world. They have bases in the eastern countries, and of course, its nearby countries.
America remains to be at the top spot in the global ranking when it comes to military power. Even though China is advancing, greatness still lies in America. Based on the recent survey, America is number one out of 138 countries that participated in the survey.
First man on the moon
Who would never forget that the first man to land on the moon is American? During the cold war, the USSR and the United States competed to be the world’s great powers. It was America that made the first land on the moon. The world celebrated man’s most outstanding achievement by setting foot on the moon. As much as the world was celebrated, Americans celebrated the most. It signaled, during that time, America was the best and the most advance.
World tech giants in America.
Well, the world’s greatest innovators are in America. The country is home to world tech giants like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Twitter. The kind of innovations these tech industries present to the world are significant. Let’s add to the list Amazon. The world’s number one eCommerce site.
We should know that these companies are innovators. They continue to set high standards on how technology can be taken. It leads the global technology and still at the top list.
Freedom and Liberty
Of course, America celebrates freedom and liberty. The country is called the land of the free. Many migrants and nationalities would want to live in the country for the American dream. The level of opportunity and equality in America is renowned in the world. America is a melting pot that celebrates people from all races, gender, and religion. Many LGBTs and other religions migrate to the country to express who they are. It is acceptable in America.
America, by and far, has dominated the world for so many years. Since the world has declared a new world order after the cold war, America continuously a top country. There many things we do not know about the country. Their culture and way of life are deeply inscribed in every American people. It is equally essential to understand Americans, why they do what they do, and how they live.
Americans are unique and how they deal with their day to day affairs make them unique. It sets them apart from any other country in the world. These may be the reasons why the country is excellent. They deal with things differently compared to the rest of the world. Their mindset and way of thinking maybe a contributing factor to why the country is at the top.
Yet, the country is facing increasing challenges in the economy and even in the military. America remains to be at the top, but the world’s changes will determine how long they can remain great.