Things Americans Do

I've seen it myself, up close. 20 years ago, if you are in the service, it was like you worked in the post office. The view of service people as automatic heroes is pretty new. I think it started after The Trade Towers attacks. There was a swell of militarism that's just sort of stuck.

Questioning the government is fine. But questioning the country? Not fine. It's a cultural thing. I've heard the same thing from visitors from other countries.

But if you are used to traveling to other countries, you wouldn't have the same view as someone who is never going to leave.

Interesting stuff.

Maybe there should be a thread about what Americans find funny about other countries they visit. I always wanted to visit Australia, because I have the typical American view that kangaroos and sloths follow you around and everyone dresses like Steve Erwin.

This country has had a love affair with cars for decades, no denying that. But the driving obsession for most is less to do with driving and more to do with things like disdain for public transportation, affordability over flying, the need (or desire) for flexibility, having jobs further away from home than we used to...necessity is a better word than obsession
I don't see this as a "mania". While it's more prevalent here than probably anywhere else in the world, I might personally know one or two people who have those perfect white, straight teeth. I think this is more of a Hollywood thing, hence the misconception of this being an American mania...IMHO

Others call it worship. We simply call it Patriotism. We are taught this at a very young age. They still pledge allegiance to our flag every morning in school, etc.

Another "patriotism" thing. FWIW, we may tell ourselves and others we are the best at most everything, practically speaking, most people here know we're not. But who in their right mind would cheer about NOT being the best?



We're just used to that here. When I go to the store, I just know to add 8.5% sales tax to whatever the price is. When you're used to it, it's not a big deal - taxes here are no secret


This one always pisses me off. Frankly, I believe the nudity and sex is really only "objectionable" to very few people - they just have the biggest mouths. I don't really mind the mindless violence though. I believe as a parent if you watch shows like this with your kids, you simply teach them that it's just a movie or TV show and violence is wrong, etc. I spent my life watching this - I'm the furthest from violence you can be.


What can I say - I am a coffee hound. I don't mind cheerleaders much either



Yes. It's something so many here struggle with. Interestingly though, I think this country is also obsessed with fitness.

But there ARE a lot in between. They just don't make interesting news stories like the overweight or the fitness freaks. Are we heavier as a nation than we used to be? Absolutely! There are many reasons - our love of food and cooking, the food industry and processed foods, television, computers, the loss of a "manufacturing" based work force (more sit down jobs than ever). And of course, laziness. I didn't get off my ass until I hit 45 (3 years ago).


I can see why. But the reality here is that most of our average citizens are simple, religious people. The fundamentalists are what make the news. Just like fundamentalists from other parts of the world. I have learned not to believe much of what I see or hear in mainstream outlets. I wish more people would too.



I know there are many friendly people here too. I talk to dozens every day. That's also true in other places I have been. I have been lucky enough to do a lot of traveling when I was young and in the Navy. It gave me a good perspective of not just other places, but of my own country too.

When all is said and done, the reality is that perception BECOMES reality. So these lists of American obsessions, while much of it is exaggerated, have become other people's reality of who we are.

Rid yourself of any preconceived notions of American behavior before you arrive. If you rely on the stereotypes, you will likely put yourself into an awkward and embarrassing situation and offend your American acquaintances. Some of the more common stereotypes of American citizens include:

Boastful and arrogant.
Disrespectful of authority.
Drunkard.
Extravagant and wasteful.
Generous.
Ignorant of other countries and cultures.
Informal.
Insensitive.
Lazy.
Loud and obnoxious.
Promiscuous.
Racist.
Rich and wealthy.
Rude and immature.
Snobbish.
Stingy.
Think they know everything.
Thinks every country should imitate the US.
Uninformed about politics.

That list is way off! I am NOT Immature! So there!