12 Surprising American Culture Things Europeans Just Don’t Understand
12 Surprising American Culture Things Europeans Just Don’t Understand
Looking at the differences between American and European ways of life shows us some interesting things that often surprise people from Europe.
This article talks about 12 things that Americans do that Europeans might find strange or hard to understand, showing how life and views can vary a lot from one place to another.
1. Outback Lifestyle
Americans often embrace the idea of leaving civilization behind to live in the wilderness, a concept many Europeans find baffling. From teenagers spending holidays in remote cabins to individuals opting for an off-grid existence or even billionaires constructing unique homes in desolate areas, this pursuit of solitude and nature is seen as peculiar, especially when it involves significant distances from social amenities and community life.
2. Gun Violence
In Europe, owning a gun for protection is virtually unheard of, contrasting sharply with the U.S., where it’s a common practice. The American approach to gun ownership, often linked to personal safety, stands out as a distinct cultural difference that Europeans struggle to understand, given their less permissive stance on firearms.
3. The Prominence of Religion
The frequent references to God and expressions of faith in American TV shows and movies perplex Europeans, where religion is considered a more private matter. Phrases like “God bless you” permeate American media, highlighting a cultural difference where public expressions of faith are not as common in Europe.
4. How Far a Block Is
The concept of distance in the U.S. can be surprising to Europeans used to smaller towns and the ability to walk almost everywhere. The American norm of driving long distances just to see a neighbor underscores the vastness and spread-out nature of U.S. living spaces compared to the more compact European communities.
5. For-profit Hospitals and Prisons
The idea of for-profit hospitals and prisons in the U.S. is alarming to many Europeans. To them, profiting from healthcare and incarceration represents a conflict of interest and ethical dilemma, as these services are typically run by the state or not-for-profit organizations in Europe.
6. The Lack of Paid Vacation Time
In the U.S., many have to satisfy themselves with 10 days of paid leave per year which strongly contrasts with the European Union, where workers are entitled to at least four weeks. This difference emphasizes the varying approaches to work-life balance between the two cultures.
7. Superficial Friendships
The phenomenon of seemingly shallow friendships in the U.S., as experienced by exchange students, is often puzzling to Europeans. Americans quickly calling someone their best friend, without the depth of relationship to match, contrasts with the European approach to friendships, which are typically formed over longer periods and with greater intimacy.
8. Young People Going into the Army
In Europe, joining the military is an uncommon goal for young people right out of high school, while in the U.S., military service is prestigious and encouraged as soon as possible.
9. Consumerism
The level of consumerism in the U.S., with its frequent shopping sprees and constant desire for new possessions, stands in contrast to the more restrained European approach. Europeans are often amazed by Americans’ enthusiasm for retail therapy and home decoration, a trait amplified by social media.
10. Having Kids Right Out of High School
The American trend of starting a family immediately after high school is notably different from the European norm, where higher education or vocational training and establishing a career usually precede parenthood.
11. The Cost of Birth and Medical Interventions
The high costs associated with healthcare in the U.S., including childbirth and prescription medication, astonish Europeans, who are accustomed to publicly funded health services. The idea of avoiding emergency medical care due to expense is particularly alien to the European experience.
12. Taxes Not Included in Prices
The American practice of excluding taxes from displayed prices confuses Europeans, who are used to price tags reflecting the total cost. This discrepancy highlights the simplicity and transparency of the European approach to pricing, contrasting with the American need to calculate the final cost at checkout.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.