10 Surprising American Cultural Habits That divid Americans

There is always a lot of talk about what Europeans think of America. Based on our experience and others’, we’ve made several lists about surprising American things for foreigners. But Americans have thoughts of their own too!

America is like a big family where everyone has their own opinion on what’s right or wrong, and that’s what makes its culture so interesting. But, just like in any family, Americans don’t always see eye to eye on everything. Here are some things that often have them split down the middle, from working too much to how they view their soldiers.

1. Working All the Time

Some Americans think that working all the time is just part of being successful. They wear their busy schedules like badges of honor, proud of the long hours they put in. But not everyone agrees. There’s a growing conversation about the importance of work-life balance, arguing that there’s more to life than just work. Americans are starting to question if being glued to their desks is really worth missing out on time with family and friends.

2. Loving the Country Too Much

We saw one comment that had hundreds of supporters saying “Loving our country unconditionally the way a 4 year old loves his mommy. We should love our country like an adult, accept that we have flaws and work on fixing them.” It’s like how a little kid might adore their parent, without seeing any of their faults. Some Americans feel they should love their country in this way, ignoring its problems. But others argue that true love means acknowledging these issues and working to fix them, much like how an adult might approach their relationships, recognizing flaws and striving for improvement.

3. Idolizing Foreign Policies

Americans often hear arguments about adopting policies from other countries, thinking it might solve their problems too. But there’s a counterpoint that they should focus on finding solutions that fit their unique situation in the U.S. Instead of looking for quick fixes elsewhere, the idea is to craft their own strategies that address their specific challenges.

4. Religion Everywhere

The role of religion in American politics is a hot topic. Take France for example; religion and politics are strictly separate. Some Americans feel it has too much influence, affecting laws and social norms. Meanwhile, others see it as essential for maintaining moral values and guiding decisions at the national level. This divide showcases a fundamental disagreement over how much religion should intersect with government and public life, highlighting the varying degrees of secularism and faith across the American landscape.

5. Celebrity Worship

The fascination with celebrities and their lives is something that divides Americans. On one side, there are those who can’t get enough of celebrity gossip and news, following their favorite stars’ every move. On the other, some criticize this obsession, arguing that it places too much importance on the lives of people who should be seen as entertainers, not role models. This debate touches on issues of idolization and the values that Americans hold dear.

6. Disagreeing on Disagreeing

angry couple — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Ironically, Americans can’t even agree on the concept of disagreement itself. Some say that a core part of being American is the freedom to have differing opinions, highlighting the value of debate and discourse. One American user shared his thoughts before saying: “Part of being American is disagreeing with about half of everyone, and I am sure half of the people disagree with that statement too.”However, others feel this constant disagreement is divisive, preventing unity and progress. This meta-debate reflects the deeply ingrained culture of individualism and freedom of speech, as well as the challenges that come with it.

7. Normalizing Debt

The idea that being in debt is just part of life is a contentious issue. Many accept it as a necessary evil, whether it’s through student loans, credit cards, or mortgages. Yet, there’s a growing voice against this normalization, advocating for financial independence and criticizing the systems that make debt seem inevitable. This divide underscores differing views on responsibility, success, and the American Dream.

8. Hyper-Valorization of the Military

Respect and admiration for the military and veterans are deeply rooted in American culture. However, some argue that this can sometimes border on blind nationalism: “I’m well aware that the world benefits enormously from having a largely benevolent military superpower, but the way we so casually idolize it feels uncomfortably close to blind nationalism at times.” Others believe this level of respect is well-deserved, given the sacrifices made by service members. This discussion reflects broader conversations about patriotism, nationalism, and the role of the military in society.

9. Litigiousness

The tendency to sue over various issues is another point of contention. It’s even a joke on the other side of the ocean: “we should sue like Americans!”. Some Americans see it as a necessary tool for justice, allowing individuals to stand up against wrongs. However, others view this as an abuse of the legal system, creating a culture where litigation is the first response to any disagreement or dissatisfaction.

10. Mandatory Tipping and Hidden Costs

hand taking cash — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One comment with lots of support said: “It’s not my job to pay your employee’s salary. Or at least it shouldn’t be. I also don’t like extra things added onto a bill at the end. While I’m at it let me bring up sales tax. Let’s just have the price of the thing we’re buying include tax added too.”

the Practice Of Tipping

The practice of mandatory tipping, along with adding extra costs like sales tax at the point of sale, frustrates many Americans. Some argue it’s unfair to expect customers to subsidize employee wages through tips or be surprised by additional costs not included in the listed price. Others see tipping as a way to reward good service and accept added taxes as a standard part of shopping.

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Mary and Eric

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.

10 Surprising American Cultural Habits That divid Americans