Bruno Pugh
America is a land full of unique customs and conveniences that set it apart from the rest of the world. Everyday life in the U.S. offers experiences you won’t find elsewhere, from cheerleaders at sporting events to the zeal of college sports. Here are ten things that make American life distinctly different.
The Tipping Culture
In the U.S., tipping service workers is deeply ingrained. Customers are expected to tip waitstaff, bartenders, hairdressers, and taxi drivers, usually between 15% to 20% of the total bill. The obligatory nature and standard percentages of tipping are uniquely American.
The Pledge of Allegiance in Schools
Every morning in schools across the United States, students raise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The daily ritual fosters a sense of national unity and patriotism from a young age. This practice of a daily pledge is not as common in other countries.
Massive College Sports Culture
Colleges and universities take sports to another level. With massive stadiums, dedicated fan bases, and significant media coverage, college sports are a huge part of American culture. The enthusiasm and resources devoted to college athletics are unparalleled.
Garbage Disposal in Kitchen Sinks
Many homes have garbage disposal units installed under kitchen sinks. These devices grind up food waste and allow it to be flushed through the plumbing system. However, due to plumbing standards and environmental regulations, this is not as common elsewhere.
Tailgating Before Sporting Events
Fans often arrive hours before a sporting event to engage in “tailgating,” where they socialize, grill food, and enjoy drinks in the parking lots outside stadiums. This pre-game festivity is a unique aspect of American sports culture, especially prominent in football.
Cheerleaders at Sporting Events
Cheerleading is a prominent part of American sports culture, from high school games to professional leagues. While other countries have cheer squads, the scale and integration of cheerleading into sports events are uniquely American, often seen as a sport in its own right.
Free Refills
Refilling drinks for free feels like a luxury in other countries, but in the U.S., it’s the norm. Waiters keep glasses full without extra charges, from sodas to iced teas. International visitors often find this generosity surprising and wish the practice extended beyond America’s borders.
Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising
Pharmaceutical companies have permits to advertise prescription medicine directly to consumers via television, magazines, and online platforms. This encourages patients to ask their doctors about specific medications. Notably, only two countries allow this practice.
Massive Parking Lots
The United States caters to its car-centric culture with enormous lots, so you’ll never struggle to park near your favorite store. Sprawling parking lots dominate shopping centers and restaurants. In Europe or Asia, parking space is scarce, and public transport reigns supreme.
Sales Tax Surprises
Most other countries include taxes in listed prices, which makes the U.S. approach feel less straightforward. American price tags don’t tell the full story. Shoppers add sales tax at checkout, a concept that puzzles international visitors.
Mailboxes You Don’t Leave Home For
Americans enjoy the luxury of raising a flag on their mailbox to send out letters. In other countries, residents walk to a post office or public mailbox. The U.S. system adds convenience and makes outgoing mail as easy as a stroll down the driveway.