40 American Norms That Baffle The Rest Of The World, As Shared In This Thread

A core part of being atraveleris being adaptable, flexible, and open-minded. When you go abroad, you can hardly expect everything—from the culture to the people—to be the same. Otherwise, what’s the point of ever leaving your hometown? You have to embrace the adventure!That being said, some customs are so peculiar that your initial reaction might be utter confusion, even if you later end up getting used to them. Some internet usersrecentlytook to a thread on AskReddit to share what, in their opinion, are some widely accepted norms in the United States that baffle the rest of the world. Scroll down to see how a slice of the world seesAmericancultural quirks, including the positives and negatives.This post may includeaffiliate links.

That being said, some customs are so peculiar that your initial reaction might be utter confusion, even if you later end up getting used to them. Some internet usersrecentlytook to a thread on AskReddit to share what, in their opinion, are some widely accepted norms in the United States that baffle the rest of the world. Scroll down to see how a slice of the world seesAmericancultural quirks, including the positives and negatives.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Weird nobody mentions one of the biggest problems; that is is legal to buy politicians.

40 American Norms That Baffle The Rest Of The World, As Shared In This Thread

Claiming they are the most free country / proud of freedom as a pillar of their society, but are no where near the top of indexes ranking international levels of freedom.

40 American Norms That Baffle The Rest Of The World, As Shared In This Thread

I always found it weird that Americans faint at the thought of nudity or a swear word, yet don’t bat an eyelid at depictions of extreme violence.

Woman in a red sweater covering her eyes, illustrating American norms surprising to foreigners.

It really does help to be open-minded when traveling abroad. Ideally, you should be willing to adapt to new cultures and customs, instead of demanding that the entire world matches your values and ideas just because you’re visiting.A humbletouristwho’s willing to learn new languages, treats the locals with respect, and actively listens instead of just talking, will have a much better chance of forming a genuine connection. And part of that means embracing whatever your travels throw at you. Going on an adventure means dealing with some discomfort, after all.On the flip side, someone who is rude, entitled, demanding, and obnoxious won’t win many locals over. You can’t be critical of every little thing that doesn’t match your cultural norms. Otherwise, you’ll spend the entire trip being upset about how things “aren’t like back home.”That being said, you shouldn’t turn a blind eye if you see someone behaving unethically, illegally, or in a way that goes against your most fundamental values. You want to be flexible without giving up your identity as an individual.

A humbletouristwho’s willing to learn new languages, treats the locals with respect, and actively listens instead of just talking, will have a much better chance of forming a genuine connection. And part of that means embracing whatever your travels throw at you. Going on an adventure means dealing with some discomfort, after all.

On the flip side, someone who is rude, entitled, demanding, and obnoxious won’t win many locals over. You can’t be critical of every little thing that doesn’t match your cultural norms. Otherwise, you’ll spend the entire trip being upset about how things “aren’t like back home.”

That being said, you shouldn’t turn a blind eye if you see someone behaving unethically, illegally, or in a way that goes against your most fundamental values. You want to be flexible without giving up your identity as an individual.

Heath insurance. It’s weird that it’s tied to employment and it’s even weirder that you still have to pay out of pocket for things even when the insurance itself is super expensive.

Female doctor holding a clipboard, a common American norm, standing confidently in a medical office setting.

Elementary schools doing regular active shooter drills.

40 American Norms That Baffle The Rest Of The World, As Shared In This Thread

I am American but I wanted to add saying the pledge of allegiance with our hands over our hearts and looking toward the flag was weird af in retrospect. Every school morning for years I had to do that.

Three women wrapped in an American flag, standing in a sunlit forest, symbolizing American norms.

CIEErecommendsthat you do a bunch of research before going on a trip. Read some articles, watch some videos, and consume as much quality content as you can about the country or city you’re visiting.You want to come to grips with what the culture is going to be like before you get off the plane or train. The internet is full of posts, guides, and clips that are free. Meanwhile, you can also head to your local library or cultural center for more material.

You want to come to grips with what the culture is going to be like before you get off the plane or train. The internet is full of posts, guides, and clips that are free. Meanwhile, you can also head to your local library or cultural center for more material.

Going back to work within days of giving birth.

Woman cradling newborn, surrounded by balloons, showcasing American norms in parenting.

Taking your credit card away from you when you pay a restaurant bill.My European coworkers thought they were being ripped off when they first encountered this practice! In most countries they bring the card reader to the table.

Woman holding a credit card at a restaurant, showcasing American norms.

Hands holding blister packs of pills, illustrating American norms around medication accessibility.

“When you go abroad, you are confronted with a new set of norms and new ways of thinking that may contradict your own ideas. Initially, we may think of these different ways of life as ‘strange’ or ‘wrong,’ without thinking critically and understanding that it is simply different,” CIEE explains, adding that you have to be willing to adjust your behavior to blend in and meet certain expectations.

Homeowners Associations.

A couple reviewing paperwork with a real estate agent outside an American house.

Price on the shelf is different to the price at the point of sale.

Woman checking phone in grocery aisle, holding eggs, illustrating American norms in shopping behavior.

Going to work while sick, and the possibility of getting fired for taking a sick day.

Man wearing mask, coughing at desk while working on a laptop, illustrating American norms during health concerns.

The age of adult responsibilities being 18, but adult privileges being 21.

Three friends sitting outdoors taking a selfie, highlighting American social norms that surprise international visitors.

Cancer bankruptcy.

Person pointing at a red ribbon on a white shirt, showcasing an American norm.

Americans discover the country is a tad bit dystopian.Oh man I wish I could go to the doctor but I got fired? Like wtf? People paid hundreds of billions of dollars to buy the president, in the open and thats just cool?? Prison slavery!? The death penalty? Secret little prisons to lock up people who the government can’t prove are criminals? More prisoners than any other country on earth despite the population. Cops are just allowed to murder people. They have tanks?!Some people are just not paid enough and everyone has to chip in, but only if they’re good? There are medicine commercials… That’s insane. It’s all insane. .

40 American Norms That Baffle The Rest Of The World, As Shared In This Thread

Being weirdly hyper sexualised and at the same time freakishly sexually repressed and prudish.It creates a bizarre atmosphere.

40 American Norms That Baffle The Rest Of The World, As Shared In This Thread

GUNS. Guns easily available to everyone, with few restrictions.

40 American Norms That Baffle The Rest Of The World, As Shared In This Thread

Tipping.

Waiter holding a tip in a cafe, illustrating American norms surprising to others.

I can’t understand the American health system, nor why there is such vehment oposition to changing it to be more accessible to all.

Family in masks speaking with a doctor, illustrating American norms around health and safety in a medical setting.

Insurance denies medical treatments.

Woman stressed at work desk, illustrating American norms.

Male circumcision.

40 American Norms That Baffle The Rest Of The World, As Shared In This Thread

The north korean level of pride. Flags everywhere, pledge of allegiance in school every morning, national anthem at every game. Only in dictatorships do you see that level of pride.

40 American Norms That Baffle The Rest Of The World, As Shared In This Thread