The United States of America is known for its diverse mix of cultures, history, and ideas, which contribute to unique social norms and customs.
While some of these norms are acceptable or expected by American society, they may puzzle others or clash with those of other countries. It may leave foreigners who visit the U.S. or follow the news scratching their heads in confusion.
There’s beauty in cultural diversity, but some American practices will most likely be met with resistance or surprise in other global cultures. Let’s explore the things that are another normal Tuesday in America but almost taboo elsewhere.
1. More Guns Than People
America’s gun culture is a shock for many people around the world. A 2022 survey showed there are about 120 guns for every 100 citizens, a feat no other country has achieved.
Many other nations have stricter gun control laws and attitudes, contrasting with the widespread ownership and support of firearms in the United States thanks to the Constitution’s Second Amendment.
2. Casual Attire in Professional Settings
In many countries, a professional setting like an office calls for official wear, mostly suits and ties in varied shades of grey and dark blue. However, in the land of the brave, casual clothing, such as jeans and T-shirts, is accepted and normal in some professional environments (especially those with a younger crowd).
While formal wear may show some level of seriousness, attire doesn’t necessarily define productivity. Some people are saving the world while working in their Pajamas these days.
3. Toilet Door Gap
You know you are in America when the toilet doors in public places start lowering, and the spaces under the door get higher.
While the doors are a privacy nightmare, they’re meant to prevent anyone from getting trapped in the toilet and also to make cleaning easy. The air circulation is a bonus.
4. Drinking at 21
Most countries have the drinking age at the gates of adulthood, which is about 18. Except in America, where you have to wait until you’re 21.
While children under 21 aren’t allowed to drink, they’re allowed to drive or even join the army. This rationale is hard for most people to understand.
5. Tipping A Lot
Tipping between 15 and 20 percent (or even more these days) is an American custom that seems unusual or unnecessary to individuals from other countries. The American tipping culture frequently causes confusion in different cultures, especially those used to having the service charges included in the bill for many other nationalities.
It’s more baffling that people who rely on tips are paid below the minimum wage and have to rely on tips.
6. Flags, Flags Everywhere
If displaying flags is the best way to demonstrate patriotism, then Americans must be the most patriotic people. Flags are hoisted on front porches, wrapped around people, on cars, and even as pins on clothes.
For Americans, the flag is a symbol that unites them and is used in times of great trials. Did you know that 150 million American flags of all sizes are sold each year? While love for flags is understandable, others may consider it a little excessive.
7. Building Credit
Many numbers dictate the state of a person’s life, and in the USA, credit score is one of the most important factors.
Building a good credit score via timely repayment of borrowing (for loans, credit cards, etc.) is beneficial in preparation for bigger purchases, like a home. Yet, some people find it absurd that such significant financial decisions are based solely on the promptness of paying even minor bills.
8. Ice in (Almost) Everything
If you see an American with a drink in hand, the chances are very high that it has ice in it. While iced coffee isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, cold beverages with ice have been popular in the United States for decades.
Ice provides a refreshing and cooling effect, especially in warmer climates or during the hotter seasons. Picking up a bag of ice for a BBQ on a hot summer day is very American, but many countries across the globe do not offer ice in any form for sale.
9. Free Drink Refills
If your coffee cup runs out in an American restaurant, the staff is more than happy to refill it—for free!
The practice of offering unlimited drink refills in American restaurants, particularly for soft drinks, may be seen as wasteful or indulgent in cultures where portion control and moderation are emphasized.
10. Overuse of Air Conditioning
Relying on air conditioning to maintain cold indoor temperatures, even in mild weather, is a very American norm.
Although it’s great to help stay cool, it can be wasteful and environmentally unfriendly in regions where natural ventilation or moderate climate control is favored.
11. Shoes in The House
Many Americans will walk into a house and not think twice about having their outdoor shoes in it. In American culture, shoes are clean, and floors are dirty.
This simple act would seem offensive in some cultures, such as oriental or European cultures, where shoes are expected to be left outside.
12. The Imperial System
America is one of the only three countries still using the imperial system in their measurements.
In contrast to the metric system, which is utilized in most nations worldwide, the imperial system is frequently regarded as old-fashioned and less standardized.
These norms emphasize the variety of social customs and behaviors across societies and reflect aspects of American culture that may be intriguing or perplexing to people from other parts of the world.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
