How To Avoid American Eye Rolls
Americans hear all kinds of comments from outsiders—both amusing and baffling. With a vast, diverse population, there's no way to adequately define or describe Americans as a whole, but that doesn't mean people still won't try. Ultimately, certain remarks will never land well. If you'd rather skip the awkward silence or a heated debate, here are a few things best left unsaid.
1. America Is Just Like Europe
Saying America is just like Europe is like calling a burger a sandwich—technically not wrong, but missing the point. Yes, both have rich histories and iconic landmarks, but the similarities stop there. For example, tipping. It is strongly expected in many service industries in America but less standardized in Europe.
2. All Americans Are Overweight
Sure, America loves its burgers, but thinking every American is waddling around with a super-sized soda is just plain wrong. Yes, Harvard reported about 40% of Americans are classified as obese, but that leaves millions who swear by boutique fitness classes that sound like medieval torture.
3. Why Don't You Speak Another Language?
America’s geographic makeup doesn’t offer the same multilingual exposure as Europe’s, where many countries are close together. Despite that, over 67 million people across the U.S. communicate in languages like Spanish and Tagalog at home. This adds to the nation’s vibrant cultural mix.
4. Your Healthcare System Is Terrible
Healthcare in the U.S. often feels overwhelming with its hefty price tag and mountains of paperwork. At the same time, the country is home to well-known hospitals like Johns Hopkins. Moreover, American labs continue to lead the way in revolutionary medical research.
5. You Must Love Guns
Gun culture is deeply rooted in history, from the frontier days to the Second Amendment. However, only about 30% of Americans own firearms, and opinions on the issue range from passionate support to strong opposition. Some see guns as a necessity, and others want stricter laws.
6. The U.S. Is Just One Big City
If your idea of America is just New York and Los Angeles, you're missing out on a lot. Nearly 60 million people live in rural areas, where life moves slower and communities are tight-knit. The country is full of small towns and national parks, larger than other countries.
7. All Americans Are Bad At Geography
Did you see one guy struggling to find France on a map and assume the whole country was lost? Sure, there are some geography flubs, but that doesn't mean every American thinks Europe is a country. The U.S. is massive, so naturally, schools focus more on national geography.
8. All Americans Are Rich
While the U.S. is home to billionaires with private islands and space rockets, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 11.6% of the population lives below the poverty line. The top 10% hold about 70% of the nation's wealth, leaving many Americans struggling with student loans and rent hikes.
9. You Don't Have Any History
America doesn't have medieval castles on every corner, but saying it has no history is like saying space travel doesn't count. Indigenous civilizations thrived here for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. From the Civil Rights Movement to Silicon Valley's tech boom, the U.S. has shaped modern history in ways that affect the world.
Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia
10. Why Are Americans So Loud?
Not every American is out here shouting like a sports announcer—though, to be fair, have you ever tried ordering coffee in a packed New York café? In big cities, being loud is just survival. But head to the Midwest, and you'll find soft-spoken folks who apologize when you bump into them.
Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
11. Do You Know [Random Person]?
With 330 million people across 50 states, the odds of knowing your friend's cousin's neighbor are as good as winning the lottery. While small towns are tight-knit, big cities barely know their next-door neighbors. Unless it's about Beyoncé, chances are the response will be a confused, "Nope, never met them."
12. Americans Don't Care About The Rest Of The World
Unlike what you think, Americans aren't just staring at their borders. The U.S. is a major player in global politics and humanitarian aid. Just because someone isn't fluent in European politics doesn't mean they don't care—time zones and media coverage play a role in how global events are consumed.
13. All Americans Are Obsessed With Celebrities
Hollywood is everywhere. However, that doesn't mean every American is glued to celebrity gossip 24/7. Even though some people keep up with the Kardashians, others couldn't care less. Science buffs, for instance, are geeking out over the latest space discoveries than over who wore what to the Oscars.
14. Americans Eat Fast Food Every Day
Unlike what you think, not every American is on a first-name basis with the drive-thru cashier. Fast food is everywhere, but organic markets and home-cooked meals are made from scratch. Cities like Portland are hotspots for fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
15. Why Don't You Travel Abroad More?
It's not because Americans don't want to; it's just that getting away isn't always easy. First, the U.S. is massive; at 3.8 million square miles, you can go from snowy mountains to sunny beaches without leaving the country. Then there's the whole passport thing; only 43% of Americans have one, per You Gov.
Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash
16. Your Education System Is Failing
Public schools vary in quality, and standardized testing gets its fair share of groans. Still, let's not forget this country produced MIT, Harvard, and Stanford. The U.S. also leads in Nobel Prize winners and groundbreaking innovations in STEM. Plus, have you ever heard of Silicon Valley?
17. You Must Be From Texas
Did you see a cowboy hat and assume? Although Texas is big, it's just one of 50 states, and not every American rides a horse to work or says "howdy" unironically. The U.S. is a patchwork of cultures, from New York's skyscrapers to the Midwest's cornfields.
18. Why Are Americans So Ignorant About Other Cultures?
With over 44 million immigrants, the U.S. is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Globalization has connected Americans to international affairs more than ever, from K-pop to world politics. Personal exposure still depends on factors like education and travel opportunities.
English: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han) on Wikimedia
19. You Don't Have Any Real Cuisine
Oh, really? Tell that to a Louisianan digging into a bowl of gumbo or a Texan savoring smoky brisket. American cuisine isn't just one thing; it's a melting pot of flavors from around the world, made uniquely American. From Maine's buttery lobster rolls to Chicago's deep-dish pizza, every region has its specialties.
20. Why Do You Call It "Football" When You Use Your Hands?
Well, blame 19th-century Britain. Back then, "football" was a catch-all term for several ball games, including the one that eventually morphed into American football. When the sport was split from rugby, it kept the name, even if hands had a more significant role in the game.
