In America, we find plenty of things totally normal to us, but that might seem bizarre to the rest of the world. To Europeans, for example, some of our manners are pretty strange—like when we throw in an umm or like into every sentence, or how we put ketchup on our hot dogs and hamburgers. Sometimes it just takes an outsider’s perspective to see what’s really weird about us! So here are things that are totally normal to Americans but actually bizarre to the rest of the world.
1) We love our guns
Americans are known around the world for their love of guns. Even though gun ownership is frowned upon in many parts of the world, it’s perfectly normal and legal in the United States. Owning guns is considered a right and a privilege by many Americans, and there are more gun owners in the U.S. than any other country in the world.
The right to bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court as a fundamental right of Americans. Gun ownership is also a very important part of our culture and heritage, with many Americans growing up learning how to safely handle firearms and some even taking part in hunting trips.
2) We’re obsessed with our pets
In the United States, it is completely normal to treat pets like members of the family. We give them a lot of love and attention, buy them treats, lavish them with expensive toys, and even let them sleep in our beds. It may seem strange to those living outside of America, but having a pet is a huge part of our lives and a source of joy for many Americans.
We bring our pets to work, take them on vacations, spend hundreds of dollars on pet care, and take time off from work just to spend with our furry friends. We also proudly dress them up in costumes for Halloween and create detailed birthday parties for them each year.
It’s no wonder that Americans have become so obsessed with their pets – they are not just animals to us, but integral parts of our families and friends. We talk to them, cuddle with them, and play with them all the time. Pets have become an essential part of our daily lives and something we simply cannot do without.
3) We have a lot of debt
One thing that is totally normal to Americans, but bizarre to the rest of the world, is our large amount of debt. The United States has the highest consumer debt in the world with a total of $14.3 trillion in consumer debt. This includes everything from credit card debt to student loan debt to medical debt.
It’s no surprise that the average American carries a large amount of debt. The cost of living in the United States is quite high and wages often don’t keep up with inflation or cover all of the necessary expenses. This means that many Americans are forced to turn to credit in order to make ends meet.
Additionally, most other countries have better safety nets and more affordable options for health care and education, which can help reduce the need for credit. In the U.S., however, these services are often too expensive for the average person, leaving them with no other option than to rely on debt.
4) We love our fast food
When it comes to the topic of American fast food, the rest of the world may be in shock. For many Americans, it’s normal to eat a cheeseburger or a slice of pizza every day, or to get a milkshake from a drive-thru. But for other cultures, this type of food isn’t considered normal – it’s considered bizarre!
In most countries, fast food is viewed as a type of luxury. In the U.S., however, fast food has become an integral part of everyday life for many. From burgers and fries to shakes and sandwiches, Americans are used to getting a quick and easy meal without having to spend a lot of time cooking.
It’s also not uncommon for Americans to eat out more than they eat at home. Many people prefer the convenience of grabbing a quick bite at a restaurant or drive-thru rather than having to prepare a meal in their own kitchen. This can be confusing to people from other cultures who view cooking as an important part of life.
5) We’re addicted to our phones
In the United States, it is totally normal to be glued to your phone. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, texting a friend, or searching the web, Americans rely heavily on their phones for communication and entertainment.
It may seem like a harmless habit, but to people from other countries, this level of phone addiction can seem a bit strange. For example, people from countries like Finland and Japan don’t check their phones nearly as often and prefer to enjoy activities with friends and family instead. They also tend to limit the amount of time they spend on their phones, viewing it as a necessary tool instead of a source of entertainment.
It’s no wonder that Americans’ addiction to their phones has been called a global phenomenon. From the outside looking in, it can be hard to understand why we’re so attached to our devices. But here in the US, it’s just another part of our everyday lives.
6) We’re obsessed with celebrities
Americans are obsessed with celebrities. From the latest gossip to their public appearances, Americans are fascinated with their favorite stars and often idolize them. This is not just a trend amongst the younger generation, but older Americans too!
We follow celebrities on social media, attend their concerts, and even buy their clothing and other merchandise. We discuss who they’re dating and speculate about their personal lives. We love to watch award shows and any special events featuring our favorite celebrities.
It can be argued that this fascination with celebrities is bizarre to the rest of the world. In many countries, the celebrity obsession just isn’t as strong or pervasive as it is in America. But here in the U.S., we just can’t seem to get enough of our favorite stars!
7) We’re always in a hurry
Americans are known for being in a rush all the time. We seem to be in a perpetual hurry, running from one place to the next and always seeming to be on a tight schedule. This is seen as totally normal behavior here in America, but it can be quite bizarre to the rest of the world.
It’s almost like Americans have an unspoken rule that we must go as fast as possible. Whether it’s walking, driving, or shopping, we want to get it done quickly and move on to the next task. This is a stark contrast to other cultures, where it’s more important to take your time and savor the moment.
Americans also tend to be quite goal-oriented, and view time as a precious commodity. We feel like every minute counts, so it’s better not to waste time doing things the old-fashioned way. Instead, we look for shortcuts and try to use technology to do things faster.
These behaviors are completely normal for Americans, but can be rather strange for people who come from other parts of the world. We may not even realize how different our attitudes towards time can be from others’. So the next time you’re feeling rushed, take a step back and consider how this might seem to someone from another culture.
