In a recent video by Jimmy Briggs on his YouTube channel “World According To Briggs,” the host delves into 20 things that are commonly done in the United States but are rare or nonexistent in other countries. These unique practices often leave people from other nations baffled or even disapproving. Here, we explore these uniquely American habits and customs.
1. Advertising Prescription Drugs
In the U.S. and New Zealand, direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs is legal. The U.S. takes it to the next level, with pharmaceutical ads saturating media channels, reflecting a belief in consumer empowerment and the free market.
2. Extreme Portion Sizes
Americans are known for their super-sized meals and beverages, a stark contrast to the smaller servings found in other countries. This cultural trait is influenced by agricultural abundance and consumer expectations.
3. Tipping Culture
Tipping is deeply ingrained in American service industries. Unlike in many other countries where tipping is rare or even offensive, Americans tip for various services, sometimes excessively so.
4. Imperial Units
While most of the world uses the metric system, the U.S. sticks with the imperial system, using miles, gallons, and Fahrenheit. Efforts to switch to the metric system have repeatedly failed.
5. Drive-Through Everything
The U.S. boasts a drive-through culture that extends beyond fast food to include banks, liquor stores, and even wedding chapels in Las Vegas. During the pandemic, even drive-through strip clubs emerged in Portland, Oregon.
6. The Electoral College System
The U.S. electoral system, particularly the Electoral College, is unique. It aims to balance the influence of populous and less populous states, ensuring a fair distribution of power.
7. The Right to Carry Weapons
The Second Amendment grants Americans the right to own and carry firearms, a freedom not commonly found in other developed nations. This right is deeply rooted in American history and culture.
8. Free Refills
In American restaurants, free refills on soft drinks are standard. This customer-centric approach is rare in other countries, where drinks are often sold by the cup without refills.
9. College Sports Sponsorships
College sports in the U.S. are a billion-dollar industry, complete with sponsorships and advertising. This commercialization of amateur sports is unique to America.
10. The Pledge of Allegiance in Schools
Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is a daily routine in many American schools, promoting national unity and patriotism. This practice is rare in other countries.
11. Jury Duty
In the U.S., citizens are required to serve on juries, participating in the legal system. This civic duty is not as common or mandatory in many other countries.
12. Going into Debt for College
American students often incur significant debt to attend college, unlike in many other countries where higher education is free or heavily subsidized.
13. Overtime and Overwork
The U.S. is known for its demanding work culture, with fewer vacation days and maternity leave compared to other developed nations. Americans often work long hours and take less time off.
14. Same Color Money
American currency is predominantly green, unlike the colorful banknotes used in other countries. This can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish between different denominations.
15. For-Profit Private Prisons
The U.S. has private prisons run for profit, a concept unique to America. This system has led to various ethical and legal issues, including judges receiving kickbacks for sentencing juveniles.
16. High Frequency of Sales and Discounts
The U.S. consumer culture features frequent sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Other countries do not typically have such extensive discounting practices.
17. Writing the Date Beginning with the Month
Americans write dates in the format of month-day-year, which can be confusing for people from other countries where the day-month-year format is standard.
18. Huge Cups of Coffee
Americans often drink large cups of coffee, sometimes on the go. In contrast, other countries typically serve smaller portions meant to be enjoyed at the café.
19. Taking Home Leftovers
In the U.S., it’s common to take home leftovers from a restaurant. This practice is frowned upon or even considered rude in many other countries, where smaller portions are the norm.
20. Food Dyes
The U.S. allows a wide range of food dyes and additives, many of which are banned in other countries due to health concerns. American foods often contain bright, artificial colors.
Unique Aspects
These 20 practices highlight the unique aspects of American culture that set it apart from the rest of the world. While some may seem strange or excessive to outsiders, they reflect the distinctive values and lifestyles of Americans. From super-sized meals to the right to bear arms, these everyday actions offer a glimpse into the American way of life.
See the full video on World According To Briggs’ YouTube channel for more details here.
