Every country has its way of doing things, itโs own set of beliefs and traditions. While we all have many similarities between us, being different is what makes us unique.
Playful banter across country lines has been a thing since, well, lines were drawn. The way Americans do things in their country is going to be quite different from how someone, say Europe, does things in theirs.
In a Reddit post, it was asked for Europeans to name an American problem that they are โtoo Europeanโ to understand. They definitely didnโt hold back their opinions. Check out the 75 American problems that Reddit users are โtoo Europeanโ to understand.
1) The Lives of Others
Even some Americans donโt understand this one. For some reason, there seems to be an obsession with the lives of those who havenโt done much of anything significant. We could all learn from putting people on pedestalsโฆ
2) Democracy
Or woman. But we get it. Good question. Unfortunately, thereโs a lot of things that happen โbehind the curtainโ that go into โdemocracy.โ
3) Show us the way
Another solid point raised. Man, these Europeans are on a roll. Where do they suggest we go to not have to deal with the things on this list?
4) Survive a heart attack just in time for another when the bill comes
This one is a doozy for a lot of us. The cost of an ambulance is outrageous. Many Americans have reported bills of $3000 and $5000 for rides lasting less than 10 minutes. Some are even higher (or lower) depending on the type of ambulance used. One thing is for sure, youโll be paying a hefty penny.
5) Say it with me, โnaturalโ
True. Somehow, nudity has been turned into something bad. An example is breast-feeding. Some people lose their minds when seeing a woman breastfeed her child. Many women have even said that they have been shamed over it.
6) They get it
Many believe that three months is not nearly an adequate amount of time for a mother to adjust to a child. Not only is her body still going through major changes, but her child is as well. Itโs been
stated that six months is often the most imperative (health-wise) for child and mother.
The top 10 countries in the world with the most generous maternity leave are all in Europe. Even fathers receive time off.
7) Too costly
Going to college costs more and more every year. Having to pay for expensive books out of pocket does nothing to alleviate the financial burden. Oftentimes, this prevents some from even attending a university or college.
8) You decide
That is up for interpretation, of course. Keep on reading this list to see if you agree. Itโs not perfect but is it worth it for you?
9) Uh-ohโฆ
Weโll keep our โAmericanโ date format, thank you. Once things are embedded, itโs tough to break. Itโs especially difficult to adjust when traveling as most countries do not abide by this format.
10) There is one good thing
It could use some help in certain areasโฆ But to each their own. People are free to believe in what they choose here.
11) No child left behind
Children should have access to these things. While weโre at it, free lunches sounds pretty good too. No child should live in fear of hunger or illness.
12) The worst part
The US has become quite infamous for their police. There are so many things that the US can be known for. Itโs unfortunate that this is one of the biggest problems in America.
13) Can we live?
In many states, workers do not make enough hourly to make a liveable wage. When workers have to rely on tips, they basically are gambling with their livelihood. Itโs been a hot debate for years to make it so these workers are paid a higher hourly rate.
14) Canโt have it all sometimes
Some people know whatโs coming but just prefer not to hear it. This allows them to enjoy certain movies without dreading the curse words. Even if the rest of the film is โmildโ in other areas, like violence, additional curse words can produce a more mature rating.
15) Take a chill pill
Vacation days are definitely a must! But for some reason, not everybody uses them. Itโs been said that Americans are obsessed with work. Sounds about right but a breather is necessary!
16) Know better, do better
The US can certaintly work on its healthcare system. Users shared their stories of going to another state to receive medical care. This definitely shouldnโt be the case.
17) Privacy, please?
Yes, huge gaps are a nuisance! Americans themselves donโt understand this terrible design. Itโs like a flaw that never goes away no matter how loud people cry foul.
18) Fahrenheit vs Celsius
Another very โAmericanโ thing. The only other countries that use the fahrenheit scale are the Bahamas, Palau, Belize, the Cayman Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. Not very many in comparison to the number who use Celsius.
19) The American way
Apparently, Americans like to do things their own way. Yes, this includes measuring things. Itโs so deeply implemented, itโs unlikely itโll change.
20) No shoes!
Not really an American thingโฆ Itโs more of a personal preference. Ideally, no shoes in the house, regardless of region.
21) You choose
You have to admit, this is funny. In many ways because itโs true. Americaโs health care system isnโt great (itโs not free for starters) but some people really do eat like it is. But, it is their right to.
22) Yap, yap, yap
Small talk definitely feels liks a requirement sometimes. The worst part is feeling like the other person doesnโt even care. Can we forego is all?
23) Whenever youโre ready
While this is true in some families, most help raise their kids untilโฆ theyโre ready to leave. Being fed until marriage? Sign me up!
24) Figure it out
Those darn taxes! This is how they get you. Not including the tax in an itemโs shelf price is frustrating. There are some states that do not have a sales tax but itโs not many.
25) Make it make sense
Yeah, this one is a head-scratcher (Iโm referring to the part about the Army, though it applies to all military branches). As far as religion, thatโs a worldwide phenom. Not strictly a โUSโ thing.
26) An ongoing cycle
If you think thatโs bad, some have claimed that their credit score went down after paying off a debt. You want to cancel a card? Thatโs another dip in your score. Truly, itโs difficult to get out of a financial rut here.
27) The lessor of two evils
Another one that people agree doesnโt make a lot of sense. Here, youโre considered an adult at the age of 18 and therefore, should be able to make adult decisions. Until it comes to drinking?
Many argue that forbidding 18-year-olds to drink just increases binge drinking in lesser-controlled environments.
28) Sounds about right
American ads get brought up quite often and for good reason. Theyโreโฆ interesting. It isnโt unusual to see the ads in the order that is described.
29) American patriotism
The flag is a very big deal. But for many countries the flag is the ultimate symbol of sacrifice and patriotism. Some people can take things a little too far.
30) Backwards again
People have argued against this mindest for years. Some argue that the latter clearly has a more profund affect than the former. Though, theyโre treated remarkably different.
31) Show me (how to save) the money!
Nope, prices can vary depending on location. Yeah, itโs a real drag. Hopefully, this can be fixed so affordable prescriptions can be accessed from anywhere.
32) All around the world
This dfeinitely isnโt an โAmericanโ thing. Celebrity obsession and looking perfect is everywhere. Itโs unfortunate. When will people learn that there are no โstandardsโ to beauty.
33) There are choicesโฆ
Hold on just a minute. Our food isnโt nasty. Besides, there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and overall healthy options most places nowadays. Perhaps, they should check out more places.
Itโs not just McDonaldโs anymore.
34) It happens
It depends on who is building your house! Punching holes in walls doesnโt sound like fun at all. No matter what itโs made from!
35) Tossing ideas
Isnโt that just a dream. That cost is what it should be to attend college. Tuition in America is plain outlandish.
36) The fine line
True. Those who abuse power should be held accountable for it. There is a fine line between public servants and celebrities.
37) Thereโs a difference
Well, hereโs another example of breast-feeding being frowned upon. Nudity is natural. However, nowadays nudity is often equated to sex.
38) Prison is a business sometimes
Yeah, these are terrible. Itโs horrible that people profit off of the confinement of others. This has definitely been a contentious topic.
39) Letโs try it
The military does cost a lot of money. Unfortunately, so does freedom (itโs something people say all of the time). Many believe that the money for the military can be used in other areas such as education, housing, hunger, health care, etc. It would be fascinating to witness.
40) Unpacking
So many questions to unpack. Tipping is a personal choice but 20% is standard. It would be incredibly nice to have the tax included. Businesses have said that paying the waiters the low amount that they do helps to keep menu prices down for their customers.
Taxesโฆ ugh.
41) Know them!
By law, employers are to give employees time off to cast their votes. Unfortunatley, not many employees know this. Itโs important to know your rights.
42) Thereโs enough to go around
Double standards are everywhere. While America may be the most convenient to use, it isnโt the only country with them.
43) Weโre falling behind!
Voting is an important right. Here in America, citizens must register to do it. The Canadian way sounds quite convenient.
44) Someone propose this!
Paid lunches would be great. Unlikely but still, the thought is awesome. The reasoning behind it is understandable too. More companies should pay their employees for the time spent away from their loved ones!
45) The microwave is going too far
Americans just might be into the traditional way of heating water in a kettle. Itโs just so traditional. But the microwave method has to go.
Tea, anyone?
46) Let go!
Itโs true. You cannot even touch alcohol (in any capacity) if youโre underage. It might seem pretty strict but those are the rules.
47) Just get the giggles out
Yep, fax machines are still a thing here. But they serve a purpose. Laugh all you want, Europe. No, seriously, you can laugh.
48) Steap away, slowly
The obsession with brands doesnโt stop with Americans. Itโs a universal thing. Everyone could learn to step away from name-brand items.
49) Fre, free, free!
Free higher education is an easy, โYes!โ Even if โfree,โ someone has to pay for it. That will likely fall to taxpayers. But think about it for a moment; a society of these educated individuals may not be half-bad.
50) Just โnotโ
This user created a list of their own. They summed up the things they donโt understand about America quite nicely. Itโs a sad, cold list, people.
51) Use your time wisely
A lot of people barely use the time that they have off. I guess some companies figure, why give them more than what they will use? Of course, this is terrible. Who doesnโt need time off?
52) Cโmon โMerica
Free wifi? Sign America up! That would be amazing. Most places donโt offer free wifi which is barbaric when you think about it. Gotta take a trip to Finland.
53) Leave a note!
Most companies will leave the package outside of the door which, as we know, isnโt ideal, especially around the holidays. It would be nice if more companies left notes and came back. While some do this, it is defintiely hit-or-miss.
54) Checks really does serve a purpise
Yes, people still use checks. But that is for their own personal reasons! Honestly, itโs a great way to surpass โconvenience feesโ and some landlords still require checks as a method of payment.
55) Manual is a must!
For some reason, manual cars arenโt really a thing in the US. Perhaps, it should be. Itโs a useful skill to have.
56) Military Time
There are a decent amount of other countries that use the 12-hour clock like America. Still, most countries use the 24-hour clock also known as โmilitary time.โ
Suing culture is simply culture unfortunately. Itโs everywhere.
57) A mixed bunch
Hey! We have kettles! And unfortunately, a lot of guns as well.
58) Learn our ways
Again, Americans have their own ways of measuring things. It can be frustrating if youโre visiting or coming from another country. But to Americans, itโs standard.
59) Itโs taken care of
In Europe, emplyoyees do their tax returns if they are self-employed. Others, however, have their taxes taken out of their monthly/weekly wage. That sounds nice!
60) Let go but not really
Sure can. The idea of your previous employer paying you after letting you go seems preposterous here. Is it though? Nope, not really.
61) A list of the effects first, please
There are a ton of those! And those side effectsโฆ Whew. Thatโs an entirely different story.
62) Eat, repeat, and vice-versa
This was the response from a user to the previous slide. They arenโt necessarily wrong. The fast food helps to fuel the health system. An awful cycle.
63) No! Try again elsewhere
This gets brought up a lot. It would be extremely helpful to have the taxes already included in the items. Maybe itโs meant to challenge us. If so, challenge not accepted.
64) Plotting and scheming
True! The examples used are perfect as well. Who cares what other people prefer to eat and how they like to eat it? As long as youโre not actually harming someone in some way, pretty sure youโll be fine! But something tells me that this complaint can be said about most places.
65) What a list
This is an intereting list! The first is quite funny but pretty accurate, some would argue. Iโve always wondered about the two separate shower knobs. That would be nice.
66) Hobby Lobby for money
Not strictly an American issue but an important point. Users from Europe chimed in and stated that they have the same problem in Europe. However, they just happen to be more discreet.
67) The reinforcer
This is something that many people are catching on to and are working to resolve. While there are some houses built with reinforces, they are often not strong enough. Storms are getting stronger every year it seems.
68) Going for the jugular
Another list. But it doesnโt sound very far off. Especially #3. We could all learn to be a little more considerate. It seems so automatic in this day and age. #4 is sold too and #5 just makes us mad. Why? Because Whole Foods shouldnโt be the exception to the rule or as pricey.
69) Checks and balances
Cost of living varies greatly by region here. But yes, there are places where 4 grand is not sufficient. Money management is important just as much as affordable living options are.
70) Next!
True, ads are super annoying! Try watching a movie playing on TV, youโre better off spending the $6+ to stream it. Thereโs a lot of editing and interruptions throughout.
71) Youโll firgure it out
Yes, traffic laws can vary significantly from state-to-state. It definitely takes time to learn them. Usually, we learn them the hard way by being pulled over or constantly being honked at.
72) Letโs see
It may not seem like there are many choices. But there are. There are just two that are often in the majority. Weโll have to see what the future holds.
73) Not alone here
Homelessness is an issue everywhere. Youโll be hard-pressed to walk the streets of a major city and not see it. Skid Row, however, is an epidemic but is just one of the many sadly.
74) You never know
Honestly. You never know what problems that person has. A slip-and-fall could easily put an employee on a seat. Itโs either that or make below a liveable wage.
75) A message of love
Legit question. Why donโt we? It seems kinda obvious that they should be in most stalls. Letโs get this going, America.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.