Every country has its way of doing things, it’s 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 “too European” to understand. They definitely didn’t hold back their opinions. Check out the 75 American problems that Reddit users are “too European” to understand.
Even some Americans don’t understand this one. For some reason, there seems to be an obsession with the lives of those who haven’t done much of anything significant. We could all learn from putting people on pedestals…
Or woman. But we get it. Good question. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of things that happen ‘behind the curtain’ that go into “democracy.”
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, you’ll be paying a hefty penny.
5) Say it with me, “natural”
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.
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. It’s 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.
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.
That is up for interpretation, of course. Keep on reading this list to see if you agree. It’s not perfect but is it worth it for you?
We’ll keep our “American” date format, thank you. Once things are embedded, it’s tough to break. It’s 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 areas… But to each their own. People are free to believe in what they choose here.
Children should have access to these things. While we’re at it, free lunches sounds pretty good too. No child should live in fear of hunger or illness.
The US has become quite infamous for their police. There are so many things that the US can be known for. It’s unfortunate that this is one of the biggest problems in America.
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. It’s been a hot debate for years to make it so these workers are paid a higher hourly rate.
14) Can’t have it all sometimes
Some people know what’s 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 “mild” in other areas, like violence, additional curse words can produce a more mature rating.
Vacation days are definitely a must! But for some reason, not everybody uses them. It’s 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 shouldn’t be the case.
Yes, huge gaps are a nuisance! Americans themselves don’t understand this terrible design. It’s like a flaw that never goes away no matter how loud people cry foul.
18) Fahrenheit vs Celsius
Another very “American” 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.
Apparently, Americans like to do things their own way. Yes, this includes measuring things. It’s so deeply implemented, it’s unlikely it’ll change.
Not really an American thing… It’s more of a personal preference. Ideally, no shoes in the house, regardless of region.
You have to admit, this is funny. In many ways because it’s true. America’s health care system isn’t great (it’s not free for starters) but some people really do eat like it is. But, it is their right to.
Small talk definitely feels liks a requirement sometimes. The worst part is feeling like the other person doesn’t even care. Can we forego is all?
23) Whenever you’re ready
While this is true in some families, most help raise their kids until… they’re ready to leave. Being fed until marriage? Sign me up!
Those darn taxes! This is how they get you. Not including the tax in an item’s shelf price is frustrating. There are some states that do not have a sales tax but it’s not many.
Yeah, this one is a head-scratcher (I’m referring to the part about the Army, though it applies to all military branches). As far as religion, that’s a worldwide phenom. Not strictly a ‘US’ thing.
If you think that’s bad, some have claimed that their credit score went down after paying off a debt. You want to cancel a card? That’s another dip in your score. Truly, it’s difficult to get out of a financial rut here.
27) The lessor of two evils
Another one that people agree doesn’t make a lot of sense. Here, you’re 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.
American ads get brought up quite often and for good reason. They’re… interesting. It isn’t unusual to see the ads in the order that is described.
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.
People have argued against this mindest for years. Some argue that the latter clearly has a more profund affect than the former. Though, they’re treated remarkably different.
31) Show me (how to save) the money!
Nope, prices can vary depending on location. Yeah, it’s a real drag. Hopefully, this can be fixed so affordable prescriptions can be accessed from anywhere.
This dfeinitely isn’t an “American” thing. Celebrity obsession and looking perfect is everywhere. It’s unfortunate. When will people learn that there are no “standards” to beauty.
Hold on just a minute. Our food isn’t nasty. Besides, there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and overall healthy options most places nowadays. Perhaps, they should check out more places.
It’s not just McDonald’s anymore.
It depends on who is building your house! Punching holes in walls doesn’t sound like fun at all. No matter what it’s made from!
Isn’t that just a dream. That cost is what it should be to attend college. Tuition in America is plain outlandish.
True. Those who abuse power should be held accountable for it. There is a fine line between public servants and celebrities.
Well, here’s 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. It’s horrible that people profit off of the confinement of others. This has definitely been a contentious topic.
The military does cost a lot of money. Unfortunately, so does freedom (it’s 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.
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.
Taxes… ugh.
By law, employers are to give employees time off to cast their votes. Unfortunatley, not many employees know this. It’s important to know your rights.
42) There’s enough to go around
Double standards are everywhere. While America may be the most convenient to use, it isn’t the only country with them.
43) We’re 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. It’s just so traditional. But the microwave method has to go.
Tea, anyone?
It’s true. You cannot even touch alcohol (in any capacity) if you’re 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.
The obsession with brands doesn’t stop with Americans. It’s a universal thing. Everyone could learn to step away from name-brand items.
Free higher education is an easy, “Yes!” Even if “free,” 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.
This user created a list of their own. They summed up the things they don’t understand about America quite nicely. It’s a sad, cold list, people.
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 doesn’t need time off?
Free wifi? Sign America up! That would be amazing. Most places don’t offer free wifi which is barbaric when you think about it. Gotta take a trip to Finland.
Most companies will leave the package outside of the door which, as we know, isn’t 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, it’s a great way to surpass “convenience fees” and some landlords still require checks as a method of payment.
For some reason, manual cars aren’t really a thing in the US. Perhaps, it should be. It’s a useful skill to have.
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 “military time.”
Suing culture is simply culture unfortunately. It’s everywhere.
Hey! We have kettles! And unfortunately, a lot of guns as well.
Again, Americans have their own ways of measuring things. It can be frustrating if you’re visiting or coming from another country. But to Americans, it’s standard.
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 effects… Whew. That’s an entirely different story.
62) Eat, repeat, and vice-versa
This was the response from a user to the previous slide. They aren’t 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 it’s 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 you’re not actually harming someone in some way, pretty sure you’ll be fine! But something tells me that this complaint can be said about most places.
This is an intereting list! The first is quite funny but pretty accurate, some would argue. I’ve 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.
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 doesn’t 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 shouldn’t be the exception to the rule or as pricey.
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.
True, ads are super annoying! Try watching a movie playing on TV, you’re better off spending the $6+ to stream it. There’s a lot of editing and interruptions throughout.
71) You’ll 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.
It may not seem like there are many choices. But there are. There are just two that are often in the majority. We’ll have to see what the future holds.
Homelessness is an issue everywhere. You’ll 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.
Honestly. You never know what problems that person has. A slip-and-fall could easily put an employee on a seat. It’s either that or make below a liveable wage.
Legit question. Why don’t we? It seems kinda obvious that they should be in most stalls. Let’s get this going, America.
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