Europeans Reveal The Things That Made Them Go "WTF" While Visiting The U.S
The U.S. seems kind of wild if you're not from there.
The United States of America is a pretty wild place if you think about it. Americans do things differently, and the rest of the world watches in shock and worry. Even something as basic as a supermarket is completely different in the U.S.; it has a different vibe in general.
Reddit user u/AppleberryJames posed a great question for the askReddit community: "Europeans who’ve visited the U.S., what made you go 'WTF'?" The responses they received were quite interesting, with many contributions from various nationalities.
Here's the original Reddit post:
Reddit"The cheerful, smiling faces on a medication TV ad while the voiceover mentioned that death is a possible side effect."
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"Was staying with the nicest family ever."
They worked extremely long hours and lived in the suburbs. I wanted to cook for them as a surprise and set out to the store on foot, with an empty backpack for the groceries. I had to walk along the curb and then cross an eight-lane highway to get to the store. I had to stop a really, really old man from bagging the groceries. Then I was stopped by the police on the way back. They were very friendly; they just wanted to know where my car had broken down. They ended up explaining to me that there was basically zero infrastructure for walking in the suburbs. They took me home. On the way, I saw a sign that read, "Gas 99 cents a gallon, Bud's Xmas Gift to the Community," which blew my dad's mind when I told him later. I got home, thanked the nice officers, and made a vegetable casserole. When my wonderful host family came home, they were blown away but also extremely worried. All in all, I would say that no matter how crazy America may be or seem, Americans make up for all of it. They are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people I have ever met.
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Cultural Differences in Perception
When Europeans visit the U.S., they often experience cultural dissonance that can lead to feelings of confusion or surprise. According to social psychologists, cultural norms dictate our expectations about behavior in public spaces. These differences can trigger a range of emotional responses, from amusement to frustration, as travelers navigate unfamiliar social landscapes.
Research published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology indicates that exposure to diverse cultural practices can reshape an individual's worldview, enhancing adaptability and understanding. This aligns with the idea that cultural experiences can provide valuable insights into our own behaviors and beliefs.
"Especially as a bloody introverted Finnish person (stereotypes kicking in), it was terrifying how people had a ton of chitchat and were really talkative."
They wished me a good day and asked about trivial matters.DON'T TALK TO ME, PLEASE! I AM NOT QUALIFIED FOR THIS!
"Roadside billboards scattered along the interstates in the South."
Billboard #1: JESUSBillboard #2: PORN AND BOOZE, NEXT EXIT
Billboard #3: GUNS! GUNS! GUNS!
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"The political ads on TV that do not promote but instead demonize candidates!"
"So-and-so is a devil from hell who will eat your newborn for breakfast if you vote for them! Don’t do it if you love America!" Scary music and black-and-white footage included. Weird, very weird.
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Moreover, the phenomenon of 'cultural shock' often manifests in humorous anecdotes shared by travelers. Psychologists note that laughter can serve as a coping mechanism when faced with unexpected situations. By finding humor in cultural misunderstandings, individuals can foster resilience and enhance their ability to adapt to new environments.
Understanding these dynamics can help individuals appreciate the richness of cultural diversity and the lessons it offers.
"The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas absolutely blew my mind."
The fact that outside they have what looks like a scale for use on a farm, but for weighing people, and if they weigh over 350 lbs, they eat for free, was horrendous, and it took me ages to wrap my English mind around it.
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"Almost all food tastes sweet, including bread."
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"Was on an exchange. Two of the most memorable questions were, 'Can you see the moon in Europe?' and 'Do you have pizza in Europe?'"
Something else I'll never forget was the map of Europe in the school I attended, which still showed the country of Yugoslavia (which doesn't exist anymore), and all the borders were incorrect. A map IN THE SCHOOL.
Psychological Insights into Travel Experiences
Traveling can evoke a range of psychological responses, particularly when individuals encounter unfamiliar environments. Research from the University of Michigan shows that travel can enhance personal growth by challenging preconceived notions and encouraging open-mindedness. These experiences can lead to increased self-awareness and emotional maturity.
Furthermore, navigating cultural differences can help individuals develop empathy and compassion for diverse perspectives. Engaging with different cultures fosters a sense of interconnectedness, enriching one's sense of identity.
"The amount of obese people. Obese people riding electric scooters at shopping places. Being handicapped because you are obese."
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"Went there as a German soldier on a semi-work-related trip, wearing a uniform."
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"I ate a blue slurpee ice-drink thing in a theme park, and three hours later, I kid you not, I did a VIBRANTLY BLUE [POOP]."
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Strategies for Navigating Cultural Differences
To maximize the benefits of travel, individuals are encouraged to adopt a mindset of curiosity and openness. Approaching new experiences with an open heart can transform moments of confusion into opportunities for learning. Moreover, engaging with locals and asking questions can enhance understanding and foster meaningful connections.
Practicing active listening and cultural humility can also help navigate potential conflicts that arise from misunderstandings. By being receptive to different viewpoints, travelers can cultivate a more enriching experience.
"Went to L.A. a week last year for work..."
Things like portion sizes, the average weight of people, quality of food, and commercials, etc., are just what I thought they would be. But the surprises for me:1. I do know the modeled Los Santos in GTA from L.A., but I didn't realize how well they did it. People talk and behave basically the same way. The sound, the light, the landscape, the frickin' RADIO! I thought a big part of it was just exaggeration. Nope! This was actually kind of fun, driving around looking at things and going, 'Oh wow, this is where that thing happened in the game.' Awesome!2. There are a lot of homeless people, and you can tell many of them are sick and/or have psychological problems. This sure doesn't remove any of my prejudice about American healthcare and social security...3. The extreme differences between neighborhoods that are right next to each other. Sure, I understand why one street might have houses that look nice and are well taken care of, and another not so much. But why is there a difference in how well paved the road is? Why is the 'poor' street in such decay with lots of potholes, while the 'rich' street is so clean and free from potholes? Aren't things like fixing the roads the responsibility of the city? It's mind-boggling that they care more about rich neighborhoods than the poor ones. If they did that so blatantly back here, there'd be some serious consequences and a big fan involved.Generally, the social class differences are of a magnitude I've never seen before. Honestly, I thought the things I heard before were somewhat exaggerated. I was wrong. And it is right in front of you basically all of the time! Really, really sad to see.
"Tax not included in the price tag. It's...weird!"
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"Flags everywhere. Not just in front of people's homes, but in front of everything. I even saw a U.S. flag in front of a supermarket. WTF."
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"Ads for prescription medicines. Like, what the actual hell."
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Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Traveling, especially to culturally distinct locations, offers profound opportunities for personal growth and understanding. Embracing the unexpected can lead to transformative experiences that enrich one's life. Through this journey of exploration, individuals can develop greater empathy, adaptability, and appreciation for diversity.
