16 things most Americans don’t know are an ‘American thing’ according to non-Americans |
The concept of “American exceptionalism” is usually associated with the idea that the United States is special and in some way superior to other nations, but there is another way to see it. Like other countries, there are things that are unique to the U.S., many of which we may now know are exceptionally American.
There are some obvious things we know are unique to us, such as referring to the game where you kick a ball into a goal as soccer, rather than football. There are also some of our nonsensical sayings, such as “See ya later, alligator,” or “Put your John Hancock on it,” that you won’t hear anywhere else. However, there are also some specific aspects of American culture that are so American, most of us don’t even realize they aren’t widely adopted elsewhere.
People on Reddit have asked multiple versions of “What is something Americans don’t realize are very American things?” and the responses are eye-opening.
The list that will make you rethink everything
Here are 16 things many Americans don’t realize are an ‘American thing.’
1. Medical commercials
“I’ve heard that other countries don’t have commercials for medications.”
“True in a lot of Europe, at least. You get what doctors prescribed you, that’s it. You will see ads for some over the counter medication though, like antacids and ibuprofen.”
“In-sink garbage disposers.”
“Graham crackers. I was telling some Aussies about s’mores and then had to stop and tell them about graham........