Some Interesting Things to know about America
The thrill of being in a new country sure has its perks, however, it has its share of new learning to be done about the general culture of the place. The way of speech and certain cultural differences may leave a newcomer confused and not well equipped. It’s helpful to become aware of the day-to-day habits and nuances about Americans and the US culture in general.
1. Think Big - They Generally are Inclined to Think Big
When most cultures outside of the US promote practicality and compactness of things, the Americans tend to go the opposite way. The motto is “Go big or go home”. Bigger sized vehicles seen in parking lots and on the road are things which are a commonality. Americans like their space in general, from cars to homes.
Large can be handy to them. The same principle applies to American cuisine also. This also reflects in the portion sizes of food they serve at restaurants which mostly people take home, as it is impossible to finish. It’s helpful to keep this in mind when ordering food.
Most entrees are for more than one person to eat, so it’s better to ask the waiter for suggestions if you’re unsure.
Sure, the newer generation are taking sides to minimalism, being mindful, ecofriendly living, organic food and minimising their carbon footprint and waste, but this is generally a smaller crowd.
Even their presidents are big! Former participant Sharon visits Mount Rushmore.
2. “To-go” Concept - Eating on the run
Due to hectic schedules, running errands, picking kids from school, Americans seem to be busy a lot and so it makes sense for them to optimize eating time by opting for food on the go. You’re going to be seeing a lot of people having food/ beverages on the go which is not common for an outsider. You shouldn’t be surprised to see people eating food in public places, in lines, transport, especially in cities like New York. Eating is not as much a private activity as one would believe in the US. Also, you would be able to spot a drive-through very frequently, as many Americans prefer to eat in their car. Time is a highly respected commodity in the US and people conserve their time ordering take out.
On the contrary, Americans also enjoy a variety in their food and one would find a wide selection of cuisines even in the smallest cities.
Due to its cultural diversity, one could easily find Middle Eastern, Thai, Afghani food in larger cities and the basic Mexican, Pizza, Chinese food even in the smaller cities. Americans do eat out a lot, it is common to see people ordering take out for work lunches too. Some people rarely eat out as these things vary in all cultures and societies. This is just an outline to what one can expect to see and it has to be kept in mind that people’s habits vary from city to city and for different backgrounds, as America is the biggest melting pot of varied cultures.
3. Sports Lovers
Americans are avid sport lovers, the most followed being football, baseball and basketball. Soccer has much less of a following in the US, in comparison to other countries. Like any other country, sports can be a major divider and unifier among fans. During the sports season, your passionate American colleague may indulge in debates on which team shall win. Football, though difficult to catch up on, can be easily learned from the Americans.
If it’s football or basketball season, you might witness your coworkers having heated discussions about which team is superior. Football is entertaining to watch but can be difficult to understand, but you can ask your American coworkers for assistance.
The Super Bowl football matches are a great social opportunity when you learn to enjoy the game.
4. Always Ready for Competition
From early on, kids in America are honed in on the competitive spirit of Americans. Children are encouraged to do their best in academics, sports and preferred hobbies and are taught the importance of hard work and perseverance. Admission into universities can be a challenging feat and so parents prepare their kids well in advance to take it up head on. The competitive nature can be seen right from the preschooler’s admission and also can be seen in the spirit of scout girls keeping score of the most sold cookies.
They somehow get a high from the competitive side and that has contributed to the country’s spirit in being an innovative leader in most fields.
They believe that being proactive is the way to go and don’t wait for their peers to catch up- the epitome of self-drive and ambition. They take initiative and take action when they want to do something. They don’t frequently wait around for others to catch up.
5. Being 'Politically Correct'
America is a melting pot of diverse cultures, so it is a habit of the Americans to be considerate and respectful of other cultures and differences. They are particularly careful to not offend anyone during communication and expression of one’s ideas.
A base rule of thumb would be not to use certain terms or expressions that could be deemed offensive, regardless of who’s with you. This form of mindfulness while communicating is key when you’re dealing with a culture based on diversity and helps to maintain a cohesive environment for the general wellbeing of the group dynamic.
6. Small talk
It is very common for Americans to have small talk with strangers asking about the day Or very general topics, like the weather or sports. It might shock people from other countries to see how generally, people seem friendly and seem to converse with absolute strangers about current events or comment on the long line they’re waiting in, but it’s absolutely normal here.
However, small talk is just meant to be a harmless way to pass time and not a free pass to make you uncomfortable in any way. So some Discernment might be needed with someone new to this culture.
7. Independence
Americans are all about independence and highly value it and even take pride in it. Self-sufficiency is encouraged in kids and it’s normal to see kids go for summer camps or travel for extended periods of time, away from parents.
Teenagers often choose universities far from their hometown for further education and insist on managing on their own. College students prefer to stay on their own or some with other students in resident halls and almost all of them move from hometown after their graduation. It’s normal to see a typical 18-year-old living on their own and managing all their personal chores by themselves away from their family. It is rare to see many dependent adolescents/young adults living with their parents in this culture and this may be a surprise to someone from outside.
After 17 or 18 years, most Americans no longer live at home with their families. They also do their own shopping, laundry, cooking, and pursue careers or studies on their own.
8. Speaking up
In a work environment or any environment, Americans are known to speak up for what they want, stand for and very open in their approach.
It may be surprising to see them voice out their opinions or ideas so casually, even in workspaces. They are not afraid to speak up even in front of superiors with due respect given. So, speak your mind, appropriately and where it’s necessary. Employers actually encourage you to clarify your doubts, even the minor ones when it’s done respectfully and there’s no backhanded rudeness/ spite.
This allows for transparency in the workplace and maintaining a cohesive work environment.
FAQs:
Q: What are 5 interesting facts about USA?
ANS: Interesting facts about the United States are:
There are many natural wonders in the United States, which is an interesting fact.
Our rivers are the fourth longest in the world.
The US economy is the biggest in the world.
There have been 27 changes to the American flag.
Some of the best musicians of all time live there.
Center of entertainment.
Q: What are some important facts about America?
ANS: Facts about United States of America:
The United States of America is the official name.
Population: 324, 057, and 300.
Form of Government: Federal Republic based on the Constitution
Washington, D.C., is the Capital.
Area: 9, 826, 630 square kilometers.
The Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians are the two largest mountain ranges.
The Mississippi, Missouri, and Colorado are all big rivers.
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Q: What’s America famous for?
ANS: McDonald’s.
America is known for its fast food, for better or for worse.
Big Apple.
Nasa.
Hollywood.
The Grand Canyon Disney.
50 of the World’s Best Pizzas.
Q: What are the most American things?
ANS: Hot dogs, baseball, and apple pie In the 1970s, these well-known American symbols were brought back in the most American way possible: a car ad.
Blue jeans and pick-up trucks
comfort (or junk) food.
People watch TV and movies.
Q: Why is USA so unique?
ANS: The American founding was unique because it was a rare mix of freedom, limited government, natural rights, and religious freedom. The United States is the only country in the world that is based on natural rights and natural law.
Q: What things are only in America?
ANS: Peanut butter, Pop-Tarts are among products popular primarily in America.
Mountain Dew.
Fans of this caffeinated, citrus-flavored soda might wonder why it’s not popular outside America.
Peanut Butter.
Girl Scout cookies.
American Cheese.
Southern-style biscuits.
Cheez-Its.
Frank’s Red Hot.
Easy Cheese.
Q: What is America named after?
ANS: How Did America Get Its Name? Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer, came up with the idea that the lands Christopher Columbus reached in 1492 were on a separate continent. This was a new idea at the time.
Q: What is America best at in the world?
ANS: Aerospace and Aviation. Without a doubt, the United States of America dominates the fields of aviation, aerospace, and space exploration. The recent launch of a rocket by SpaceX, which was the first time a commercial flight was made into space, showed that the United States is still the leader in this field.
Q: What food is most American?
ANS: Most Popular American Foods are: Burgers. Apple Pie. French Fries. Hot Dogs. Chocolate Chip Cookies. Pizza. Fried Chicken. Grilled Cheese etc..
Q: What made the US so great? Or why do you like USA?
ANS: Freedom: They are free to say what they want, believe what they want, and act however they want without fear of being persecuted in any way for their beliefs, actions, or words. This is not the case for a great number of people all over the world. In the United States, we have the ability. They have a diverse group of people and are a melting pot.
Q: What are some American words?
ANS: Here, we look at some of our favorite typical American words and talk about what they mean.
Cool: No word is more American than cool, and the word has come a long way, Awesome: Here’s another word whose meaning has changed a great deal over the years, Gosh, Dude, Faucet, Diaper, Bangs, Booger etc.
Q: What is USA famous food?
ANS: The first thing that comes to mind when you think of “American cuisine” are classics like burgers, fried chicken, hot dogs and pancakes.
Q: What is America favorite color?
ANS: Blue Is America’s Favorite Color.
Q: What is America’s real name?
ANS: The full name “United States of America” was first used during the American Revolutionary War, though its precise origin is a matter of contention.
Q: What is America known for culture?
ANS: American culture has both conservative and liberal parts. It is competitive in science and religion, has political structures, encourages taking risks and free speech, and has both materialist and moral parts.
Q: How do USA say hello?
ANS: ‘Good morning’, ‘Mornin’ / Morning’, ‘Hey’ , ‘ Hi/Hi there’ , ‘How’s it goin’ / going? ‘, ‘How are you? / How are you doing? / How are ya? ‘, ‘Yo/What’s up? ‘, ‘What’s going on? ‘ etc..
Q: Is America a girl’s name?
ANS: The name America can be used for both boys and girls. Since the colonial era, both boys and girls have received this as young children. Still, parents keep taking the chance. Some people may have chosen the name because of the actress America Ferrera.
Q: What are some very American things?
ANS: Hot dogs, baseball, and apple pie In the 1970s, these iconic American symbols were brought back in the most American way possible: a car commercial, pickup trucks and blue jeans, comfort food (or junk food), TV and movies, etc.
Q: How do you say bye in American?
ANS: Bye, bye! See you later, see you soon, or talk to you later; “I’ve got to go” or “I have to go,” “Take it easy,” “I’m leaving,” “Formal and Business Goodbyes in English,” “Goodbye and Have a Nice Day,” “Have a Good Day,” etc.
Q: Do Americans say zero or OH?
ANS: “People who speak American English use the number zero both in conversation and in writing. It is acceptable and common practice for an American to pronounce the number zero as “oh” when they are only reciting a string of numbers. However, when reciting a string that contains both characters and numbers, it is necessary to distinguish between the characters “oh” and the number zero.
Q: Do Americans say water?
ANS: The letter “t” is rarely pronounced in the middle of English words like “water,” “better,” and “matter” by native Americans. In these words, we make use of a punctuation mark that is known as a “flap t.” It sounds more like a d.o. than anything else.
Q: What is washroom called in America?
ANS: This room is commonly known as a “bathroom” in American English, a lavatory or loo in the United Kingdom, a “washroom” in Canadian English, and by many other names across the English-speaking world.
Q: What are 3 things that are good about America?
ANS: The Best Things About the United States of America:
Diverse Landscapes, Diverse Cultures, American Hash Browns, Mountain Towns, Incredible Cities, Road Trips, Super-Fast Internet, Fun Festivals and Events and much more.
Q: What do Americans call a tap?
ANS: The most common word in the US is “faucet,” which is similar to the word “tap” in British English. For example, “water faucet” (although the term “tap” is also used in the US). Spigot is a term that professionals (like plumbers) use to describe an outdoor fixture.
Q: What is English toilet called?
ANS: As with many English words, some are common in American English and others are common in British English. However, words such as: bathroom, ladies’ room, men’s room and restroom are common to both. On most airlines, the toilet is referred to as “the lavatory”.
Q: What is America known for culture?
ANS: The culture of the United States incorporates elements such as conservatism and liberalism; competitiveness in the fields of science and religion; political structures; openness to taking risks and free expression; as well as materialist and moral components.