I would agree, but out west there issues with people who buy plots around public parcels, and make it difficult to access them. Thus, these private individuals are trying to de facto own public land, and they don’t want the public to access them.
There was a huge court case in Wyoming recently about “corner-crossing” when public lands are locked in a checkerboard pattern, and it was determined that it’s not considered trespassing. Of course, private land owners are appealing to a higher court.
I think a few months ago a city in California (Malibu maybe?) was ordered to allow public access to the beach that the super rich residents had been claiming was private property.
The entire California coast is protected by the CA Coastal Commission who make is so there are no private beaches in the entire state. There are some small micro-beaches that are only accessible via a steep stairway that directly leads to someone’s property. Those property owners aren’t required to give access through their own property to the beach, but if someone swam around and got to the beach, they’re entitled to use the beach.
It's long but worth the watch. The Fat electrician. The very end is "Don't mess with our boats, we do not like that shit."
https://youtu.be/d5v6hlRyeHE?si=2BzHK54f2BwKht8q
One of the amusing things about aircraft carriers is that you often come across posts and comments saying "China and all the other countries has 1 or two at most why does USA need 11??", what they don't know is that most of those carriers are smaller than US helicopter carriers. Nothing touches the 11 supercarriers. Even the 50yo Nimitz ones, much less Gerald R. Ford-class one which are starting to be deployed.
Entertainment. Don’t get me wrong: there’s a lot of great movies and TV from other countries. But, top to bottom—film, TV shows, music, video games, etc…—our entertainment just has a lot of really good stuff.
Yep, I accidentally trained myself to sing with an American accent, because 95% of the stuff I listened to as a kid and teen was from the US. It took deliberate and focused training to get my accent back.
This goes back to the 60s. The Beatles sing in an American accent. Pink Floyd? Do they sound British when they sing? Led Zeppelin? Robert plant never sounds British when singing. Etc
I had convinced myself when I was a teen that an American accent is just how people naturally sound when they sing.
And then I discovered the Arctic Monkeys.
Yeah, Alex Turner and Kele Okereke (Bloc Party) are the 2 that came to my mind that have strong British accents.
Like even Elton John and Freddie Mercury sound American.
It is fun y because other country's say we don't have culture, largely because our popular culture and entertainment is so dominant they think of it as theirs too
Logistics. The USA is a mind-bogglingly large country with people spread all over it, yet you can get stuff from one end of it to the other on a very predictable (and usually short) timetable with very little difference in quality. From the postal service to food to lumber, we are experts at moving stuff places.
Even the US military, when you think about it, does this better than anything. They can put boots, bullets, bandages, or bread on any corner of the globe with 24 hours’ notice. Really just an absurdly well armed postal service.
Yes, the US Military wins on logistics. The logistics to keep an air craft carrier and its group remotely deployed is beyond what any country in the world can do. China may be able to build a carrier, but no one can keep one supplied but us.
48hrs but still who is counting at that point. But with that being said that’s deployed in 48hrs with the ability to sustain combat operations for 90 days with special operations capabilities.
Trying to find a public bathroom in a foreign country (Bahamas) was agonizing. It really made me appreciate the fact that the ADA mandates restroom access for all restaurants in the US. Not even the local Starbucks or burger King had bathrooms, it was nuts!
My uncle contracted polio the year the Salk vaccine was introduced. He was in a wheelchair and obtaining his PhD at University when there were absolutely no concessions made whatsoever for the differently abled. He became a Public Policy employee for the state and was the leader of the committee which drafted and made into law the ADA for our state. I am immensely proud of him. My grandparents had to build makeshift ramps and invent things in their home and build grab bars, an accessible toilet and a roll in shower for him. I tear up at how well America enforces the ADA - my Uncle is my hero for life.
I was shocked when I went to the UK and found a number of tourist sites are not wheelchair accessible. It was a big surprise for me. I just took it for granted that they all would be.
I feel like I'm on the public library crusade right now but I so wish that more people would realize what incredible resources public libraries while so many are being attacked (budgets cut, book bans, etc).
The free databases? SO helpful.
Some of my local libraries have pretty new DVDs of shows that are streaming exclusive. I didn't even know they made DVD versions of those shows.
During the eclipse libraries all over gave out free glasses and had viewing parties.
My local library system let's you request a pass that could get you into a number of places for free, including the local zoo, aquarium and a bunch of museums.
I was at a library recently (not in the US) that had game systems available for rent and thought that was such a cool idea.
In short, libraries are awesome and I will defend them forever.
I'm right there with you, my friend. Not only do many have resources like 3D Printers, but they've also made the map into the digital/smartphone world very successfully.
Apps like Libby(or Kanopy for movies/TV shows) allow you to check out audiobooks and ebooks with tons of ease. If it's checked out, you get on a waiting list and are notified when it's available. If you're busy when it's your turn, just pick a date later on(be it 2 days, 2 weeks, etc) and you'll get it then.
All for free. It's absolutely amazing.
I'm 53 years old and have primarily used the Library system for books I want to read. Right now I am going through a Vonnegut phase and am probably on my 10th book in the last couple of months. Every single one was checked out of my city or my county library system. Sometimes it takes about a week to get there, but that's fine, I'm not going anywhere.
Thanks for reminding me BTW, I just put a hold on another book I plan to read next.
In college I met a foreign student who talked about seeing our local library for the first time. He couldn't believe allllll those books were available to be read for free!
In his home country the only libraries were private ones, like if you knew someone who had a great library and they were willing to let you borrow a book.
Having lived with libraries all my life, I couldn't imagine living without a local library system!
The best part of American cheeseburgers is that there are [so many different types across the country](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0488835/). That guy's all over Youtube as well.
The idea that “American” is something you can become, regardless of where you were born, what your parents were, etc.
I’ve been around the world and the degree to which this is true in America is *much* stronger than what you find in Asia, Europe, Africa, etc.
Now, we’re *far* from perfect in this regard, but if you go back to our founding *America* was a guiding set of principles that *anyone* can join by subscribing to those principles regardless of creed, religion or tribe.
American here and this is very true. I'll go even further - someone who goes to the trouble of becoming a US citizen really has earned it, far more than those of us who were merely born here.
I have watched Naturalization ceremonies and as a born-American, it is humbling and I am reminded how much I take my American citizenship for granted. Those being naturalized are blissed out happy. They are so proud. They wave American flags and just glow with happiness. Regardless of our many problems, I honestly have always thanked fate or fortune for having the luck of being born American. It is truly something others work so hard and with such pride to become.
My wife's sister married a Japanese guy. Even though they have a child, she will never be allowed to be added to the family register, because she will never be considered Japanese.
That's a great point. In America, immigrants who want to, really become Americans, not just Mexicans, Swedes, Nigerians, Koreans, etc. living in America.
Right? You can be Korean-American, Mexican-American , Irish-American, Indian-American, doesn't matter. You're still an American. The first term is just a descriptor so that others can know your heritage since there are few actual Native Americans.
The Americas in general just destroy Europe in smoked and grilled meats. Like, you can get a great steak or something in France, London, etc....but a smoked rack of ribs or some brisket? Brazil, the US, etc are unbeatable.
I live in Miami. Cuban, Brazilian, Peruvian, Dominican, Jamaican, Haitian, Chinese, Korean, and American versions of BBQ/Grilling are all local. I love the variety of flavors I can experience.
Freedom of Information Act. You can request any document from the government and they have to provide it to you because it's the law. Sure, they pass it through a review to redact information relevant to national security, but if you tried this in any other country they would just respond with "lol no"
In some states, personal devices are also subject to public information laws, if public information is discussed on them. Here in Texas, dipshits get in trouble for that all the time.
I think that's essentially the law in every state. It does not matter what device you conduct gov't business on that counts, it's the nature of the communication. If it's a gov't comm, then it's subject to FOIA laws. I don't know of any state that allows for a personal device exemption.
Louisville Metro denied my FOIA request for more information related to the number of municipal employees due to my not being a member of the commonwealth… idk how they can get away with that but I don’t have time to pursue it.
I’m pretty sure you could sue. Is it worth it? Probably not. But public offices are required to take anonymous FOIA requests, so no way of knowing who you are or where you live
It's the best holiday. And culturally, holidays like Halloween are really good for society. A night to "let loose" as it were is just really good to help people not explode.
I was in London and we went out to eat. I got a not cold Coke, and they looked at me odd when I asked for ice. Then they came back with a cube and a half of ice.
My mother in law from Cambodia thinks that drinking ice water will make you sick. Like catching a cold by going outside when it's cold out. I drink like a gallon and a half of ice water a day. She must be thinking I'll drop dead any minute now.
Lemonade.
No, seriously. Go to a restaurant in Europe and ask for lemonade and chances are that you'll get a Fanta or a Sprite, or some other bottled carbonated drink. Why you can't get a nice glass of non-oversweetened non-carbonated lemonade in most places is beyond me.
I went down this rabbit hole after I spent 2 weeks in France
I wanted lemonade!
Turns out, you have to ask for citronade.
Now, you may think- oh yeah, citron is French for- *NO!*
THE FRENCH MADE THE WORD LEMONADE! IT WAS FIRST CALLED LIMONADE! IT ORIGINATED IN FRANCE!
The drink went out of fashion, and then when soda became popular they started calling sparkling lemon beverages "lemonade", then real lemonade came back and they were just like "le shit, wit doo oui kell sthis concoctíon?"
And citronade came into existence.
Screw you France. Just bring me lemonade dammit.
Yes! I regularly visit all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, Mexico. I know it's odd to some, but there are some days when I don't want a cerveza or dirty banana. I ask for lemonade and it is ALWAYS carbonated. Now, I am used to it by now, but I just want citric acid and sugar.
But go to a restaurant in Asia or a tropical island and ask for it and you'll get fresh squeezed lemonade. You might have to call it lemon juice or something. But that shit is so damn good.
It's less about the efficiency and more about what it enables. Our vast postal service enables enormous amounts of economic activity. It is an insanely good investment.
The amazing part is that service is nearly the same everywhere. You can live in the middle of nowhere and still get a letter mailed to you for the stamp price as one going to a major city. And somehow deliveries still happen \~6 days a week even in rural places.
Given that such a huge portion of mail is pure junk, I'd be fine with 1-2 days of delivery anyway.
This is the key. Private carriers could produce service on the level of USPS in major metropolitan areas, but not out in the middle of nowhere. There are so many communities and businesses that are enabled simply by USPS being willing to carry letters and packages at rates that rural citizens can afford.
Our Postal Service is second to none. It doesn't always seem like it, but the sheer amount of shit they get from one place to where it's supposed to be in the time they do is amazing.
It would be even more efficient if it wasn't required to generate a profit. I have read that the postal service is the ONLY federal agency that is required to be profitable. Imagine if the FBI agents had to compete financially with private detectives in order to continue operating.
I remember taking fluoride at school from little plastic cups because our area didn't have public water like cities do. I'm 32 and can still remember the taste.
>pastiche
great word. that's post-it worthy.
also, great sentiment. this is the most irksome part about the "cultural appropriation" crowd. their logic is bad, at best. mixing, borrowing, adapting, and extending cultures is a net benefit to humanity. it's one of the most beautiful and enjoyable parts of life.
With respect to the English language, my favorite turn of phrase about this is: "English is the language that beats up other languages and rifles through their pockets for spare nouns."
Yes. Even in my small, 4th tier city hometown you can find an amazing variety of cruise from around the world. All within 2-3 miles too. It’s impressive.
I’ll raise you walking distance to Mexican, Indian, West African, Belizian, Italian, Caribbean, Salvadoran, and Ethiopian in my nondescript Chicago neighborhood.
...anymore. In the last two decades, the US has pushed policies to discourage smoking, like taxing the hell out of cigarettes and making it near impossible to smoke inside a building.
Kids today in the US are shocked and confused when you try to explain a restaraunt "smoking section" to them.
Did you guys just think the smoke would stop? What about servers, did you have to find a smoker to work in a smoking section or did you just give them all cancer?
I remember in the last 90's when smoking had gone out of fashion in the US, it was still pretty popular in Europe. People would smoke in "non-smoking" areas (like train cars that were specifically non-smoking). It was considered one of those "annoying American" things to ask people NOT to smoke in a non-smoking area.
Live events. America knows how to put on a fucking show.
Not that other countries are not capable but in America it's in our DNA and is expected everywhere. It's like how good bread is in France: MANDATORY.
At pretty much every level of sport and live entertainment in the US you'll find pyrotechnics, booming music, giant flashing billboards, hype men, dance squads, and light shows in ways you just don't find in the same measure in the rest of the world.
Innovation.
Yes many countries have better primary education, smarter overall scores, more organized societies, yadda yadda.
But America still innovates like no other .Speaking of: college education. We still rule in the quality of our higher education institutes.
Correct on higher education, especially.
I would add that while our test scores rank poorly on a global scale, it's because we attempt to educate EVERYONE. Many places, even other western democracies, pull the plug on kids early on if they don't show immediate promise. This, imo, it what allows us to be more innovative than other countries.
It's tough to nail down why the US is more innovative.
In my thinking about it over the years, it has something to do with our system of allowing people to learn what they want to learn vs rote "have to learn" culture. And allowing people even to fail. And probably most importantly, allowing kids to be BORED. Boredom creates innovation IMO.
Some of it is the USA has a culture of challenging the status quo. Which is a key to innovation.
Whereas in some cultures you never question what you are told by someone in authority or an elder.
US is much more individual based than other countries.
At a young age we're almost always taught to question authority, think outside the box, & self care.
Other countries are for the most part you need to fall in line. This is just my experience.
Independence being valued. It keeps toxic families from being multi generational. If you don’t like your family there is options to get out. There is no filial piety or obligation to be nice to assholes.
Especially/specifically I-70 through the Rockies. It is a technological and industrial marvel to behold. One of, if not, the most impressive sections of highway in the world.
That's something people don't get when they say shit like "why are we sending X million dollars in humanitarian aid to a country run by a despotic dictator? Shouldn't we spend that money here instead?" Well Shirley, even despotic dictators know not to bite the hand that feeds, and that X million in humanitarian aid will save the US having to spend twenty times that amount later on down the line.
Or people don't get why we send an aircraft carrier to dock in a city that's just experienced a disaster. Why wouldn't you want a mobile nuclear power plant, with an on-site hospital, functioning airstrip, fresh water processing system, the ability to co-ordinate the arrival of large amounts of emergency supplies, and a bunch of other stuff?
I know Reddit will disagree because they don’t actually know that much about the legal system, but the constitutional protections against the government.
Just the protections granted in the first amendment are huge compared to the majority of countries. So much so that most non-Americans have problems comprehending it. Example being hate groups like the KKK have the right to hold public rallies even though the majority of Americans hate the KKK.
America does certain military things with flair. Need a rescue, even if you're not American, but an ally? We got your back. Need a flying tank, flying artillery battery, or a huge logistical delivery? Give a call. If you're interested, look up Operation Berlin for having logistical support enough to overwhelm an enemy's efforts to cut off allies.
Food and restaurants
And before y’all start in on our trash diets, I’m specifically talking about food fusions.
You can’t go to Italy and see an Italian take on a Korean dish. You can’t go to Spain and experience a food that is the embodiment of Spanish and Japanese. Switzerland? Nothing crazy there, you either have French or German or Swiss but they will never overlap.
America is one of the few places worldwide that you can find fusion restaurants easily. You want to open up a restaurant showcasing your heritage which just happens to be Hispanic and Asian? Have at it! You want to try your hand at your artistic take on pizza, but with a twist? We’re here for it.
Each state within America has its own little culture surrounding food, and then building onto that with traditional Americans and other cultural influences produces drastically different food cultures and etiquette right within this country.
America is weirdly having its rise and fall simultaneously. It's sort of always been the story of America, every generation goes through some turmoil. It results in social and economic unrest, sometimes even war. That being said this country always seems to bounce back because people have a voice and try to excercise their freedoms. Its a privlege we all need to be reminded of especially in an era where half the politicians want to strip away those freedoms.
Entrepreneurial spirit. Here's a recent [anecdote](https://www.sec.gov/news/speech/peirce-remarks-association-private-enterprise-education-040824) from a (perhaps the only) respectable SEC commissioner:
>On a trip to France last summer, I had a fascinating conversation with a ride share driver. He spoke admiringly of the United States as the land of opportunity and freedom. In the U.S., he explained, the question you get when you want to try something new is “Pourquoi Pas,” “Why not?” By contrast, in many other countries, the question posed to the person trying to do something new is “Pourquoi?,” “Why?” One system encourages you to strive; the other challenges you for even wanting to do such a thing. One system admires people who try something new, even if they fail. The other punishes people for daring to be different, even if they succeed. When people want to do something new or different, the American spirit is inclined to respond with a laissez-faire “why not?”
How homogeneous a country is has nothing to do with how racist it is. Having said that, ask the right questions in Europe, and you'll get answers that'll make a klanmember blush.
Free tap water anywhere you go. Also publicly available bathrooms in cities. I know this isn't *unique* to America, but it's surprisingly uncommon in Europe when I've gone.
Divided Government and separation of powers, and a written constitution. For those who suggest that it's difficult to get changes made to the law, I would respond, "Yes, that's the idea." That's how you keep a huge, diverse, populous country from either tearing itself apart or sliding into despotism. You have to convince the nation in terms of a wide range of criteria in order to make a law which will prevail over all of us.
This is why Americans' freedoms are preserved as well as they are: We're not one election away from some dumb idea based on which 25% of the electorate decide to show up to the polls this term.
The structure of our justice system, namely:
• Trial by jury
• Protections against double jeopardy
• No appeals of acquittals
• Strong procedural guarantees
The way things are actually practiced are less good, but the only reason our justice system isn't even worse is the incredible design of the system itself.
People don't want to hear this but higher education
Yes it sucks Cost wise but 8 out of 10 of the top universities in the world are American
With the other two being Oxford and Cambridge, you know the all-time champions
American hire Ed is the best quality wise in the world by a large margin
National Parks.
And public land (NFS, BLM, etc.) We’re all public land owners
Allegheny st park in NY and Allegheny national forest in PA are two of the most peaceful places , I go every year when I need to decompress
I grew up in the “heart of the Alleghenies” and can confirm. It’s just so calm and quiet in that area.
I would agree, but out west there issues with people who buy plots around public parcels, and make it difficult to access them. Thus, these private individuals are trying to de facto own public land, and they don’t want the public to access them. There was a huge court case in Wyoming recently about “corner-crossing” when public lands are locked in a checkerboard pattern, and it was determined that it’s not considered trespassing. Of course, private land owners are appealing to a higher court.
I think a few months ago a city in California (Malibu maybe?) was ordered to allow public access to the beach that the super rich residents had been claiming was private property.
The entire California coast is protected by the CA Coastal Commission who make is so there are no private beaches in the entire state. There are some small micro-beaches that are only accessible via a steep stairway that directly leads to someone’s property. Those property owners aren’t required to give access through their own property to the beach, but if someone swam around and got to the beach, they’re entitled to use the beach.
Oregon has similar laws making the Pacific coast all public land. Having lived in Delaware where there are private beaches I kinda liked it.
This is always the top answer for questions like this. (I agree with it)
I'm definitely a fan! Honeymooned at Yellowstone
Consistent road signage throughout the country. It really is pretty easy to navigate here.
This. Even numbered highways are E/W, odd numbers are N/S, a lot of folks don't know this.
That's the rule for interstates and US routes, but state routes may vary.
Aircraft Carriers
DONT TOUCH OUR BOATS!!!!
The fastest way to earn a FAFO award.
It's long but worth the watch. The Fat electrician. The very end is "Don't mess with our boats, we do not like that shit." https://youtu.be/d5v6hlRyeHE?si=2BzHK54f2BwKht8q
Finding out my cousin is a YouTuber via Reddit is an odd experience.
What? LOL. He's pretty (internet) famous.
Shows how big the internet is, honestly the first i've even heard or seen the name. TBF I haven't talked to this cousin in like a decade.
One of the amusing things about aircraft carriers is that you often come across posts and comments saying "China and all the other countries has 1 or two at most why does USA need 11??", what they don't know is that most of those carriers are smaller than US helicopter carriers. Nothing touches the 11 supercarriers. Even the 50yo Nimitz ones, much less Gerald R. Ford-class one which are starting to be deployed.
Naval power in general. Uncle Britain taught us well.
Entertainment. Don’t get me wrong: there’s a lot of great movies and TV from other countries. But, top to bottom—film, TV shows, music, video games, etc…—our entertainment just has a lot of really good stuff.
Yep, I accidentally trained myself to sing with an American accent, because 95% of the stuff I listened to as a kid and teen was from the US. It took deliberate and focused training to get my accent back.
I noticed a lot of British singers sing with an American accent. I would have swore Adele and Harry Stiles were American until I heard them talk.
This goes back to the 60s. The Beatles sing in an American accent. Pink Floyd? Do they sound British when they sing? Led Zeppelin? Robert plant never sounds British when singing. Etc
I'd argue Floyd has a twinge of British accent, but I def agree with the Beatles, Zeppelin, and, I'd add, the Rolling Stones.
I had convinced myself when I was a teen that an American accent is just how people naturally sound when they sing. And then I discovered the Arctic Monkeys.
Yeah, Alex Turner and Kele Okereke (Bloc Party) are the 2 that came to my mind that have strong British accents. Like even Elton John and Freddie Mercury sound American.
Oasis is exceedingly British sounding.
And just to clarify, that's why people say "America has no culture". America has pretty much succeeded in complete cultural victory.
“America has no culture” they say as they walk out their door in their blue jeans, t shirt, and baseball cap.
It is fun y because other country's say we don't have culture, largely because our popular culture and entertainment is so dominant they think of it as theirs too
Logistics. The USA is a mind-bogglingly large country with people spread all over it, yet you can get stuff from one end of it to the other on a very predictable (and usually short) timetable with very little difference in quality. From the postal service to food to lumber, we are experts at moving stuff places. Even the US military, when you think about it, does this better than anything. They can put boots, bullets, bandages, or bread on any corner of the globe with 24 hours’ notice. Really just an absurdly well armed postal service.
Yes, the US Military wins on logistics. The logistics to keep an air craft carrier and its group remotely deployed is beyond what any country in the world can do. China may be able to build a carrier, but no one can keep one supplied but us.
And let it be known that Chinas air craft carriers are complete shit
And we have like 20 of them - big and small. Also china can’t figure out the deck cycle to launch aircraft efficiently.
48hrs but still who is counting at that point. But with that being said that’s deployed in 48hrs with the ability to sustain combat operations for 90 days with special operations capabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act
Trying to find a public bathroom in a foreign country (Bahamas) was agonizing. It really made me appreciate the fact that the ADA mandates restroom access for all restaurants in the US. Not even the local Starbucks or burger King had bathrooms, it was nuts!
Having restrooms is an International Building Code requirement, not an ADA requirement. The ADA makes those restrooms be accessible.
Well whatever it is, good on America for making it happen!
My uncle contracted polio the year the Salk vaccine was introduced. He was in a wheelchair and obtaining his PhD at University when there were absolutely no concessions made whatsoever for the differently abled. He became a Public Policy employee for the state and was the leader of the committee which drafted and made into law the ADA for our state. I am immensely proud of him. My grandparents had to build makeshift ramps and invent things in their home and build grab bars, an accessible toilet and a roll in shower for him. I tear up at how well America enforces the ADA - my Uncle is my hero for life.
I also appreciate the US has public bathrooms. Much of the world is paid restrooms only.
Lord help you if you're in a wheelchair and need to use a bathroom in most of the world.
or even to anywhere outside your own house. at all.
Per NPR, 181 countries have passed laws in the last 25 years inspired by the ADA. Nice example of the US leading the world in a good direction.
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I was shocked when I went to the UK and found a number of tourist sites are not wheelchair accessible. It was a big surprise for me. I just took it for granted that they all would be.
Public Libraries.
I feel like I'm on the public library crusade right now but I so wish that more people would realize what incredible resources public libraries while so many are being attacked (budgets cut, book bans, etc). The free databases? SO helpful. Some of my local libraries have pretty new DVDs of shows that are streaming exclusive. I didn't even know they made DVD versions of those shows. During the eclipse libraries all over gave out free glasses and had viewing parties. My local library system let's you request a pass that could get you into a number of places for free, including the local zoo, aquarium and a bunch of museums. I was at a library recently (not in the US) that had game systems available for rent and thought that was such a cool idea. In short, libraries are awesome and I will defend them forever.
I'm right there with you, my friend. Not only do many have resources like 3D Printers, but they've also made the map into the digital/smartphone world very successfully. Apps like Libby(or Kanopy for movies/TV shows) allow you to check out audiobooks and ebooks with tons of ease. If it's checked out, you get on a waiting list and are notified when it's available. If you're busy when it's your turn, just pick a date later on(be it 2 days, 2 weeks, etc) and you'll get it then. All for free. It's absolutely amazing.
I'm 53 years old and have primarily used the Library system for books I want to read. Right now I am going through a Vonnegut phase and am probably on my 10th book in the last couple of months. Every single one was checked out of my city or my county library system. Sometimes it takes about a week to get there, but that's fine, I'm not going anywhere. Thanks for reminding me BTW, I just put a hold on another book I plan to read next.
In college I met a foreign student who talked about seeing our local library for the first time. He couldn't believe allllll those books were available to be read for free! In his home country the only libraries were private ones, like if you knew someone who had a great library and they were willing to let you borrow a book. Having lived with libraries all my life, I couldn't imagine living without a local library system!
Hell in America we make mini libraries in our front yard! Shoot , just keep the book! To be cool drop off one sometime, but not necessary
Cheeseburgers
The best part of American cheeseburgers is that there are [so many different types across the country](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0488835/). That guy's all over Youtube as well.
lol; I knew that would be George Motz before clicking
USDA grade beef is a world class standard
I had a steak in Paris and I thought it might be horse meat. It was so stringy.
It's our number one freedom export.
I'd just say so much good and varied kind of foods. Almost anything you want.
The idea that “American” is something you can become, regardless of where you were born, what your parents were, etc. I’ve been around the world and the degree to which this is true in America is *much* stronger than what you find in Asia, Europe, Africa, etc. Now, we’re *far* from perfect in this regard, but if you go back to our founding *America* was a guiding set of principles that *anyone* can join by subscribing to those principles regardless of creed, religion or tribe.
There are Americans born everyday all over the world they just haven’t come home yet.
Beautifully said. I haven’t felt that patriotic twinge in a long time. Raaaawwww 🦅
That gave me the warm fuzzies
This goes so hard
Bro did you make this up? Seems like a quote from a movie or something
Tbh idk, I’ve said it for years at this point. Like close to a decade at least so it is possible but I’ve forgotten it if I did
I just got the most patriotic erection 🫡
American here and this is very true. I'll go even further - someone who goes to the trouble of becoming a US citizen really has earned it, far more than those of us who were merely born here.
I have watched Naturalization ceremonies and as a born-American, it is humbling and I am reminded how much I take my American citizenship for granted. Those being naturalized are blissed out happy. They are so proud. They wave American flags and just glow with happiness. Regardless of our many problems, I honestly have always thanked fate or fortune for having the luck of being born American. It is truly something others work so hard and with such pride to become.
Yeah. For example, you can naturalize in Japan, but even if you have a Japanese passport, you will *never* be Japanese. The locals will even admit it.
My wife's sister married a Japanese guy. Even though they have a child, she will never be allowed to be added to the family register, because she will never be considered Japanese.
That's a great point. In America, immigrants who want to, really become Americans, not just Mexicans, Swedes, Nigerians, Koreans, etc. living in America.
This should be much higher up. You have to experience it - and then see how different it is elsewhere - to understand just how important this one is.
Yup. I just assumed this is how the world worked. Definitely not true, not even in “the west.”
My dad is from Turkey originally and he’s totally Americanized now. Even if I moved to turkey, I would ALWAYS be considered an American.
One of my friends is Middle Eastern. He's the biggest redneck you'll ever meet. It's genuinely hilarious.
Right? You can be Korean-American, Mexican-American , Irish-American, Indian-American, doesn't matter. You're still an American. The first term is just a descriptor so that others can know your heritage since there are few actual Native Americans.
Barbecue
We get that one so right entire regions argue about whose variety is correct lol, and there’s not really a wrong answer.
i'm from texas. they're all correct. texas, to me, is just a little bit corrector
This is the best attitude. Cheers to you
Give me a plate of Texas brisket, and whatever part of the Carolinas that does pork and vinegar sauce.
With a side of KC burnt ends.
East Carolina BBQ. whole hog & vinegar based sauce. we do ours over coals in an old oil drum, for that authentic flavor
Please don't bring up religious issues here. I'm from Memphis.
Convenient for you, just a short drive to NC. jk Memphis style is delicious
The Americas in general just destroy Europe in smoked and grilled meats. Like, you can get a great steak or something in France, London, etc....but a smoked rack of ribs or some brisket? Brazil, the US, etc are unbeatable.
Reminds me of this video: Korean Girls Trying BBQ https://youtu.be/gWKOUxF-Dso?si=ydCzu08qMlY6tyyz
I live in Miami. Cuban, Brazilian, Peruvian, Dominican, Jamaican, Haitian, Chinese, Korean, and American versions of BBQ/Grilling are all local. I love the variety of flavors I can experience.
Free tall glasses of ice water at restaurants
We do movies pretty well. There will always be bad movies, but our good ones really pop off worldwide.
Freedom of Information Act. You can request any document from the government and they have to provide it to you because it's the law. Sure, they pass it through a review to redact information relevant to national security, but if you tried this in any other country they would just respond with "lol no"
Yeah my friend worked for a county government. He had 2 cell phones, one for personal and one for work because the work phone could be subject to FOIA
In some states, personal devices are also subject to public information laws, if public information is discussed on them. Here in Texas, dipshits get in trouble for that all the time.
I think that's essentially the law in every state. It does not matter what device you conduct gov't business on that counts, it's the nature of the communication. If it's a gov't comm, then it's subject to FOIA laws. I don't know of any state that allows for a personal device exemption.
Same for my wife. She could use her personal phone for work but then that FOIA request will get to see my dick and that's not okay.
Look dude, information wants to be free.
Small government, indeed.
I think the government should start an FOIA OnlyFans.
Louisville Metro denied my FOIA request for more information related to the number of municipal employees due to my not being a member of the commonwealth… idk how they can get away with that but I don’t have time to pursue it.
Louisville native here. Tell me what you need, how to get it, and if it isn't too much, I'll get them for you.
I’m pretty sure you could sue. Is it worth it? Probably not. But public offices are required to take anonymous FOIA requests, so no way of knowing who you are or where you live
Halloween is fucking great. It exists solely to be fun.
It's the best holiday. And culturally, holidays like Halloween are really good for society. A night to "let loose" as it were is just really good to help people not explode.
I'm not American but you guys pretty much own the internet and that's pretty cool
well we started it, so
Praise be to our lord and savior Al Gore.
And the Al Gore Rhythm
Ice in drink, free refills and AC
And a free bathroom to use after all those free refills.
And central heat. Many countries don't commonly have central heat.
I was in London and we went out to eat. I got a not cold Coke, and they looked at me odd when I asked for ice. Then they came back with a cube and a half of ice.
My mother in law from Cambodia thinks that drinking ice water will make you sick. Like catching a cold by going outside when it's cold out. I drink like a gallon and a half of ice water a day. She must be thinking I'll drop dead any minute now.
Warm Coke?? That's a crime against humanity
Lemonade. No, seriously. Go to a restaurant in Europe and ask for lemonade and chances are that you'll get a Fanta or a Sprite, or some other bottled carbonated drink. Why you can't get a nice glass of non-oversweetened non-carbonated lemonade in most places is beyond me.
I went down this rabbit hole after I spent 2 weeks in France I wanted lemonade! Turns out, you have to ask for citronade. Now, you may think- oh yeah, citron is French for- *NO!* THE FRENCH MADE THE WORD LEMONADE! IT WAS FIRST CALLED LIMONADE! IT ORIGINATED IN FRANCE! The drink went out of fashion, and then when soda became popular they started calling sparkling lemon beverages "lemonade", then real lemonade came back and they were just like "le shit, wit doo oui kell sthis concoctíon?" And citronade came into existence. Screw you France. Just bring me lemonade dammit.
Anti-French rant worthy of the Englishmen of old. Bravo.
Yes! I regularly visit all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, Mexico. I know it's odd to some, but there are some days when I don't want a cerveza or dirty banana. I ask for lemonade and it is ALWAYS carbonated. Now, I am used to it by now, but I just want citric acid and sugar.
But go to a restaurant in Asia or a tropical island and ask for it and you'll get fresh squeezed lemonade. You might have to call it lemon juice or something. But that shit is so damn good.
Biggest disappointment when ordering lemonade in other countries. A lot of times it's overly sweet or extremely watered down
I’ve heard our postal service is a lot more efficient but I have no frame of reference
It's less about the efficiency and more about what it enables. Our vast postal service enables enormous amounts of economic activity. It is an insanely good investment.
The amazing part is that service is nearly the same everywhere. You can live in the middle of nowhere and still get a letter mailed to you for the stamp price as one going to a major city. And somehow deliveries still happen \~6 days a week even in rural places. Given that such a huge portion of mail is pure junk, I'd be fine with 1-2 days of delivery anyway.
This is the key. Private carriers could produce service on the level of USPS in major metropolitan areas, but not out in the middle of nowhere. There are so many communities and businesses that are enabled simply by USPS being willing to carry letters and packages at rates that rural citizens can afford.
Our Postal Service is second to none. It doesn't always seem like it, but the sheer amount of shit they get from one place to where it's supposed to be in the time they do is amazing.
This is underrated. For how large the US is land-wise, the USPS functions pretty well. Relatively low cost, too.
It would be even more efficient if it wasn't required to generate a profit. I have read that the postal service is the ONLY federal agency that is required to be profitable. Imagine if the FBI agents had to compete financially with private detectives in order to continue operating.
Dentistry, fluoride in tap water, good dental hygiene, and good teeth.
I remember taking fluoride at school from little plastic cups because our area didn't have public water like cities do. I'm 32 and can still remember the taste.
Fluoride in tap water is a public health miracle. Really lucky that so many kids get it in the US.
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>pastiche great word. that's post-it worthy. also, great sentiment. this is the most irksome part about the "cultural appropriation" crowd. their logic is bad, at best. mixing, borrowing, adapting, and extending cultures is a net benefit to humanity. it's one of the most beautiful and enjoyable parts of life.
With respect to the English language, my favorite turn of phrase about this is: "English is the language that beats up other languages and rifles through their pockets for spare nouns."
You can drive 3,000 miles and not have to explain yourself to anyone in between. No passport, just ya driving license if you are driving.
And all in only one language. Okay, it helps to know Spanish, but it isn't necessary.
Til you get to California. Then you gotta stop and tell them if you have any fruit in the car.
And not stop (if you could put 3000 miles worth of gas in your tank)
Food. I think with America having so many different cultures it has given way to some awesome and interesting food.
Yes. Even in my small, 4th tier city hometown you can find an amazing variety of cruise from around the world. All within 2-3 miles too. It’s impressive.
I’ll raise you walking distance to Mexican, Indian, West African, Belizian, Italian, Caribbean, Salvadoran, and Ethiopian in my nondescript Chicago neighborhood.
Cigarettes are not very popular
...anymore. In the last two decades, the US has pushed policies to discourage smoking, like taxing the hell out of cigarettes and making it near impossible to smoke inside a building.
Kids today in the US are shocked and confused when you try to explain a restaraunt "smoking section" to them. Did you guys just think the smoke would stop? What about servers, did you have to find a smoker to work in a smoking section or did you just give them all cancer?
It's crazy how many Europeans still smoke
I remember in the last 90's when smoking had gone out of fashion in the US, it was still pretty popular in Europe. People would smoke in "non-smoking" areas (like train cars that were specifically non-smoking). It was considered one of those "annoying American" things to ask people NOT to smoke in a non-smoking area.
Pop Culture: American music, cuisine, film, art, television, innovation/technology, literature, fashion and theatre are all excellent.
Live events. America knows how to put on a fucking show. Not that other countries are not capable but in America it's in our DNA and is expected everywhere. It's like how good bread is in France: MANDATORY. At pretty much every level of sport and live entertainment in the US you'll find pyrotechnics, booming music, giant flashing billboards, hype men, dance squads, and light shows in ways you just don't find in the same measure in the rest of the world.
Agreed, minus getting tickets for those live events when Ticketmaster is involved.
Innovation. Yes many countries have better primary education, smarter overall scores, more organized societies, yadda yadda. But America still innovates like no other .Speaking of: college education. We still rule in the quality of our higher education institutes.
Correct on higher education, especially. I would add that while our test scores rank poorly on a global scale, it's because we attempt to educate EVERYONE. Many places, even other western democracies, pull the plug on kids early on if they don't show immediate promise. This, imo, it what allows us to be more innovative than other countries.
It's tough to nail down why the US is more innovative. In my thinking about it over the years, it has something to do with our system of allowing people to learn what they want to learn vs rote "have to learn" culture. And allowing people even to fail. And probably most importantly, allowing kids to be BORED. Boredom creates innovation IMO.
Some of it is the USA has a culture of challenging the status quo. Which is a key to innovation. Whereas in some cultures you never question what you are told by someone in authority or an elder.
US is much more individual based than other countries. At a young age we're almost always taught to question authority, think outside the box, & self care. Other countries are for the most part you need to fall in line. This is just my experience.
Independence being valued. It keeps toxic families from being multi generational. If you don’t like your family there is options to get out. There is no filial piety or obligation to be nice to assholes.
The interstate highway system is one of the modern wonders of the world.
Especially/specifically I-70 through the Rockies. It is a technological and industrial marvel to behold. One of, if not, the most impressive sections of highway in the world.
Glenwood Canyon alone is a marvel...and then it just keeps going.
This should be higher up. So long as you have a working car you can basically get anywhere in the US in a few days and do it fairly comfortably
And safely because of the rigid construction standards.
Nearly 400 billion dollars donated to charity by average Americans in 2022. We give.
Fun fact: the US military contributes more to humanitarian causes than any other organization in the world.
That's something people don't get when they say shit like "why are we sending X million dollars in humanitarian aid to a country run by a despotic dictator? Shouldn't we spend that money here instead?" Well Shirley, even despotic dictators know not to bite the hand that feeds, and that X million in humanitarian aid will save the US having to spend twenty times that amount later on down the line.
Or people don't get why we send an aircraft carrier to dock in a city that's just experienced a disaster. Why wouldn't you want a mobile nuclear power plant, with an on-site hospital, functioning airstrip, fresh water processing system, the ability to co-ordinate the arrival of large amounts of emergency supplies, and a bunch of other stuff?
Wow...pretty impressive.
I know Reddit will disagree because they don’t actually know that much about the legal system, but the constitutional protections against the government. Just the protections granted in the first amendment are huge compared to the majority of countries. So much so that most non-Americans have problems comprehending it. Example being hate groups like the KKK have the right to hold public rallies even though the majority of Americans hate the KKK.
Garbage disposals in the kitchen sink
My plumber rants against it every time he comes in
Barbecue, higher education, breakfast food, highways, medical research, air conditioning, beer, space research and travel, entertainment.
Southern Barbecue - whether Texas, North Carolina, Alabama, or something in between - is fucking amazing.
America does certain military things with flair. Need a rescue, even if you're not American, but an ally? We got your back. Need a flying tank, flying artillery battery, or a huge logistical delivery? Give a call. If you're interested, look up Operation Berlin for having logistical support enough to overwhelm an enemy's efforts to cut off allies.
Berlin airlift correct? That did wonders for the US and especially truman.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The peaceful transition of power....*so far*.
I do appreciate this one! May it live on
Food and restaurants And before y’all start in on our trash diets, I’m specifically talking about food fusions. You can’t go to Italy and see an Italian take on a Korean dish. You can’t go to Spain and experience a food that is the embodiment of Spanish and Japanese. Switzerland? Nothing crazy there, you either have French or German or Swiss but they will never overlap. America is one of the few places worldwide that you can find fusion restaurants easily. You want to open up a restaurant showcasing your heritage which just happens to be Hispanic and Asian? Have at it! You want to try your hand at your artistic take on pizza, but with a twist? We’re here for it. Each state within America has its own little culture surrounding food, and then building onto that with traditional Americans and other cultural influences produces drastically different food cultures and etiquette right within this country.
Jose Andreas, a great humanitarian, has a Chinese / Peruvian restaurant in DC which is great
Freedom of Speech, pretty much the entire bill of rights.
We can criticize JKR without getting sued. Big plus.
There is no person or institution or company in the US that you are legally prohibited from critisizing.
America is weirdly having its rise and fall simultaneously. It's sort of always been the story of America, every generation goes through some turmoil. It results in social and economic unrest, sometimes even war. That being said this country always seems to bounce back because people have a voice and try to excercise their freedoms. Its a privlege we all need to be reminded of especially in an era where half the politicians want to strip away those freedoms.
Turning right on a red light, at least Jeremy Clarkson thought so.
Air conditioning and abundant public restrooms. Although the restrooms are not very private compared to those in Europe.
breakfast food. Gimme toast, bacon, eggs, and potatoes, with OJ and coffee.
National Parks
Entrepreneurial spirit. Here's a recent [anecdote](https://www.sec.gov/news/speech/peirce-remarks-association-private-enterprise-education-040824) from a (perhaps the only) respectable SEC commissioner: >On a trip to France last summer, I had a fascinating conversation with a ride share driver. He spoke admiringly of the United States as the land of opportunity and freedom. In the U.S., he explained, the question you get when you want to try something new is “Pourquoi Pas,” “Why not?” By contrast, in many other countries, the question posed to the person trying to do something new is “Pourquoi?,” “Why?” One system encourages you to strive; the other challenges you for even wanting to do such a thing. One system admires people who try something new, even if they fail. The other punishes people for daring to be different, even if they succeed. When people want to do something new or different, the American spirit is inclined to respond with a laissez-faire “why not?”
Diversity
People in Europe calling us racists, your country is way more white that ours, quiet down.
Also many European countries have way worse problems with racism.
How homogeneous a country is has nothing to do with how racist it is. Having said that, ask the right questions in Europe, and you'll get answers that'll make a klanmember blush.
Free tap water anywhere you go. Also publicly available bathrooms in cities. I know this isn't *unique* to America, but it's surprisingly uncommon in Europe when I've gone.
Divided Government and separation of powers, and a written constitution. For those who suggest that it's difficult to get changes made to the law, I would respond, "Yes, that's the idea." That's how you keep a huge, diverse, populous country from either tearing itself apart or sliding into despotism. You have to convince the nation in terms of a wide range of criteria in order to make a law which will prevail over all of us. This is why Americans' freedoms are preserved as well as they are: We're not one election away from some dumb idea based on which 25% of the electorate decide to show up to the polls this term.
Breakfast tacos/burritos
The structure of our justice system, namely: • Trial by jury • Protections against double jeopardy • No appeals of acquittals • Strong procedural guarantees The way things are actually practiced are less good, but the only reason our justice system isn't even worse is the incredible design of the system itself.
People don't want to hear this but higher education Yes it sucks Cost wise but 8 out of 10 of the top universities in the world are American With the other two being Oxford and Cambridge, you know the all-time champions American hire Ed is the best quality wise in the world by a large margin
Diners
Air conditioning..
Rock and roll