America's Wins: Things The US Actually Gets Right
However, despite the country's numerous issues, it surprisingly isn't all bad. In one Reddit thread (which you can see here), people discussed the things they think the US does right, and my cynical self definitely needed this reminder.
Here are 18 things the US doesn't completely mess up, as told by both residents and people from other countries:
"Our public libraries are a real backbone for the country. Andrew Carnegie's groundwork in building the institution of free libraries, even in small towns, set a precedent that we wouldn't fathom today but couldn't live without."
"They often serve not only as an information exchange but as a cultural hub, art gallery, performing arts center, tax aide, voter registration, job resources, etc., in communities. Plus, they're one of the only places you can just exist for hours indoors without the expectation that you must buy something. And I feel like they've adapted to the ever-changing needs of their patrons in modern times faster in the US than most places.'A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.' –Andrew Carnegie"–fadedVHS
"Accessibility code for buildings. I come from a country where disability is looked upon as a crime or fault. The USA does an amazing job of making things accessible. I haven't seen all of the USA, but the majority of the places have amazing systems."
"Aggressive self-determinism. Oh, your parents were abusive, and you don't talk to them anymore? Fuck yeah, rad, good for you. Your partner couldn't give you the relationship you dreamed of having. Alright, rad, move on up. You hated your job, and think your future is in being a movie star? Alright. You do you. Send me a premier ticket."
"Aussie here. I think entertainment. Everyone talks shit about the US, but then spends most of their time listening to American music, film, and TV."
"Valuing actual wilderness in places like national parks. Here in England, they will 'restore' or 'create' natural habitats, which is sort of nice, but they are almost like zoos. They are too small to survive by themselves, so they are actively maintained. And in some English national parks, they actually allow housing developments as long as the architectural design is sympathetic. Here, 'countryside' means farms. There is still a notion in the USA of protecting some large wilderness areas from development."
–anon5005
"The US is an absolute science powerhouse. The technology we come out with has touched the lives of nearly every person on the planet."
"Automatic complimentary water at cafes and restaurants."
"I love that in the US, if you go back to school at 40 or 50, no one blinks an eye. If you get a degree at 80 or 90, you are a total hero. In many cultures, you need to be done with school in your twenties. No one goes to school later in life."
"Free public toilets everywhere you go. It's kind of a culture shock to go to a different country and have to pay money to use the restroom. It's a necessity, I would rather people be allowed to use the restroom rather than do their business outside."
"Burgers. Motherfuckin' burgers."
"I say this as an immigrant who came to this country, so perhaps take it with a grain of salt. But it truly gives people a second chance at life. My life would be nowhere near as good as it is right now if I were back in my home country."
"Air conditioning."
"The US postal system is the most far-reaching postal system in the world. We will deliver nearly anything to any mailbox. Do you live at the bottom of the Grand Canyon? Say no more, postal donkeys."
–Bergy_Berg
"How friendly people are. Don't get me wrong, there's a ton of friendly cultures, and even plenty more hospitable ones than the US, but the sheer level of openness and genuine friendliness is something else in the US."
"Interstate highway system. Blows my mind that I can get pretty much anywhere I want down there without having to take some crazy roundabout route and have ample places to stop and eat/bathroom/refuel. Also, most people in the USA actually follow the 'pass on the left, cruise right' rule, which is a rarity here in Canada."
"Free speech. I can get arrested for saying certain opinions in my country."
"The amount of choices at the grocery store. It can be overwhelming, but most other countries don't have nearly the same amount of options for something as simple as potato chips.'
–External_fox995
And finally, "We're the nation that created Shrek. That's all I need to say."
What else belongs on this list? Let me know in the comments!
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