a day ago
Americans Are Sharing The Things They Actually Love About The US, And It Makes Living In America Sting A Whole Lot Less
Listen, as an American, I KNOW there's a whole lot about the US to criticize and hate on. However, amid all the chaos, Americans reflected on what they still appreciate when I recently asked them to share what they love about the US — and their responses were eye-opening:
1."Bulk shopping and huge refrigerators. I don't have the social battery to do daily grocery shopping, and honestly, having to be among people twice a month is too much for me."
—certified_drapetomaniac
2."I'm from the Midwest and have been living in England for the past three years. I miss the friendliness of Midwesterners! The last time I flew home, an airline worker got onto the plane after we got to the gate and welcomed us, and I almost started crying. I really miss the American friendliness when I'm abroad."
—Anonymous
3."Chicago pizza. Give me a pizza with sausage and pepperoni cut into squares in a white bag with the Italian boot on the front, a side of garlic bread, and a Diet Coke. No other pizza compares to Chicago pizza. None. The other thing I love is pro-wrestling."
—Dani, Illinois
4."The diversity. There are so many different types of people and cultures. It is truly a blessing to be able to interact with people who are different from you and learn how they live within the same confined systematic society as you, but in their own culture and heritage. You really gain a sense of appreciation for all types of people from different backgrounds."
—Anonymous, 31, Illinois
5."Halloween, specifically trick-or-treating as a kid. It was truly magical, and I feel bad for those who don't get to experience it."
—Summer, 28, New York
6."Snark. Americans are very snarky, especially when upset. Approved."
—supervampire5066
7."I have lived and worked in multiple countries. It does get obnoxious at times, but I do love our weird patriotism. We put our flags out all year long, set off fireworks for every holiday, and organize parades at the drop of a hat. I'm proud to be an American, and I'm glad that my fellow citizens feel just as proud and want to celebrate it."
—Jeff, 45, North Carolina
8."I like the variety. There isn't a single 'American' culture, so much as it's a myriad of cultures based on ethnicity, location, economic status, and age. American culture in the South is almost entirely different from American culture in the West, yet they are both equally valid as American culture."
—ladicair
9."American bathrooms. We Americans enjoy spacious bathrooms in our homes, including having nice toilets and large showers."
—bougiedolphin567
10."I have lived all over the US and the world. One thing about American culture that is noted all over the world is Americans' positive, upbeat, 'can-do' attitude — which I dearly love. We invent, we innovate, and we create. We start little companies that become global giants; we put men on the moon, put super-computers in everyone's pockets, and catch falling rockets in mid-air. We are amazing!"
—Jim, 65, Kenya
11."Air conditioning everywhere. I also like that smoking is usually frowned upon, there's free water, and there are free public restrooms."
—Anonymous, 24, New York
12."I actually like that we as a culture are comfortable running errands in sweats, and sometimes even pajamas. We get a lot of shit for it, but I appreciate that, in general, folks aren't full of judgment, seeing someone getting groceries in their 'lazy' clothes. We all have a lot going on, and some of us have sensory issues resulting in formal clothes making us want to tear our skin off. I like that I can run to the store in a messy bun and yoga pants and not have people stare at me for being under-dressed. Oh, and having legal, recreational weed (although that varies by state). Love it."
—doeflesh666
13."You can publicly refer to the president as 'King Baby the Whiny Little Bitch,' and you don't have to fear getting arrested or jailed for doing so. (This is under the assumption that King Baby the Whiny Little Bitch won't change freedom of speech.)"
—Anonymous
14."We have always been the adolescents of world cultures and have always had the guts to address what doesn't align with our beliefs. Whatever label you put on that, the USA has always been passionate about its place and role in the entire world. And whether you agree or disagree with what is said or being done to reinforce our legitimacy as a nation, you cannot deny that we have always struggled through our growth as a young country. We've had our eyes on the prize and have largely shown the world that our revolution shaped how everyone else lives, with entertainment being the most decisive thing. Until recent events, I always considered our culture worthy of being defended, not because everyone else wants to be like us, but because we allow anyone, whosoever, to join the party."
—Hraban, 42
15."Sports culture. I'm a huge Eagles fan, and I love that no matter where I go, if I see someone wearing Eagles gear, I have no trouble saying, 'Go Birds.' People do that to me all the time as well. This past year, my wife and I went to Punta Cana for our fifth anniversary, and I brought an Eagles hat. Random groups of people would just yell out random Eagles chants to me. My wife got mad that we woke her up from a nap."
—flyerboy6
16."I like a lot about American culture, but a specific one for my stage in life is college culture. It seems more fun and unique than other places, especially if you go to a big football or basketball school. The atmosphere and parties are amazing."
—izzy______
17."The fact that America is truly a melting pot, despite some trying to make it otherwise. You can really see it in the food culture. If you live in pretty much any semi-large metropolitan area, you can experience very genuine and culturally accurate cuisines from many different cultures: Indian, Mexican, Asian, Middle can really try it all. In many other countries, you are very limited. If you're in Italy, for example, the food is amazing, but you are by and large limited to only Italian fare."
—Rob, 54, Ohio
18."I hate the reason for them, but I still love going to firework shows! The ones by me are wildly beautiful, and it's so nice that the whole community comes out to watch — not to mention the live music and food trucks!"
—Anonymous
"I like how Americans band together. It may seem extremely divisive now, but Americans know how to organize when times get tough and they're passionate about something. Many Americans now, like some of my family members, seem to forget what America was built on. But once the dust clears, I strongly believe that our modern revolution will come. It may be slow, it may be frustrating, and we may need to hit rock bottom before things get better, but it will come. We Americans are resilient and headstrong, and true patriots will defend our democracy for as long as we can."
As someone who recently traveled to Europe, I'm VERY appreciative of America's air conditioning and free water. If you're an American (or even a non-American!), what do you actually like about American culture? Let us know in the comments, or you can anonymously submit your thoughts using the form below!
Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
