It’s no secret that cultural norms differ relying on the place you’re on this planet. In the USA, on a regular basis actions like driving or eating at a restaurant could look like refined occasions, however there are particular cultural norms that may be thought of main way of life adjustments in different components of the world.
Whereas it could be obscure simply how completely different American tradition could be from European tradition, one Reddit consumer reminded the web that there are some seemingly minor American norms which might be taboo in Europe.
Final week, a Reddit thread on the favored discussion board r/AskReddit went viral when consumer u/Raphael_Olbert requested the web: “What is common in America, however isnt in Europe?” The thread has already gained greater than 6,000 feedback from folks sharing their experiences visiting each components of the world.
“Driving lengthy distances for issues not associated to leisure journey,” wrote u/namehimgeorge. One other particular person responded: “Yup. I drove over 100 miles operating errands for myself and my mother final Thursday.”
Whereas Europe and the USA are virtually even in dimension – 10.2m sq. kilometres and 9.8m sq. kilometres, respectively – it takes about 2,800 miles to journey from east to west of the USA. In some states like New York, a six-hour drive up north might nonetheless find yourself in the identical state.
“I dwell in Europe and to me if it’s half-hour by automobile it’s thought of lengthy distance journey,” one particular person mentioned.
One other cultural distinction web customers identified was the dimensions of parking heaps within the states in comparison with Europe. “Parking heaps bigger than the constructing they service,” mentioned u/Ferna_89. One particular person jokingly replied: “And there nonetheless isn’t sufficient parking one way or the other.”
Equally, many Europeans had been shocked by how younger American teenagers are after they first obtain their driver’s license. The minimal age driving requirement within the US varies by state. In some states, the youngest a pupil could be to obtain their allow is 14 years outdated. However for the overwhelming majority of Europe, most individuals don’t obtain their driver’s license till they flip 18.
“I keep in mind a couple of years again when a buddy who turned 16 talked about studying to drive and getting a automobile and the thought was so overseas to my poor British thoughts,” mentioned u/Lunarrio. “It nonetheless sounds so bizarre, however then I assume automobiles are much more important in America, whereas a bus or practice can get you most locations within the UK.”
One of many greatest cultural variations web customers posed was how completely different eating in an American restaurant could be from one in Europe. In lots of European international locations, leaving a tip for the waitstaff isn’t commonplace as a result of service is usually included within the complete price of a meal. However tipping is a serious a part of restaurant etiquette within the US, and leaving a tip decrease than 15 per cent can be thought of an insult.
One particular person observed the “insanely massive parts of meals at eating places” in America, whereas another person mentioned: “Waitstaff always checking on you, even when it means interrupting dialog. In Europe they go away you in peace until you clearly want one thing.”
Plus, a gross sales tax is oftentimes not included within the complete price of an merchandise within the US, however is added afterward. “My roommate moved right here from Australia six months in the past and he STILL complains about this, he’s not used to it but,” mentioned u/emthejedichic.
“‘If you happen to go to a store with $5, you’ll be able to’t purchase $5 price of things as a result of whenever you get to the until you need to pay extra! How do you stand it?’” they added, mimicking their Australian roommate’s disbelief. “I simply shrugged and mentioned we’re used to it.”
Different stunning cultural variations between Europe and the USA included the quantity of water in bogs, People having rubbish disposals of their kitchen sinks, and the American urge to place plenty of ice in drinks.
Kaynak: briturkish.com
