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Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread The cheerful, smiling faces on a medication TV add while the voice over mentioned that death is a possible side effect.

Idilthil , Yuya Tamai Report

Final score:

313points

POST

Jozie 3 years ago

lol this one right here

96points

StandardResort , Quinn Dombrowski Report

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Roadside billboards scattered along the interstates in the South.

Billboard # 1: JESUS

Billboard # 2: PORN AND BOOZE, NEXT EXIT

Billboard # 3: GUNS! GUNS! GUNS!

Final score:

291points

POST

Tabitha L 3 years ago

This is so accurate. Billboard #4 Biscuits. (US biscuits, not cookies.)

101points

To find out more about what it’s really like for a European to move to the US for studies and life, Bored Panda reached out to New York-based filmmaker and video producer at NYL Studio 51 Ieva Lukauskaite. Ieva, who spent her school days in Lithuania before immigrating to the US, said that as a European living in the US, she has noticed a lot of cultural differences, some good and some bad.

“The thing that perplexes me the most is the lack of selectiveness and authenticity when it comes to creative education. Everybody knows the United States as the land of Hollywood and legendary cinema; however, when it comes to teaching cinematic art, it falls short.”

Having obtained her BFA at a respectable American art college, Ieva said she was surprised by the curriculum and the mix of students. “A creative portfolio or any proof of your creative process is optional to get in, all you need is decent grades from high school. Of course, that attracts a colorful assortment of students, like the guy in my Intro to Film class who told me that he chose to study film because he was 'bad at math.'"

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Especially as a bloody introverted Finnish person (stereotypes kicking in) it was terrifying how people had a ton of chitchat and were really talkative. Wished me a good day and asked about useless stuff

DON'T TALK TO ME PLEASE I AM NOT QUALIFIED FOR THIS

mizzuus , Kris Radder Report

Final score:

279points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

I really want to comment on your post, but I’m afraid to!

120points

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread The political ads on TV that do not promote but instead demonize candidates!

“So and so is a devil from hell that will eat your newborn for breakfast if you vote for them! Don’t do it if you love America!” Scary music and black and white footage included. Weird, very weird.

MagsClouds , Kelley Minars Report

Final score:

276points

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Paizleypie 3 years ago

. . . And we HATE those ads SO much but they don't stop until the election.

11points

TAS_Snoop , Blondinrikard Fröberg Report

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Was on an exchange. 2 most memorable questions were "Can you see the moon in Europe" and "Do you have Pizza in Europe". Something else I'll never forget was the map of Europe in the school I went to which still showed the country of Yugoslavia (which doesnt exist anymore) and all the borders were messed up. A map IN THE SCHOOL.

Final score:

264points

POST

Rose the Cook 3 years ago

Well they still teach that Columbus "discovered" America.

21points

However, Ieva believes that some higher education establishments may have low standards on purpose. “With the ridiculously high tuition costs, they gain quite a bit of profit cycling through misguided students who go through the years switching majors, repeating classes, or dropping out altogether,” she commented.

Another big difference that surprised the NY-based producer was that in US film education, you are taught more technical trade than an art subject. “The focus is on what kind of software you can use and which equipment you can name and operate. This is not necessarily a negative difference because most students will never get to be very creative in their future careers anyway.”

With all that being said, Ieva concluded that American film education is more focused on future employability through technical skills instead of abstract concepts like inspiration or unique story building. “The approach does usually result in a better-paying job than in Europe,” Ieva concluded.

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread The amount of obese people. Obese people riding electric scooters at shopping places. Being handicapped because you are obese.

explision , Sandra Cohen-Rose Report

Final score:

260points

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LizzyD 3 years ago

You don’t really see the type of morbid obesity in a lot of other parts of the world that you do here. Those other countries have the same illnesses and diseases we do so it’s really down to a matter of lifestyle, including eating habits, not diseases that’s causing the obesity.

79points

-Everyone drives everywhere
-Toilet bowl has a lot of water
-Toilet stalls have large gaps
-Portion sizes in restaurants are huge
-Advertising anti-depressants etc. drugs on tv and billboards
-Bumper sticker politics
-Liquor stores everywhere
-Jesus everywhere
-Lot of homeless people
-Most people have manners and are friendly

Alchemysecrets Report

Final score:

258points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

This is a pretty comprehensive list!

69points

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Went there as a german soldier on a semi work related trip, wearing uniform. The sheer number and the way people thanked me for my service (apparently as a german I qualify for this by extension), gave me discounts or even stuff for free (Starbucks) was astonishing. In germany, the public treats its servicemen with what one federal president called "a friendly non-interest". The US showed me a different world... But I also gotta admit that it was frightening to a certain degree. It feels like... a bit too much of everything. Too much admiration, too much trust in what the uniform stands for, too much "automatic repetition" of the phrases and as a result too little normality. Still a memorable and enjoyable one-time experience

-Z0nK- , SC National Guard Report

Final score:

255points

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Troux 3 years ago

There are huge amounts of patriotism behind this. Americans are normally told that we need soldiers and constant military action, otherwise we would be speaking Chinese and slaving away to an emperor/dictator. Frankly speaking, police and judges do more every day to protect our livelihood, but it's just not as "heroic" as our image of soldiers.

113points

#10

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Almost all food tastes sweet, including bread.

back-in-black , John Greenaway Report

Final score:

252points

POST

Pan Narrans 3 years ago

Yup. Subway sells bread in the Netherlands but due to the sugar content it is taxed as cake! And therefore has a higher tax. Bread is considered staple food, cake luxury food.

125points

#11

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas absolutely blew my mind. The fact that outside it they have what looks like a scale for use on a farm, but for weighing people, and if they weigh over 350lbs they eat for free, was horrendous and it took me ages to get my English mind around it.

6footbunny , daryl_mitchell Report

Final score:

250points

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troufaki13 3 years ago

So... they're promoting obesity??

201points

SubjectsNotObjects , Lauren Siegert Report

#12

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread I ate a blue slurpee ice-drink thing in a theme park and three hours later, I kid you not, I did a VIBRANTLY BLUE [POOP].

No food in Europe has ever contained an ingredient that made my [poop] come out blue.

That made me go go "WTF" - I was WTFing so hard that eleven years later I still remember that blue [poop].

Thanks America! Fond memories...

Final score:

230points

POST

River Webb 3 years ago

Imagine what would happen if you drank a rainbow slurpee...

98points

#13

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Went to L.A. a week last year for work.

Things like portion sizes, the average weight of people, quality of food and commercials etc. are just what I thought they would be. But the surprises for me:

1. I do know the modeled Los Santos in GTA from L.A. but I didn't realise how well they did it. People talk and behave basically the same way. The sound, the light, the landscape, the frickin RADIO! I thought a big part of it was just exaggeration. Nope! This was actually kind of fun, driving around looking at things going "oh wow this is where that thing happened in the game". Awesome!

2. There are a lot of homeless people and you can tell a lot of them are sick and/or have psychological problems. This sure doesn't remove any of my prejudice about american healthcare and social security...

3. The extreme differences between neighbourhoods that are right next to each other. Sure, I understand why one street might have houses that look nice and are well taken care of and another not so much. But why is there a difference in how well paved the road is? Why is the "poor" street in such decay with lots of potholes and the "rich" street so clean and free from pot holes? Aren't things like fixing the roads the responsibility of the city? Mind boggling that they care more about rich neighbourhoods and the poor ones. If they did that so blatantly back here there'd be some things and a big fan involved.

Generally the social class differences are of a magnitude I've never seen before. Honestly I thought the things I heard before where somewhat exaggerated. I was wrong. And it is right in front of you basically all of the time! Really really sad to see.

Pinky9 , Antonio Fucito Report

Final score:

229points

POST

Troux 3 years ago

Generally speaking, this is why city folk tend towards liberal/welfare views: They see it every day. Even if you keep your head forward and just continue your role in your social standing, you'll still see it. Living in rural areas separates people from the variety, diversity and disparity of individuals in our country.

112points

#14

French married to a US citizen here. The one thing that surprised me most, apart from the portion sizes and the overload of sugar eveywhere that everyone mentions, is the convenience culture.
As long as you have a car, you can go buy anything and everything at virtually any time of day or night. And, oh, the amount of stuff you can have delivered at your place in less than an hour ! The workers do not seem to enjoy such a huge quality of life. Who would, if they had to work the 2am-12pm shift in a fast food place for minimum wage ?

On top of that, one other thing is how people are proud of working themselves to death, picking up all the overtime they can and not sleeping. Some of them have to to make ends meet, but most I know do not need the overtime and could use it to catch up on sleep, but don't. Instead, they drink coffee... It seems like companies managed to make the people link personal worth and pride to how much one works. Not the quality of it or the enjoyment of the job, but simply the amount of hours.

Final score:

204points

Cyriel

POST

Alexis draskinis 3 years ago

DING DING DING!!! Johnny, tell him what he's won!!!

91points

#15

On the first day of our US roadtrip we stopped for lunch at a roadside restaurant south of San Francisco. When we tried to pay the waiter told us that another customer that just had left paid for our meals and whished us a nice trip.

WTF, who does that. So nice! Totally made my day and honestly the whole vacation.

GuantanaMo Report

Final score:

202points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

I live in San Francisco and I am so pleased to know that. Most of us here really do love visitors from other places and I am so proud to know that my neighbors welcomed you and treated you so well!

106points

#16

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Tax not included in the price tag. It's...weird!

avlas , Kzoo Cowboy Report

Final score:

200points

POST

Troux 3 years ago

It's bad enough for normal retail items. Then there are dozens of industries which have carved out their own special "fees". Hotels will add a "room tax" and "city tax" on top of "sales tax"; Restaurants require a tip as if the service is an optional extra; car dealerships will add maintenance and destination fees, etc. The bottom line is: there is no way to pay the advertised price and get the advertised item.

83points

#17

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread It’ a minor thing, but everyone asking “how are you” without wanting to know the answer.

Huhlaka , Free-Photos Report

Final score:

200points

POST

Paul K. Johnson 3 years ago

The worst part is when you ask someone, 'How's it going?' and then the start to tell you.

56points

EnoughMaintenance , Brian Cantoni Report

#18

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Flags everywhere. Not just in front of people's homes, but in front of everything. I even saw a US flag in front of a supermarket. WTF.

Final score:

199points

POST

Claire B 3 years ago

It wasn't like that before 9-11. Just a normal amount of flags and proper flag displays. Now people stick them in trees and on cars and all kinds of places.

83points

#19

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Ads for prescription medicines. Like what the actual hell.

qbnaith , Clean Wal-Mart Report

Final score:

186points

POST

wandile dludlu 3 years ago

This is where anti vaxxer were born... The Americans all think they know better because ads have made it seem so. They start telling doctors which medication they want since they saw it on tv

84points

Grumpy_Yuppie , Open Grid Scheduler Report

#20

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Extreme air conditioning — like fridge temperature inside.

Final score:

182points

POST

Troux 3 years ago

Agreed. 65F/18C in my office blows my mind! Are sweaters and air conditioners made by the same company?

97points

#21

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Portion sizes, vehicle sizes, road sizes, house sizes.

UsernameCensored , n.karim Report

Final score:

176points

POST

Mewton’s Third Paw 3 years ago

We got a lot of space here.

62points

watercolorinc , iwishmynamewasbrian Report

#22

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread I thought the gap in bathroom stall doors was a myth until I visited the US. Didn’t get privacy for my five-day stay. How do you s**t when someone can look you in the eye?!

Final score:

174points

POST

rgr8 3 years ago

You don't.

80points

Dominusatrox , Preserving Retail & More Report

#23

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Seeing an 80 year old woman working behind the register at a supermarket

Final score:

171points

POST

Tabitha L 3 years ago

I have a friend who is 92. She goes to 'work' everyday. She volunteers for 2 hours at a school. She doesn't want to stop. It is her life. It is her routine.

12points

#24

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread The general weirdness surrounding alcohol. Us Brits went for a drink at lunchtime once and our American friends were referring us to AA

Jagermeister_UK , Daniel Spiess Report

Final score:

166points

POST

elia 84631 3 years ago

I mean in my home country the alchool is allowed to 18+ costumers and America to 21+

48points

#25

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread The choices of cereal at the breakfast in the hotel all had at least 20% sugar.

kwowo , Ian Ransley Report

Final score:

165points

POST

elia 84631 3 years ago

Was there a law that almost banned food companies to use cartoon characters in snacks for advertisment to children?

32points

#26

Australian here.

I did a lot of hiking in America around Cali and the south west. My first comment is how amazing your national parks are, backed up by an organised park service. I haven’t seen camp sites in Australia half as organised as yours.

Second was how cheap food is! as i was road tripping I originally planned to cook for myself out the back of my van. But honestly it was cheaper to eat at Denny’s, where I only had to hit breakfast and dinner and I was set for the day - the portion sizes were huge.

Third. Wtf is with your toilets! They are filled to the brim with water, and your poo just sorta floats around until you flush where it then goes around in circles until it goes down the drain. My first few poops in your great nation was really unsettling. But I got used to it by the end.

Fourth. The disparity between rich and poor. Like you see it in Australia a between suburbs bit - but it was just so pronounced in America.

Final score:

164points

POST

Tabitha L 3 years ago

The poop comment made me laugh. But why would poop float anyway? Doesn't it sink to the bottom?

38points

#27

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread When in Boston someone realised we were British and came over to have a conversation:

"Oh my god, I have a friend in England. She lives in London. Do you know her?"

Hmm, there are 9 million people who live in London, and 65 million in the UK. The chance of me knowing one individual is quite remote!

rb357 , Elliott Brown Report

Final score:

162points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

Yeah, but we’re hopeless optimists!

78points

#28

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread The amount of homeless people. People straight-up walking past an elderly woman living on the streets to get to the 7-Eleven.

bighow , Carl Campbell Report

Final score:

161points

POST

Sean Harrison 3 years ago

Our homeless problem, IMHO, has more to do with American's contempt for what they perceive as failure. We venerate success, but have no tolerance for poor people because they are failures. But, we give money and aid to other countries, aid we don't give ourselves, because that proves the idea of American Exceptionalism. We are better than they are and they need us to survive. So it reinforces the belief in most Americans that we are the best. But, poor people are an affront to that. They prove the idea most people have of America is wrong, so we have nothing but contempt for them.

9points

#29

I saw a woman put sugar in her coke at Ihop for breakfast. I've been told that's gross even for other Americans.

aris_ada Report

Final score:

149points

POST

Vic 3 years ago

Once I saw a family on the Greyhound, with a cute kid (about 1 -1.5 year old) I was shocked to see the parents put coke cola in the feeding bottle and feed the kid! Please tell me this is not normal.

82points

Chancey 3 years ago

This is not normal in the USA

41points

Grumble O'Pug 3 years ago

That's not normal, but it is increasingly poor normal. I was at a work party 2019 summer and the kid asked for water and the file cabinet sized wife of a manager kept asking the kid if he didn't want a root beer instead. Normalizing sugar usage. Sad.

18points

Aria Singh 3 years ago

That aint normal.

18points

Beth Arriaga 3 years ago

No it's not. But when visiting the south, I've seen too many times when young mamas put chocolate Milk in their baby's bottles.... sad.

7points

Yopees 3 years ago

They usually start drinking coke at around 6 years. I was allowed to drink coke when I was 11

5points

Dreamwolf 3 years ago

Don't worry, it's not. Most people use baby formula or breast milk to feed their kids, maybe baby food. Definitely not Coke.

4points

Lizard Gaming_YT 3 years ago

This is NOT normal. The parents have a serious issue.

1point

M Kate McCulloch 3 years ago

it is unfortunately very common and entirely terrible for the child...

1point

Rebekah 3 years ago

OH hell no.

1point

Navy Blue Bandana 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

1point

CharliAnn Olney 3 years ago

It isn't at all!!!

0points

backatya 3 years ago

NOOOO, not normal. You should have called social services.

0points

Steve 3 years ago

Only if the parents use meth

0points

Dark Side of the Loom 3 years ago

Saw that in France too... poor baby

0points

gloria benado 3 years ago

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ellie angel urban 3 years ago

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A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

This just makes me sad!

8points

Paul K. Johnson 3 years ago

I don't think it's normal. I've never seen it or heard of anyone doing it. But America does have its share of garbage parents.

3points

Stacy Beare 3 years ago

They do that in Macedonia too, it stops the bubbles in the coke apparently. I still can't believe how many times I saw children with black rotting baby teeth. Glad it's not a thing in Oz!

5points

WiTchY_WoMaN 3 years ago

What we need to do is make all junk food crazy expensive, then make healthy food cheap!

4points

Dre Mosley 3 years ago

Adding sugar. . .to Coke? Yeah, that's a big WTF for most Americans.

2points

elia 84631 3 years ago

How much sugar and artifical ingredients do american soft drinks have in comparison with european?

2points

Jessica Bertram 3 years ago (edited)

i was horrified when i saw my brother give his 3 year old Sprite in his sippy cup. MULTIPLE TIMES. oh it was so hard for me to bite my tongue. I also used to wait tables, a long time ago. it was quite normal for parents to think sprite and juice were acceptable. spoiler alert: they are just liquid sugar bombs. period.

1point

Jaybird3939 3 years ago

If it was actually Coca-Cola, of which I am a devoted user, that person needs some perspective on their eating habits! There's enough sugar in one of those to send your blood sugar through the roof, much less adding sugar to it! So, yes, it's gross to the average American.

1point

Mary G----no 3 years ago

The sugar industry in america is ridiculous. It's been found that they, for years, told people that it was "fat" in your food that makes you fat, not sugar. So then they started putting large amounts of sugar in everything, and it turns out that sugar is quite addictive. So now we're all addicted to it. I have a friend that will detox from it sometimes and it gives him headaches and the shakes. But it's just so hard to stay off of it... the stuff with sugar in it is very cheap, while healthy foods are expensive.

1point

Bonnie Jarrett 3 years ago

American here- That's just insane. *gags* Sugar is already high in content in every food staple here. Blech

1point

Whitney Anderson 3 years ago

yeah im an american and thats nasty. I also hate it when people say that americans are so fat. like im 14 and i weigh 120 pounds. thats normal! and litterly everyone i see on a normal basis is not obese

1point

Toasty 3 years ago

I like my sugar with coffee and cream!

1point

Paizleypie 3 years ago

Oh my GAG!

1point

Paul K. Johnson 3 years ago

Yes, it is.

1point

Valerie Smart 2 years ago

It’s so not normal trust me

0points

Marlow 2 years ago

Um ewwww

0points

Susan Widomski 3 years ago

Very Gross! My stepmother used to add sugar to her morning juice. Yikes!

0points

somnomania 3 years ago

similarly, the fact that coffee creamer has "do not use as infant formula" on the bottle depresses me

0points

Kellie Christine 3 years ago

Seriously something wrong with that wow!

0points

CharliAnn Olney 3 years ago

It is!

0points

Susan Egan 3 years ago

Yes that is very gross.

0points

backatya 3 years ago

Hell yeah it's gross. Not only that but who has Coke for breakfast.

0points

Miranda Prince 3 years ago

Yeah, that's super gross.

0points

Patti Renwick Parrish 3 years ago

Not all of us are on the sugar train. I 'derailed' years ago and opt for a much healthier lifestyle.

0points

moeless 3 years ago

And...I spilled my coffee from my bag lunch at school once in 4th grade and the teacher helping clean it up was horrified! Like it was heroin or something.

0points

moeless 3 years ago

Hell, my great-grandmother, so I'm told, spoon fed me super-sugared COFFEE before I was old enough to drink out of a cup. I don't drink coffee anymore but I am a stone-cold addict.

0points

Candy Rae 3 years ago

Yeah it id

0points

Dark Side of the Loom 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Joanne Haywood 3 years ago

This happened in the cafe at our local hospital in the UK. Two little kids spooning sugar into their Coca Cola. Lady behind the counter asked them why were they putting even more sugar in their drinks. Apparently it takes away the fizz. I haven’t yet been tempted to test this theory.

0points

KT 3 years ago

ewww yuck wow i have never heard anyone doing such a thing!

0points

Don Quixote 3 years ago

That’s beyond gross for us Americans.

0points

Cassie 3 years ago

Yea, that's gross. My husband adds sugar to his already sugary Raisin Bran cereal and I find that disgusting, too. It comes preloaded with sugar, you don't need more!

0points

JESSE REED 3 years ago

might've been unsweet tea

0points

Mimi M 3 years ago

Yep it is.

0points

deanna woods 3 years ago

That is so disgusting. Why would you put more sugar into a sugary drink?

0points

Levi Baker 3 years ago

Okay... what?? Why would a n y o n e do that?

0points

Autumn 3 years ago

There's already enough sugar in coke... also that's just nasty. And Vic- Why would anyone do that!? That is not good for babies and not normal, at least where I come from.

0points

Tabitha L 3 years ago

Eww. Just, eww.

0points

EQXL 3 years ago

I remember my parents doing this very rarely when I was young. It removes the gas from the soda for some reason afaik

0points

Kerri Peek 3 years ago

Yeah that's bad.

0points

#30

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Indoors feels colder than being naked in the winter

RefreshingAC , Nicolas Henderson Report

Final score:

145points

POST

Rene Berendsen 3 years ago

Yeah I never got this. Why set the temp to like 18 degrees celcius if it's 35 outside. Set it to 25 or something. That's still a 10 degree difference. which is huge!

61points

#31

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Went to Mc Donalds and ordered what i always order. But it tasted completely different. And fanta was just weird orange juice Syrup.

Bugbreach , Takahiro Yamagiwa Report

Final score:

140points

POST

Becky Samuel 3 years ago

McDonald's fries in the UK have 3 ingredients - potato, oil, salt (sometimes a tiny amount of dextrose). McDonald's fries in the USA have 14 ingredients.

77points

#32

The sheer size of the place is amazing. Each state is its own little country. I lived there for 7 years and visited some different places, and each time I crossed a state line it was like crossing a border in Europe — everything was different again.

pcglightyear Report

Final score:

136points

POST

Mewton’s Third Paw 3 years ago (edited)

Part of why we’re “uncultured.” You can vacation here forever and see tons of different things but still be in America. Of course it’s not nearly the same as international travel, and of course as the years go by, things in the US have become more homogeneous and lame.

54points

#33

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread How low down the toilets are compared to here in the UK. Went to sit on one, dropped as I thought I'd missed the darned thing then felt like I'd broken my ass on impact. It's like missing the bottom step of the stairs, but even worse.

Karazhan , Pat Guiney Report

Final score:

134points

POST

Robert Bailey 3 years ago

I never noticed a big difference when I was in Europe. But, I think the holes in the floor in Korea would freak this person out.

6points

#34

During my first visit, I was astonished at the number of small airports and incredible number of small aircraft. So much freedom to fly across a vast country. Amazing.

islandpilot44 Report

Final score:

129points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

That’s a really interesting perspective that I have never heard anyone say before. Thank you for that!

73points

#35

Tipping being obligatory, whether it was good service or not.

lauretta12345 Report

Final score:

124points

POST

Miss Cellania 3 years ago

The federally-mandated minimum wage for servers is maybe 15% of a living wage -often just enough to cover income taxes. This allows the restaurant industry to effectively outsource labor costs. The diner pays the restaurant for the food, and pays the server separately for the service. It's a horrible system, and income varies widely from business to business according to the clientele. But until the system is changed, tip your server!

63points

#36

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Movies set in New York prepare you for everything except the smell of [poop].

carbonar0 , Helen Alfvegren Report

Final score:

124points

POST

Nela Rothenbach 3 years ago

It doesn't even smell that bad....I mean here and there but it's not like you have to walk around holding your breath

40points

#37

I was going to count the number of American flags I saw on my two weeks in Florida.

I gave up on the ride from Miami Airport to South Beach.

Final score:

112points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

I am probably going to get down voted, but I think it’s good to be proud of who you are and where you’re from. I don’t like it when we turn that healthy enthusiasm into boastful nonsense, but I think all of us should be proud of ourselves, our families and our communities.

5points

#38

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Jay walking and the lack of pavement/sidewalk on many roads. I found it so hard to just get from one place to another.

DaveLakowski , Elvert Barnes Report

Final score:

108points

POST

Alan Green 3 years ago

As I Brit watching US tv/movies I always wondered what "Jay walking" meant. We have no such thing over here. When I found out I was like "You can get arrested for crossing a road??" Mind blown. How are you supposed to walk anywhere? I guess you can't. Another reason they have an obesity problem.

65points

#39

1. You guys do not seem to have have touch and go card payment systems. A lot of places still rely on signatures.

2. Almost all food tastes sweet, including bread.

3. Credit history anywhere outside of the US isn’t considered “real” and will not hep prove you’re a real person when you want to open a bank account.

back-in-black Report

Final score:

106points

POST

ProfessionalTimeWaster 3 years ago

I've heard some crazy stories in Suze Orman show about "my mom opened a credit card in my name and didn't pay".........isn't there checks and balances in place?

27points

#40

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Perfect strangers asking me how I am doing.

FakeRealist , Boganm9p Report

Final score:

102points

POST

Troux 3 years ago

How are my fellow Pandas doing today?

119points

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#41

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Raccoons stealing our bread over night while camping. The box was closed and we put weights on it, yet these clever little trash pandas found a way in and out.

TheBassMeister , ZeMoufette Report

Final score:

38points

POST

Paul K. Johnson 3 years ago

Raccoon have at least three times the IQ of the average anti-vaxxer, Trumpster or Flat Earther. I mean I know that's a low bar but they're still just forest animals. But they are freaking smart. When I saw the video of raccoons helping a baby get over a wall by holding each others feet it really freaked me out how smart they are. Seriously check this out and you'll never doubt the intelligence of raccoons again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMbQIGHUvLI

8points

#42

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Went to Burger King and got a "medium" fizzy drink and they gave me this plastic tank that held about a liter and a half. Plus, about half of it was ice. What the hell.

Rust_Dawg , Christopher Juhlin Report

Final score:

35points

POST

staysdontstray 3 years ago

yup portion sizes

10points

#43

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread The portion sizes. A meal in a restaurant at home will usually leave me fairly full, but I had to be rolled out of the place after eating in a US restaurant

Rustymag , Drew Tarvin Report

Final score:

34points

POST

Evil Little Thing 3 years ago

You didn't have to eat it all. There's nothing wrong with asking for a box to take home the extras.

2points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#44

Why so much sugar?!

sn0de Report

Final score:

34points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

Because we need a little pick me up after an exhausting day of asking people how they are and telling them to have a great day!

40points

IsezToHimIsez , Robert Couse-Baker Report

#45

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Advertisements every few minutes on tv.

Final score:

32points

POST

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

Isn’t this normal in other countries. We get about 10 mins of show viewing then about 2 mins of ads in between.

5points

#46

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Armed officer at movie theater..

I need prescription from a doctor to buy contact lenses???

Arnioo , D.C.Atty Report

Final score:

32points

POST

Mewton’s Third Paw 3 years ago

I HATE THE CONTACT LENS THING SO MUCH. LEAVE ME ALONE, I’ve been an adult for years. I don’t need to update the prescription every 2 seconds.

20points

#47

The ads in between TV shows felt unnecessarily long, and also repeated the same info over and over, just worded differently.

APerson629 Report

Final score:

29points

POST

Samantha Hurrell 3 years ago

I remember when I went to the US as a kid, the breaks were so annoying when you were trying to watch cartoons. (Glad the UK has far less)

0points

maxProcrastination Report

#48

Honestly...WalMart!! Went there to buy a sim card and some groceries. Also found out that I could also buy pet fish, car parts and shoes..ALL IN ONE BUILDING?!

Also, while in the queue to the checkout, we were next up and they just decided to close the lane? We had to requeue somewhere else.

Final score:

28points

POST

aj B 3 years ago

Admittedly closing the lane like that usually gets someone in trouble. They're generally expected to wait until last customer in a line and put up a lane closed sign/turn off their light to prevent people lining up further

17points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#49

Answering for someone else. (I'm American answering for a German)

Ice machines in hotels. They couldnt understand why the hotels had so many ice machines and why there are signs for them.

I couldnt stop laughing about it and honestly have no idea why we love ice so much.

He also asked what people had in the big plastic cups. I said pop/soda. He laughed and said they look like they are 1.5 liters, there is no way they are drinking soda. Silly friend, yes yes they are.

Final score:

28points

POST

Alan Green 3 years ago

In UK only time anybody buys more than 1 litre of sugary fizzy drink it's to be taken home and shared out among the family or drank over the course of a few days. Not to wash down your last meal with lol.

18points

#50

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Dutchy here, the USA is my favorite holiday destination, I'd even move there if I could.

I've toured the west, California, Arizona, Nevada. Spent a week in Las Vegas and another week in Manhattan.

The biggest WTF: you guys are really friendly, this is not the image to US has abroad but I can't remember any notable bad encounters, just one waitress with a nasty attitude insisting on getting a tip anyway which is somewhat understandable. I don't even know why the NYC subway gets a bad rap.

Second WTF: how huge your roads are, driving in the US boils down to pressing the gas to go, pressing the brake to stop. Just point it in the general direction you want to go and you'll be fine, lanes are too wide to hit anything.No engine braking though, drive up to the traffic light, hit the brakes at the last possible moment. I've had multiple people honk at me for letting go of the gas and just letting the car roll when I saw a red light in the distance.

zanthraxnl , Ted Eytan Report

Final score:

28points

POST

James016 3 years ago

Being able to turn right at a red light if it’s clear got me.

7points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

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French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#51

The poor education system and the school culture portrayed in movies and tv shows (especially aimed to teenagers).
The college and student debts.
Why Americans do learn few things.

www.theedadvocate.org Report

Final score:

28points

elia 84631

POST

Doubleheader 3 years ago

It is pretty terrible.

9points

#52

The way complete strangers would just initiate conversation with me inside an elevator. It's so weird but I honestly loved it.

rinat114 Report

Final score:

27points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

I am pretty sure that I am one of the people who do this! It’s funny because I always am impressed by how friendly everyone is in other countries, but now I’m starting to wonder if maybe it was me who initiated it? : )

10points

#53

The absolutely mind boggling level of advertising you put up with just about everywhere.

Also the extent to which cars have moulded the country, socially, geographically and psychologically. The place sometimes feels like the web of highways always existed there and civilisation just attempted to adapt to it, living in between the roads.

J walking!!?! Wtf

Geouk1 Report

Final score:

25points

POST

Uncommon Boston Premium 3 years ago

Because it is legal in most places to make a right turn when the traffic light is red, crossing at intersections can be difficult/dangerous. Left turn arrows and "walk" lights timed to go off together are another danger. Usually I cross when it looks safe to do so.

3points

#54

Free water in any restaurant. FREEEE.

zerd_opk Report

Final score:

24points

POST

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

In Australia tap water is also free in restaurants. I actually think it is illegal for restaurants to refuse you free tap water if you ask for it. They can charge for bottles water and boutique waters though.

20points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

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Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#55

Free refills, my friend. Free refills.

Yuval8356 Report

Final score:

23points

POST

staysdontstray 3 years ago

yasss I like this though lol

1point

#56

The infrastructure is much older than what you see on TV

Darkyral Report

Final score:

23points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

True dat, sadly. To be honest, that’s capitalism for you. A lot of our infrastructure is owned and expected to be updated by businesses who don’t want to spend the money on updates nor on taxes so that the government could handle it publicly. Don’t give me your baloney about corporate income tax rates. Most large companies shelter their income and pay those taxes only on a small percentage.

7points

#57

At the Petro station, sorry gas station; you can purchase ammo, gas, milk, rifle, beer, fireworks and other 'daily' use objects. This was in Montana, 2005.

xeonxTT Report

Final score:

23points

POST

Kerri Peek 3 years ago

That's Montana. In metro Colorado that's not happening.

16points

#58

Irish fella here. I went to America a few years back and was blown away by:
1:how workaholic the country was.
2: how religious. Ireland is extremely religious as well. Eg. You partake in your holy communion with your school, AND IT'S MANDATORY. Schools also belong to churches. But America was on a whole New level of religious. There were Jesus signs everywhere and people actually denounce science, which is just stupid.
3: if I had a cent for every American flag I saw throughout my trip, I would have enough to buy a house in your crappy economy.
4: The fact that when you're 18 you can go into a life long college debt, own a gun, drive, join the army, start a family but not drink alcohol
5: your food portions and how sweet everything was
And finally 6: your healthcare. Nuff said

Final score:

23points

Hotdogking

POST

M O'Connell 3 years ago

20% of the people make 80% of the noise, remember that.

14points

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

See Also on Bored Panda

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#59

The speed at which you guys repair roads. I mean WTactualF. My dad and I went to LA and the day we arrived they tore open a 2km strip of road. When we went to visit Warner studios next day they had started to pave again. When the tour was finished at 4pm and we walked back the road was in full f**king use again. Seriously that project would have taken at least half a year usually a year for that much of a project. I am truly amazed.

CeMaRiS1 Report

Final score:

22points

POST

Rene Berendsen 3 years ago

not sure which country this guy was in but half a year to a year for 2km road is truly insanely slow. It's probably also not sure. Maybe it feels like it.

2points

#60

Europeans Reveal Their 40 Most "WTF" Moments From Visiting America In This Viral Thread Once saw an ad for a wallet that was also a knife.

mikedotbluck , Flippy042 Report

Final score:

22points

POST

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

Wouldn’t see this advertised in Aus, they are illegal.

11points

#61

Being carded to get into a bar when I was 29 years old. I'd been drinking in pubs in England for 13 years without having to show ID.

Jagermeister_UK Report

Final score:

21points

POST

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

Don’t forget that bars legal ages are different in the US compared to the UK so even though you are 29, the person carding you couldn’t tell whether you were under 21 or not. There is a difference between 18 and 21 year olds.

9points

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

See Also on Bored Panda

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#62

Portion sizes.

The number and length of ads in tv shows, it’s crazy disruptive.

Final score:

21points

POST

James016 3 years ago

One advert that sticks out for me when I was there 20 years ago when in Florida was an advert for a home jerky maker. It came with everything you need to make your own jerky, some packets of spice mix, skewers, and a free copy of Guns and Ammo magazine

7points

#63

I've visited New York City several times in the period 2009 - 2014.

Positive WTF: giant buildings with sometimes stunning architecture; Woolworth Building, 40 Wall Street, Chrysler Building, etc ... Already impressive on pics but overwhelming when literally towering above you in real-life.

Negative WTF: some employees of the TSA. Man, I don't expect you to smile and be all sunshine, but screaming with all your might at some passengers while your head turns red with saliva dripping out of your mouth might be a bit much.

Kutvlieg Report

Final score:

21points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

I got screamed at by the British version of TSA. I was wearing a sports bra underneath a buttoned sweater, and he told me I had to take off my sweater. I did it but I was really unhappy about it.

13points

#64

The political ads where they just SMEAR the f**k out of the opposition.

darlo0161 Report

Final score:

20points

POST

ProfessionalTimeWaster 3 years ago

I find the concept of "First Lady" or spouse of Governor to have any recognition in public/give speeches really weird.

9points

#65

- The amount of homeless and/or crazy persons who would yell at people.

- Portion sizes and free refills.

- Listed prizes are without the tax added.

- How car-centric even the cities are.

- How many commercials you have on tv.

Humbugalarm Report

Final score:

20points

POST

staysdontstray 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

See Also on Bored Panda

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#66

Groceries in pharmacies!

Hey pandas. French here.
The thing that surprised me the most was to find ham, eggs, potato crisps, beverage, and also souvenirs in a pharmacy.
I mean, what?
"I'll take some aspirin and a sandwich, please. Oh, and this NYC cap, too."
This is really weird for me.

Final score:

20points

Nadine Debard

POST

Iggy 3 years ago

Cigarettes in pharmacies. Granted it was about 15 years ago but that was strange. I still remember it was a Duane Reade.

2points

iamsoveryverytired Report

#67

Everyone wanted me to have a great day.

Final score:

19points

POST

Paul K. Johnson 3 years ago

They aren't the boss of you. If you don't want to have a great day then nobody can make you. Have a great day all the same. :)

4points

#68

Years ago, it used be striking how much violence was allowed on tv, while anything even remotely resembling sex was censored.

I think the internet, cable tv and syndication of TV shows has blended the cultures in this regard.

frnoss Report

Final score:

19points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

That seems true. I am always startled by the language and sex on non-American TV shows!

4points

#69

A "what to do if you see a panther" sign

OneFlunchHam Report

Final score:

19points

POST

ProfessionalTimeWaster 3 years ago

Well, what do you do?

8points

#70

Guns for sale in a supermarket! I'm from South Africa and we are used to some pretty weird stuff, but, just wow. I used to work on the cruise ships. Going to the supermarket to get non-ship food was a huge part of making it on the ship. I went to Walmart to buy some stuff and next to the electronic section there was a gun section. And a no one was manning the counter. I found that terrifying.

Final score:

18points

Odile Wipp

POST

Iggy 3 years ago

It is terrifying!

6points

#71

There's a whole channel about the weather. It runs 24 hours a day and makes everything seem hyper-dramatic.

Infobomb Report

Final score:

17points

POST

A Cat Named Dragon 3 years ago

: ) how else would you get people to watch the weather channel?

11points

#72

The amount of salad dressing options. There were SOOO many to choose from. WTF is 'ranch' or 'Thousand Island'???

EmilyRB65 Report

Final score:

17points

POST

Steve Barnett 3 years ago

'Thousand Island' is well known in the UK, I like it. But 'Ranch' isn't.

11points

#73

I saw an advert on TV for some prescription meds then the presenter started listing off all the side effects, including death!

One_Truth42 Report

Final score:

17points

POST

Paizleypie 3 years ago

Yes, yes! Don't forget to call your lawyer if you have death, too.

7points

#74

Dogs or Coyotes howling in the night. When you're watching American stuff and you hear coyotes in the background, it's like "Ok they're just there, whatever", but when you hear it in real life, it's so unsettling.

And also, how far everything is. Went to Florida, and we had to travel through the "everglades", which was just a highway through a swampy area, for an hour or so. Imagine getting stuck halfway through it

Cheesysock5 Report

Final score:

17points

POST

Megan Curl 3 years ago (edited)

NO ONE wants to run out of gas on the road known as “Alligator Alley!” a.k.a. Everglades Pkwy, an 80 mile desolate road between Miami and Naples, Florida.

9points

#75

The size of everything. Still shocks me that driving from NYC to Cleveland, OH takes twice as much time as a trip across my country. Airport security is also overwhelming (and extremely boring).

EmbCMurphy Report

Final score:

16points

POST

Chancey 3 years ago

It says it takes 44 hours to drive from near my home in NJ to San Francisco CA

3points

#76

You can actually go to the ATM without leaving your car. Line for the driveby is longer then in the Coffee shop it self.

Needakill Report

Final score:

16points

POST

#77

Portion sizes and adverts for drugs would be the big two. All the other differences would be either stuff you don't experience on holiday or within the kind of differences you'd expect from another country. But the meals were just unbelievably massive, and having people hawk serious medication to you through the TV was very jarring.

Oh, and the number and duration of ad breaks as well. One night me and my dad were in some small town on our way to somewhere else, decided to watch Silence of the Lambs on TV. The ad breaks towards the end were insane, completely ruined the film. They managed to put one in the middle of the f**king finale. Remember the bit where Clarice finds the well, and then the lights go out? That's where they put an ad break. F**k me sideways.

SamWhite Report

Final score:

14points

POST

ProfessionalTimeWaster 3 years ago

Less annoying that YouTube playing ads nowadays in the middle of the song!

10points

#78

For me, it was the amount of blown-out tyres and tyre debris on the highways and interstates.

I love the people though. They always just seem so genuinely pleased to be talking to you. I can't wait for the time that I can visit again!

www.gettyimages.co.uk Report

Final score:

12points

Abbs0345

POST

lara 3 years ago

Those blown out tires are from 18 wheelers.

8points

#79

The missing persons posters everywhere. I was about 9 when we visited, so this would be 1999. We went into a gas station and there were so many missing persons posters on the walls that they also covered the ceiling. My whole family went quiet.

Also, the storms. I’m from Wales and the tropical storms were constant and stopped us going many places on our holiday. We were in Florida.

Also, going into a restaurant and being able to order such an insane range of foods. I think the menu was about 8 pages long. The food was amazing though.

Final score:

7points

Mosritheel

POST

Janine B. 3 years ago

Now I'm hungry.

0points

Liucija Adomaite is a creative mind with years of experience in copywriting. She has a dynamic set of experiences from advertising, academia, and journalism. This time, she has set out on a journey to investigate the ways in which we communicate ideas on a large scale. Her current mission is to find a magic formula for how to make ideas, news, and other such things spread like a virus.

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I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.

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What do you think ?

POST

Troux 3 years ago

The strangest thing to me (which most visitors would not see) is having to recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag every day as a student (13 years of your life). To me, it's like being forced to read your marriage vows to your spouse every morning, or read the company guidelines to your boss at the beginning of every workday. Looking back, it feels very cultish, and I would be curious how many other countries require daily repetition of your pledge.

30points

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

I don’t think we even have a pledge in Australia. Although when someone gets approved citizenship they have to take an oath. But that is it, we don’t really sing the national anthem either. I personally don’t know ANYONE that knows the second verse of our national anthem lol.

10points

Kendra Miller 3 years ago

This reminded me :) In elementary school they would play "Oh Canada" over the PA system and us kids would sing along. In High School they would play all sorts of different renditions and we just had to listen to it while getting stuff out of our locker before first period. It was kind of nice in retrospect but at the time we were like "Ugh again" typical teenagers

5points

Katchen 3 years ago

I hate the pledge. I agree it’s totally cultish.

4points

Lili 3 years ago

Children from my country are required to salute the flag and sing the National Anthem once a week during the School Assembly, kinda like a 1-thousand-people choir. But we don't have an abundant of flags everywhere, just public buildings. Most kids just follow along (or scream along) though, since it's a very difficult song with quite a few high notes. Nowadays more are switching to pre-recorded audios though. But other than that, nothing else.

3points

Doubleheader 3 years ago

Yeah I really hate it hahaha.

3points

El Dee 3 years ago

I've never heard of any country doing this at all. Not even the ones you'd immediately think of either..

2points

Laura Mende 3 years ago

I don´t know ANY OTHER country to have a pledge...

1point

Maria Vaz 3 years ago

Wait... They do that there? The countries I know that did that are/were dictatorships... That's scary

0points

OHIOWAndering_Around 3 years ago

As an American, I don't know the last time I said the Pledge of Allegiance. I'd probably have to look it up to remember it and it isn't very long either. Of course, I don't know the national anthem either. And I'm from the middle of the country where apparently it's a big thing. It really isn't.

0points

Onion rings like to make your breath smelly 3 years ago

I guess its the same as singing the national anthem in Canada, maybe its just paying some respects to your country or something

0points

ProfessionalTimeWaster 3 years ago

Even in India we have say a pledge, every single day of school alternating between 3 different languages. We even raised our right hand horizontally during. I find it weird that people would find it weird to pledge allegiance to your own country!

-1point

Vuun 3 years ago

Does this really need to be covered once a month?

25points

Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago

And it's always the same stuff. Portion (and people) sizes, gaps in bathroom doors, tipping, drug ads, driving everywhere.

18points

Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago

I'm not an American, but even I have to roll my eyes so far back into my head when I see yet another "Cultured Europeans are shocked and astounded by their slovenly, uncouth American Neighbours" listacle. While I understand the fascination with these articles (they are easy to compile and get a lot of clicks), it is always the same thing every single month or week. It just seems kind of mean-spirited.

12points

Tabitha L 3 years ago

Apparently, yes? I always read them to dispell myths. (Just because something happened to someone one time somewhere in the US, that doesn't make it universal.) I can't think of anything I found "weird" when visiting another country. Oh, yes, I have one. When driving in Canada, if you put on your turn signal to change lanes, the person in the other lane will slow down to let you in. Every time!!!

5points

Kenny Kulbiski 3 years ago

I think it must be something mandatory in Pandas mission statement. They're kinda getting a little desperate now though. Slurpees? Floating poo? Apparently they're easily shocked in culturally perfect Lithuania.

4points

Lili Octopus 3 years ago

Let’s do UK, India, South Africa etc etc versions. I love the explanations in comments and sharing of experiences.

2points

Troux 3 years ago

It's a really useful topic to put things into perspective for both Americans and foreigners, but yeah it's getting a little excessive!

1point

Stille20 3 years ago

This seems to be one of the latest Bored Panda "go to". Lets talk about how America is weird or messed up. It feels like there has been one or two of these a week as of late.

20points

Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago

We're a pretty easy target these days :/

19points

Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago

I'm actually starting to miss the re-imagined Disney Princess posts...

5points

KT 3 years ago

Well lets face it, America is pretty weird ATM, especially with that orange turd tying to pull off an uprising

3points

Mimi M 3 years ago

Just saw an AskReddit post (where BP gets most of their stuff) on 'positive things' experienced in America. Let's see if it gets any responses - maybe they can use some of them here!

3points

Lia Joseph 3 years ago

As a Native American, I was asked all sorts of weird questions. "Do you live in Teepees? Or do you have houses?" "CAN...YOU...SPEAK..ENGLISH..REDSKIN?" And I went to a bar with my friends and the bartender said he couldn't serve drinks to me because my people get violent. Positives? Some people are actually quite nice, and you have some cool snack food I can't get here at home in Canada. And thirdly, holy heck what's up with the portions?

10points

Mimi777 3 years ago

That's awful im sorry you have to deal with that kind of stuff. As someone who was born in a different country but grew up in the US ive been asked some really strange questions and heard some hateful comments over the years as well. But yeah i agree most people are pretty nice and friendly here.

5points

staysdontstray 3 years ago

I was expecting a lot of people to mention portion sizes. wasn't disappointed lol

8points

Rose the Cook 3 years ago

A family member had to go there as part of his job. Apart from the huge food portions and the fact that Times Square is in fact quite small his biggest surprise was being expected to tip a person he had asked for directions.

6points

hydrostatic joints 3 years ago

Most people would be glad to give you directions. Whoever made your family member pay was just taking advantage of them.

3points

Janine B. 3 years ago

Okay, mostly the same comments over and over. But why not do it the other way round? I mean Europe is not a country, we have so many cultural differences! I'm German and I can tell you we have some really ridiculous habits here! 😂

5points

Danieletc 3 years ago

I wonder why being a cold and distant as the Scandanavians do is endearing (old Pandoid article), and being openly friendly (or pretending to be, just to be polite to strangers) is a crime of WEIRD STRANGE AWFUL AMERICANS. Maybe it's just a Lith uanian thing.

0points

CB KittyValet 3 years ago

oh, hey, cool. thanks for kicking us while we are down.

5points

Nicola Roberts 3 years ago

I love this type of post as much as the next person, but at this time when most of the world is drawing conclusion about the US (and it's citizens) based on the actions of one man I wouldn't mind seeing a post about what America is doing right. Might be a tough shout though.

4points

ProfessionalTimeWaster 3 years ago

12th day into 2021 and this is the second "USA bad!" article. It's not even as if there's something new.........the same old points we've seen gazillion times. Cover more countries Boredpanda!!

4points

ADHORTATOR 3 years ago

the article is about "weirdest things visiting America", it is not about how "bad" the US are. I wa only one in the US four years ago and I loved it.

4points

Laura Mende 3 years ago

I´ve got an idea! how about to ask Americans what their mind-blowing experiences in Europe are? I mean, I see lots of US people in Germany, Austria, England... They are everywhere!

3points

Uncommon Boston Premium 3 years ago

My snobby cousin from Austria visited. I took her to the Air and Space Museum, in semi disgust she said, "Only in America." Damn right, only in America, Austria doesn't even have a space program! She is an exception, most of my family in Europe are awesome.

1point

El Dee 3 years ago

We see so much of the US on TV and film that we think we know it. We share a language so we think it is only slightly different. The truth is that the culture of the US is much more different to Europe than we'd find to Africa or China. The US reminds me of what we see of Russia, same nationalistic attitudes etc..

1point

Danieletc 3 years ago

I'm American, I get it, but you're really beating a dead horse, Pandoids. Like Vuun said. At this point, it's more like kicking a wounded dumb dog. This regurgitation is almost done more than the middling "My dozens of cartoons about my relationship/pets/young family/death". Change your [figurative] vinyl album, already, this old ripped wax has become WAY more scratch and skip than the good pop hooks.

1point

Danieletc 3 years ago

Oh, and... LOW TOILET SEATS? Around #32. Some Brit ranting against Yanks about LOW TOILET SEATS. Literally, how low can you go?

0points

Sue Prewitt 3 years ago

You always hear about Americans showing their asses in other countries. It's nice to know that visitors to America are meeting a lot of nice people.

1point

Joanne Haywood 3 years ago

I’ve never traveled abroad/overseas. Unless Wales and Scotland count! But the country I most want to visit is America. We share the same language (well, nearly - Aluminium anybody!) but there are so many cultural differences to experience.

1point

angie but who cares 3 years ago

i live in the usa if you want to see beautiful countrysides pennsylvania is a must if you want to see the big city than new york is a must

2points

KT 3 years ago

This has been a hilarious and interesting read! Every time ive been to america it has been pleasant enough minus one time a border guard who was excessive and extremely rude to us (this was shortly after 911) but we were just a young couple at the time and had nothing to deserve such nastiness. Americans I met while up in Canada have been the most disgusting human beings i've ever met and that says a lot as I work in an ER dept.

1point

Ally R 3 years ago

Root beer. Having seen it referred to in movies & TV etc I figured I'd try it. It was a poor decision... tasted like cough medicine to me. Also we found it was cheaper to eat out than cook for ourselves.

1point

Tracy Wallick 3 years ago

It makes me happy that so many people describe us as friendly :)

0points

Mazer 3 years ago

Americas building boom came after WW2, millions of homes build in bedroom communities, automobile dependent. We pay for it now, especially in California where public transportation is an afterthought at best, inefficient as well. Unfortunately even knowing the downfalls of this practice, we still build to 1950 standards, which are not good for anything, especially the planet. SMH, humans prefer a certain thing or way and don’t want to budge. HOAs are a perfect microcosmic example

0points

OHIOWAndering_Around 3 years ago

To be fair on the blue poo one, unless you eat a lot of highly dyed foods your system isn't used to it. I went to a nephew's party the other week and freaked out at red poo. I was like, "What is going on? Oh, my God! I have cancer." then remembered the red and black frosting on his cupcakes.

0points

Onion rings like to make your breath smelly 3 years ago (edited)

i remember when i was in new york. i was pushing my brother in his stroller on a busy sidewalk. i needed to catch up with my family and i was in a rush to get back to them (it was a really busy sidewalk, i might've got lost), but i accidently touched the wheel with someones foot. She gave me a dirty look then pushed me, an 8 year old. like bruh. Or i just might be too used to Canadians.

0points

John L 3 years ago

One important point here. I lived in Germany for 1 1/2 years, between my freshman and sophomore year in college. Dad was stationed there in mid-60s. The strange differences were staggering, so both sides have their reasons for all this. HOWEVER, one thing comes to mind, even 55 years later. We were driving in the countryside. One person came up to another person taking a whizz, which was common in public. The whizzer immediately changed hands, and shook the other's hand in greeting, and not worrying about the hygiene. This has stuck in my mind for decades now. What's that Doors song, "People are Strange"?

0points

B-b-bird 3 years ago

*Me as a happy tourist noticed police officers patrolling. Standing outside their police cars in nice uniforms and shiny badges (just as i seen in movies). It was the first time for me to see this so I got excited and went to ask to take a pictures with them, my american friend wanted to stop me from doing it but I went anyway. They were friendly, smily and happily took a picture with me. *I started to gain weight rapidly after few weeks in US, as I was explained - corn starch, sugar and oil in virtually any product. *sizes of shampoo bottles, plush toys, meals and anything else are just huuuge. *To have a fast food meal is way cheaper than to cook healthy dish at home. *almost no one was carying expensive phone as iphone, majority phones that i seen couldn't recognize the brand, unlike in europe where majority are carying iphone, or well knows android phones. *amount of homeless are overwhelming. *strangely segregated neighborhoods :( *people curious and friendly :) easy to talk to

0points

Little Wonder 3 years ago

The thing I noticed most was the awful coffee. I'd had American friends be horrified I drank instant and realised pretty fast that instant coffee in the US is dire. My friend took me to get "the best" coffee, and it tasted like Australian instant.

0points

Lucy Hill 3 years ago

I noticed the attentive level of customer service. Shop assistants going out their way to help- we were given Michael Kors-labelled bottled water at the brand store in NY n the assistant gave us her card for if we returned. It verged on overkill at times, but they really do have it down to a fine art...but maybe that’s cos hospitality etc staff rely on tips to get by. However it did make a difference to the shopping experience

0points

Matthew Smith 3 years ago

My WTF was when I tried to buy cigarettes, I was refused, I was 25 at the time.

0points

R3belB4nny 3 years ago

Uh-oh. Just noticed this was reddit. Now I can't read it.... (´◑□◐`)

0points

Linda Haney 3 years ago

Funny how Europeans only post what they don't like about the US. I think they come here wanting to hate us, already hating us,then look for reasons. And Panda just loves to roll in it. Europe- just don't come here if you don't like us. We're fine with that.

0points

Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago

Hey Linda, I'm from the United Kingdom and actually commented earlier in this post saying that I am sick and tired of "listacles" like this that just serve to perpetrate stale, old stereotypes. Many of us have actually thoroughly enjoyed our time in the United States and have met some lovely people and seen some amazing sites. Listacles like this can come off as mean-spirited.

1point

Ben Pritchard 3 years ago

Don't really give a care what europeans think or are bothered about.

0points

blugeagua 3 years ago

We're still the laughing stock of the world. Maybe we should care.

2points

Carrot dude 3 years ago

Ok about the ads ones- do people actually watch tv? Cable is expensive! I thought it pretty much died out with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc. This is kind of random but I was curious.

0points

angie but who cares 3 years ago

yeah most people only watch movies on netflix and very few people watch things on disney+ unless you have kids younger than 8

1point

Leo H 3 years ago

Did you notice how political panda has become..like bro we come to your site to avoid the america bashing

-1point

Leo H 3 years ago

Post like this is why i hate foreign eurotrash... Cause if it's different then it's wrong..f**k you karen

-1point

ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago

🙄🙄here we go again

-1point

Bacony Cakes 3 years ago

I'm convinced Disney World doesn't have any other food than milk and chicken nuggets. Nothing else. Not a smidge. Milk and Chicken Nuggets. Milk and Chicken Nuggets. MILK AND CHICKEN NUGGETS.

-1point

Danieletc 3 years ago

You're being sarcastic, mister. Sarcastic hugs for you! And Heart emojis!

1point

POST

Troux 3 years ago

30points

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

10points

Kendra Miller 3 years ago

5points

Katchen 3 years ago

I hate the pledge. I agree it’s totally cultish.

4points

Lili 3 years ago

3points

Doubleheader 3 years ago

Yeah I really hate it hahaha.

3points

El Dee 3 years ago

I've never heard of any country doing this at all. Not even the ones you'd immediately think of either..

2points

Laura Mende 3 years ago

I don´t know ANY OTHER country to have a pledge...

1point

Maria Vaz 3 years ago

Wait... They do that there? The countries I know that did that are/were dictatorships... That's scary

0points

OHIOWAndering_Around 3 years ago

0points

Onion rings like to make your breath smelly 3 years ago

I guess its the same as singing the national anthem in Canada, maybe its just paying some respects to your country or something

0points

ProfessionalTimeWaster 3 years ago

-1point

Vuun 3 years ago

Does this really need to be covered once a month?

25points

Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago

And it's always the same stuff. Portion (and people) sizes, gaps in bathroom doors, tipping, drug ads, driving everywhere.

18points

Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago

12points

Tabitha L 3 years ago

5points

Kenny Kulbiski 3 years ago

4points

Lili Octopus 3 years ago

Let’s do UK, India, South Africa etc etc versions. I love the explanations in comments and sharing of experiences.

2points

Troux 3 years ago

It's a really useful topic to put things into perspective for both Americans and foreigners, but yeah it's getting a little excessive!

1point

Stille20 3 years ago

This seems to be one of the latest Bored Panda "go to". Lets talk about how America is weird or messed up. It feels like there has been one or two of these a week as of late.

20points

Kristin Ingersoll 3 years ago

We're a pretty easy target these days :/

19points

Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago

I'm actually starting to miss the re-imagined Disney Princess posts...

5points

KT 3 years ago

Well lets face it, America is pretty weird ATM, especially with that orange turd tying to pull off an uprising

3points

Mimi M 3 years ago

Just saw an AskReddit post (where BP gets most of their stuff) on 'positive things' experienced in America. Let's see if it gets any responses - maybe they can use some of them here!

3points

Lia Joseph 3 years ago

10points

Mimi777 3 years ago

5points

staysdontstray 3 years ago

I was expecting a lot of people to mention portion sizes. wasn't disappointed lol

8points

Rose the Cook 3 years ago

6points

hydrostatic joints 3 years ago

Most people would be glad to give you directions. Whoever made your family member pay was just taking advantage of them.

3points

Janine B. 3 years ago

5points

Danieletc 3 years ago

0points

CB KittyValet 3 years ago

oh, hey, cool. thanks for kicking us while we are down.

5points

Nicola Roberts 3 years ago

4points

ProfessionalTimeWaster 3 years ago

12th day into 2021 and this is the second "USA bad!" article. It's not even as if there's something new.........the same old points we've seen gazillion times. Cover more countries Boredpanda!!

4points

ADHORTATOR 3 years ago

the article is about "weirdest things visiting America", it is not about how "bad" the US are. I wa only one in the US four years ago and I loved it.

4points

Laura Mende 3 years ago

I´ve got an idea! how about to ask Americans what their mind-blowing experiences in Europe are? I mean, I see lots of US people in Germany, Austria, England... They are everywhere!

3points

Uncommon Boston Premium 3 years ago

1point

El Dee 3 years ago

1point

Danieletc 3 years ago

1point

Danieletc 3 years ago

Oh, and... LOW TOILET SEATS? Around #32. Some Brit ranting against Yanks about LOW TOILET SEATS. Literally, how low can you go?

0points

Sue Prewitt 3 years ago

You always hear about Americans showing their asses in other countries. It's nice to know that visitors to America are meeting a lot of nice people.

1point

Joanne Haywood 3 years ago

1point

angie but who cares 3 years ago

i live in the usa if you want to see beautiful countrysides pennsylvania is a must if you want to see the big city than new york is a must

2points

KT 3 years ago

1point

Ally R 3 years ago

1point

Tracy Wallick 3 years ago

It makes me happy that so many people describe us as friendly :)

0points

Mazer 3 years ago

0points

OHIOWAndering_Around 3 years ago

0points

Onion rings like to make your breath smelly 3 years ago (edited)

0points

John L 3 years ago

0points

B-b-bird 3 years ago

0points

Little Wonder 3 years ago

0points

Lucy Hill 3 years ago

0points

Matthew Smith 3 years ago

My WTF was when I tried to buy cigarettes, I was refused, I was 25 at the time.

0points

R3belB4nny 3 years ago

Uh-oh. Just noticed this was reddit. Now I can't read it.... (´◑□◐`)

0points

Linda Haney 3 years ago

0points

Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago

1point

Ben Pritchard 3 years ago

Don't really give a care what europeans think or are bothered about.

0points

blugeagua 3 years ago

We're still the laughing stock of the world. Maybe we should care.

2points

Carrot dude 3 years ago

Ok about the ads ones- do people actually watch tv? Cable is expensive! I thought it pretty much died out with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc. This is kind of random but I was curious.

0points

angie but who cares 3 years ago

yeah most people only watch movies on netflix and very few people watch things on disney+ unless you have kids younger than 8

1point

Leo H 3 years ago

Did you notice how political panda has become..like bro we come to your site to avoid the america bashing

-1point

Leo H 3 years ago

Post like this is why i hate foreign eurotrash... Cause if it's different then it's wrong..f**k you karen

-1point

ivan bolitekurac 3 years ago

🙄🙄here we go again

-1point

Bacony Cakes 3 years ago

I'm convinced Disney World doesn't have any other food than milk and chicken nuggets. Nothing else. Not a smidge. Milk and Chicken Nuggets. Milk and Chicken Nuggets. MILK AND CHICKEN NUGGETS.

-1point

Danieletc 3 years ago

You're being sarcastic, mister. Sarcastic hugs for you! And Heart emojis!

1point