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It’s no secret—the rest of the world looks at how peculiar American culture can be and wonders if it’s even real.

‘Cause let’s face it—even if it looks fine for us, that doesn’t mean that having police patrol your school, paying for a ride to the hospital, and calling the toilet “restroom” when we all know very well there ain't nobody going there to have a rest shouldn’t raise a brow for others.

So this time, we are looking at what American things make our fellow non-American friends scratch their heads in simple, yet very spot-on questions below. Our dear American Pandas are also welcome to help separate what’s real, what’s rumors, and what only happens in movies in the comments! And after you're done with this post, check out our previous one with things Americans do that require an explanation for non-Americans.

#1

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Ceredwyn Ealanta
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But taking off shoes and socks when you come in is nearly as good as taking off your bra.

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    #3

    Questions-For-Americans

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    GirlFriday
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    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have them. They are usually part of the cheerleader squad or dance squad. It is a sports thing. We take sports very seriously.

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    Even though Americans and Europeans share many things, like commitment to democratic principles, a strategic alliance, and some of the highest standards in the world, there are still some very notable differences between them.

    A 2016 study done by Pew Research Center was very revealing in that respect. First of all, it showed that Americans are more likely to believe they control their own destiny.

    The research showed that a staggering 57% of Americans disagreed with the statement “Success in life is pretty much determined by forces outside our control.” The percentage was higher than in any other European nations polled.

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    #6

    Questions-For-Americans

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    Brendan
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    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An affective way to make the 'popular' kids feel even more popular.

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    The second interesting thing the Pew poll showed is that “Americans prioritize individual liberty, while Europeans tend to value the role of the state to ensure no one in society is in need.”

    When it comes to religion, it turned out that over half in the US (53%) say religion is extremely important in their life, which is nearly double the share with the same view in Poland.

    In France, for example, only 14% consider religion a very important aspect of their lives.

    #8

    Questions-For-Americans

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    chi-wei shen
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How else would you call them? Students wouldn't use the teachers first name.

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    #9

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    GirlFriday
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    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some schools are more strict than others and require them. My schools didn't require them. We just excused ourselves and went to the restroom when needed.

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    #10

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    GirlFriday
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    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. They don't - at least the schools that I went to and my nieces and nephews don't (they are ages 4 - 17). In the past, students were made to recite the "pledge of allegiance" each morning, but I think this is something that has fallen by the wayside.

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    #11

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    giraffescupcakesandlove
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some schools don't allow it, but at the schools I went to we were allowed to. It was fun! You can put magnets, quotes, pictures of loved ones.

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    #12

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    Potter
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, and there are usually one or two questions where you have to read something and write a few pages for it.

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    #13

    Questions-For-Americans

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    Kat Hoth
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, and sometimes mail does get stolen even though it's a federal offense.

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    #18

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    chi-wei shen
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's so unusual with this? I'm Austrian and my children's friends never used my first name.

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    #22

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    Dave P
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    no, never seen it and you do it in NYC you will be banned for life

    Truth Monster
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some do. We don't talk about those heretics....those mad, mad heretics....

    Carissa Blair
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I eat ranch with my pizza hell a lot of people where I live do!! PINEAPPLE DOESNT I REPEAT DOESNT GO ON PIZZA!!!

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    Cassie
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had never encountered it and I've grown up moving between many places in the US, but I noticed our local shop now offers dipping ranch if you order a plain cheese pizza, so, apparently it's a thing somewhere around here that may be catching on. Dunno. Sounds gross to me, but I don't like ranch.

    Luna Lovegood
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I haven't heard of this, but it sounds pretty good? Idk I would try it. Don't knock it til you try it.

    stephanie
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    pizza with ranch is amazing depending on what kind of pizza it is, i prefer frozen pizzas (cooked obviously) with ranch, but not like a chicago deep dish that would be gross

    Sarah Luna
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I won't eat pizza without ranch...I'm as Midwestern as you can get. And a bacon cheeseburger with ranch and BBQ sauce is a party in your mouth! Second only to Big Mac sauce on fries.

    Hermione Granger
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the Midwest you eat ranch with EVERYTHING. I drink it straight from the bottle

    Brett Layton
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Youll find it to be alot more prevalent on the west coast of america , not so much in the heartland or east coast.

    Eagle Girl
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    East coast born & raised with ranch for fries, pizza, in tuna. Mix it with salsa too & dip chicken egg rolls

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    Matthew Greene
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually, this is common in upper end pizza restaurants on the west coast of the USA. Many restaurants in Reno Nevada ask if you would like ranch and / or honey with your pizza. Not joking.

    Kelly Murray
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some places have a ranch sauce that is used instead of tomato sauce. As someone who doesn't like red sauce, I appreciate the effort.

    Patricia
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a thing with my grandchildren. They dip the crust in it after they have eaten the rest of the slice.

    Adem Townsend
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ranch on pizza tastes good but bbq sauce with parmesan cheese is the bees knees.

    Mark Jones
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, it was very common in my high school. Then again, they served terrible quality frozen pizza and the ranch was the only thing that could adequately cover up the taste.

    ej wey
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That only if the ranch is better then the pizza. I miss New York pizza.

    Jessica
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have only seen it with the cardboard pizza at school lunches

    Randomcthulu
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I eat pepperoni and pineapple pizza...and I like to dip the crusts in ranch lol, or I slather it all in sriracha, take that GI!

    Suzi Gauthier
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the pizza is tasteless, maybe. Kids probably start in school to perk up the school pizza.

    Suzi Gauthier
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My daughter does. Funny story. My ex was from France & had friends come to visit. He was trying to let them sample "American" food. They LOVED ranch dressing on their salad (he hated it). They next night he made corn on the cob & they smothered in in ranch dressing. I told him he was going to be responsible for a major shift in French cuisine.

    averageperson
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    sort of, yeah. I don't like regular pizza sauce so I eat my pizza with ranch/white sauce

    AB
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly, yes. I'm sorry you had to find out about that...

    Michael Capriola Jr.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never heard of that. We put a lot of weird toppings on pizza, so I suppose somebody's tried it.

    Jesse
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At my school Friday was pizza day and the side was whole kernel corn with a cup of ranch dressing. My school hated us.

    Little Wonder
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay while we're here - what's with honey on pizza? There's a honey brand that advertises their honey for pizza, is that a thing? I'm not okay.

    Darci Dietrich
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It must be a Midwest thing! I have eaten my pizza dipped in ranch my whole life, very much a thing we do!!

    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, did it the other night. It's good but I don't always do it.

    EHops
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We do in Arizona. You get looked at weird when you don't here

    Demongrrrrl
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do all other countries (e.g., not America) put corn on your pizza? I encountered that in the UK and Scandinavia.

    Heather
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm from the Midwest and some places they automatically bring ranch. Mmmmm

    Elida Lechuga
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen many people eat the crust with Ranch or Marinara sauce. In Mexico many people eat it with ketchup or mustard and bring those habits here to the US. Thus I've seen that as well.

    Roadkill The Brave
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ranch, Marinara, and Garlic Dipping sauces are the three most commonly used in the U.S. per any food chain Pizza Place, like Little Caesars, Domino's, or Pizza Hut. There are other sauces like BBQ or specialized per region but those are the big three.

    yes.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yup my friends 4 year old sister loves this idk if its an american thing or just a 4 yo thing

    ZombieGirl
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, for the crust! and only some people, it isnt common or anything

    BG
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For some folks in the southeast, ANY food is an excuse to get more ranch dressing in you face. Pizza, wings, pasta, etc. You can even buy ranch dressing in powdered form and sprinkle it over everything. Some of my family members like it on popcorn, tacos, meats... Have you never had Cool Ranch Doritos? You can also get ranch dip for your McNuggets here.

    Eric Mac Fadden
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In São Paulo if you put ketchup in the pizza, they'll take the death penalty.

    Jill Pulcifer
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some do, but on the list of American food offenses, thats literally the least of our problems. aaaaaaasaa...b4c784.jpg aaaaaaasaa-5f24104b4c784.jpg

    Hiker Chick
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not typically. Garlic sauce is more common but most people don't add sauce to pizza.

    Amelia Sharjeel
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what if you eat pizza with ranch you will be banned for life?!? that's crazy

    Louise Stange-Wahl
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    EWW that sounds GROSS to me too...When pizzas are judged in contests, usually they judge a basic cheese pizza. My favorite pizza in the world is from a chain in Ohio called Marion's Piazza. Some celebrities and other weathy peeps, order them and have them flown to wherever they are...you can too for about $150. One peculiar thing about pizza there...they cut it into small squares instead of like it should be...pie cut. Now that we live on a small ranch in New Mexico, even though I can't get my Marion's the second best pizza in the world is a little restaurant called Pizza Barn. Everything is homemade. You can literally watch the dough rise. No inside dining allowed during COVAD, but the drive-in window is ALWAYS packed. Only about 1/2 mile from home..and we get carry out a couple of times a week. Like tonight!

    GirlFriday
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people like to dip their pizza (especially the crust) into ranch dressing. I personally find it disgusting.

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    #24

    Questions-For-Americans

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    chi-wei shen
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    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think children all over the world have to feel "slightly suicidal" to do this.

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    #25

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    80 Van
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, we call eye doctors “Optometrists,” and we call Opticians “Opticians.”

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    #29

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    Bill
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    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    most countries do because it has been a part of military training for centuries. They want inshape youth for military service.

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    #31

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    GirlFriday
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    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The term "20/20" and similar fractions (such as 20/40, 20/60, etc.) are visual acuity measurements. They also are called Snellen fractions, named after Herman Snellen, the Dutch ophthalmologist who developed this measurement system in 1862.

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    #33

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    giovanna
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    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm Italian. Children eat pasta with butter and Parmigiano here. I also do when I want the comfort of a warm pasta hug.

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    #34

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    spirit wolf
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went to school in other countries aswell and boy did I write lines in detention. This is definitely not just an American thing. Yes, I was an exemplary student.

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