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Our cultural differences are what make us unique, and they’re what bond us with others alike. What we see as ordinary always depends on people, place, and context and surely it will differ from one person to another.

That becomes super obvious when we leave the comfort of our home behind our back and go on vacation. Ask travelers how often they've been in uncomfortable social situations, had weird conversations, and found themselves strangers in a foreign land, and they will tell numerous stories.

Now this Ask Reddit thread has recently gained a lot of attention, amassing a whopping 28.3k comments and 27.8k upvotes. “What things do Americans like and the rest of the world not so much?” someone asked and people started sharing their own experiences, impressions and stories that show us once again just how relative things can be.

#1

30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Tipping culture.

It's crazy how much people defend an absolutely terrible system.

chewwydraper , Sam Dan Truong Report

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

Tipping. A way to continue slavery and make it legal to pay staff below the minimum wage.

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    #2

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much MM-DD-YYYY Date format 😅

    javapyscript , Leeloo Thefirst Report

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

    I've never understood this, because doesn't it make sense that it would go shortest, middle, longest edit: longest to shortest makes a lot of sense as well

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    #3

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Commercials about pharmaceutical pills. "Ask your doctor about taking xyz... side affects can include (everything).
    Wild!

    Live_Ad_455 , Melany @ tuinfosalud.com Report

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

    This is not "liked by Americans"; the pharmaceutical companies pay to air the commercials.

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    #4

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Opinion signs outside their houses. Like "in this house we support...". I find it weird and unusual.

    BittenOnion Report

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

    We have a “Love is Love” sign in our yard, but only because a few houses down from us has a sign that’s pretty much the opposite meaning.

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    #5

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much College sports. Particularly football and basketball.

    The rest of the world loves soccer, but nobody gives a hoot about it at the university level.

    Scrappy_Larue , football wife Report

    #6

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Flags. So many American flags everywhere.

    justmyfakename , Pramod Kotipalli Report

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

    Finland only has flags up if it's a special day or something.

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

    Gemany, too, and "special days" are 85% Football related (or crappy right wing/covidiot protesters)

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    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    America is a very Nationalist country. Always has been. People like myself have been trying for decades to change that. But we still have people who want to abolish NATO and abolish the UN. We live in a global world, if we want to survive, we have to work together as a united humanity. We need to do what's best for ALL not what's best for US.

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nationalism only makes sense to me when watching the World Cup! Otherwise it just causes separatism and perpetual discord….

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

    So many flags in Spain. Not only for the country but for the provinces as well. Viva Espana!

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

    I saw tons of flags in the UK .. national pride isn’t just an American thing.

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

    Really? I live in the UK, and I can go for months, maybe even years, without seeing a single flag. Might see a few England flags if there's some football happening, a few Union Jacks if there's some sort of royal shenanigans, but generally speaking nobody cares about the flag; it's certainly not fetishised the way it is in the US.

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

    This. My country only has flags up when it's National flag day or Independence Day. Otherwise no flags except in government owned buildings

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

    One of the weirdest things is when you think back to pre911, you only saw them at government buildings or on the 4th of July

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

    Once you understand what is behind all the flag-waving and uber-"patriotism" it is just embarrassing.

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

    Denmark also seems to be very proud of its flag, but in a kind of understated way, which I found rather sweet.

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

    It is because it is such an old flag, that is does not represent any regime, but only the people. Was used, when we were ruled by kings, and now when we are a democracy. We use it for celebrations a lot, and a 2-3 year old would probably call it "the birthday flag" rather than a flag representing the country. It is rarely used in a nationalistic/excluding way. More as a celebration. I have a flagpole in my garden, where the flag is used on birthdays or other kind of celebration-days. But not on constitution day, which does not mean a lot to people, like 4th of July in USA. It is a very non-political flag to us Danes.

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

    As an American I don't get it. Then again I wore a British flag on independence day and got compliments because they think it's an American shirt. Nope I'm wearing it to he an a*s.

    Frances Pitchounetta
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Québec (Canada), we also love our flag every day. But what can we do about it, it's so beautiful, it's blue and white like the sky with clouds! 😍 https://bit.ly/3VJq43j (FYI: It's the old flag of France before the French Révolution)

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

    And our flag literally doesn’t represent our ideals anymore at all. I displayed a US flag for years at my home. Took it down in 2016. Don’t want to be mistaken for a conservative

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

    I found the presence of flags everywhere very reassuring, as it meant I hadn't accidentally gone over the border to Canada or Mexico.

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

    It's funny when my son and I walk by a house with American flags I tell him " look Americans live there" sarcastically.

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

    I live in America and I hate seeing the damn flag everywhere. Especially the big ones on trucks.

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

    Czech republic only has flags up if it is an important event or day or something. However if someone hangs it up, we're not gonna say anything. But it's not common.

    Zobi123
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bernard-Henri Levy said the flag is important because the concept of the United States is more abstract than other countries and any newcomer can quickly embrace it. France has common cuisine, a long shared history, etc...we have a flag that symbolizes [whatever you think it symbolizes].

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

    Even worse are the Confederate, "Don't Tread On Me" snake, and State of Jefferson (California-Oregon secession) flags. Don't see many Union Jacks. ;)

    Patty Kate
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There were Costa Rican flags all over when I was there. I guess some countries are really into that.

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

    To me when they're up all the time, it takes away the special meaning & becomes medeorker.

    RafCo (he/him)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's true. I hardly ever see American flags outside of the United States. It's almost like being in another country /s ← sorry I have to include that

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

    I think it was 9/11 that brought out all the flags. I live in NYC and lived a few blocks away from the Towers that day. I don’t like it, but I can understand it. Now it’s just become a habit for people.

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

    Unfortunately that dumba$$ who used to live in the White House has ruined the flag for me.

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

    Always makes us think that Americans need constant reminding about where they live. We are Canadian, dont feel the need for a flag on every post

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

    So, it's not a good thing to like your country? We're more emotional about a lot of stuff.

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

    Those are to remind our more simple-minded residents where they are. The same folks can often be seen wearing clothing that says USA for the same reason, and chanting those letters in large crowds to remember which team they want to win.

    Let’s Go Brandon
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t mind this so long as they’re displayed in a tasteful manner. I don’t like it on much clothing though; makes it look tacky.

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

    As an American I admit that the flags everywhere is a bit excessive, but it represents all the people that died for our independence. It also lets know when someone important dies because they put them half down when that happens. Like when Queen Elizabeth died most flags were half down to honor her.

    David Kennedy
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here in Canada there is only two places you really see the flag. One is government buildings, the other is Walmart.

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

    I HATE THAT. There’s like 10M flags on each house I pass.

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

    Here and there in Australia, you'll see a house that has a flag outside it. Not necessarily anything elaborate, maybe just on some plastic conduit lashed to gate post or something. It's generally taken as 'ok, that's nice for you if you want to do it'. Few of them are rabid nationalists, and no-one EXPECTS you to put up flags.

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

    Yeah why would there be American flags in another country?

    Byron Bright
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Honestly, flag making is a huge money making business in America. The "pledge of allegiance" was created to sell more flags in classrooms. It's pathetic.

    Scott Crosby
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Because Marxists trying to turn the laws and culture of their country upside down will seldom demonstrate patriotism.

    Molly Block
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I don't see anything wrong with this one, as long as they are not trump flags!

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    #7

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Walking inside the house with shoes on.

    ignviliam , Sladjana Karvounis Report

    #8

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Threatening to press charges on people....

    And being suspicious of everyone.

    agingercow , Icons8 Team Report

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    #9

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much imperial units
    (edit: fahrenheit aswell as celsius are good for certain scenarios so ill omit the former)

    Kirby_zzz , Ag PIC Report

    #10

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much ICE. Filled till the brim before you pour any drink.

    locoliga , Truong Dat Report

    #11

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Cheerleaders

    liebe_rootBete , Rajiv Perera Report

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    Don't you wish you knew
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's definitely a sport and takes a lot of athleticism. People train from an early age to be on cheer squads.

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    #12

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Driving everywhere. Anywhere you go, you go in a car.


    But I suspect for many, other options are so rare they don't think about them even if they do exist.

    MXXIV666 , Aleksandr Popov Report

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

    Soooo accurate! I work 50 minutes away from where I live (41 miles). Public transit isn’t an option. Even for close shopping… it’s not an option. The nearest bus line is 4 miles away.

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    #14

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Peanut butter and jelly

    FlyBuy3 , Giorgio Trovato Report

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

    A lot of us were fed this as kids, so it tends to be a comfort food now.

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    #15

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Root beer and ranch dressing. I brought some to Germany and had my friends try it and they said the root beer tasted like medicine. They politely tasted the dressing with a celery and said "hmmm, interesting" but the look on their faces was that it was terrible ha.

    nargleflargle , American Heritage Chocolate Report

    #16

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Garbage Disposals

    Just shove that turkey carcass in the disposal and run some warm water behind it

    celtic1888 , Max Vakhtbovych Report

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

    You can’t put bones, meat, eggshells, or very fibrous fruits and veggies into the disposal. You can break the disposal or damage sewer lines.

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    #17

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much God damn delis. At least out of all the places I’ve traveled to the US by far has the best delis. I don’t know if I can live somewhere without a great Jewish or Italian deli.

    facobi8356 , Kyle Mackie Report

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    #18

    Corn syrup

    __Piggy___Smalls__ Report

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

    There is a time and place for it like pecan pies and cheap pancake syrup. But not every where all the time.

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    #20

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much This used to be much more prevalent in the US but food coloring. When I moved from Japan to the US, I was surprised at how colorful their foods were.

    These days Americans are now more keen to organic natural stuff so I see it less but it took me a while to realize that blue raspberry is not a real thing.

    AwesomeAsian , Viktor Talashuk Report

    #21

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much My mother [British] thought casseroles were weird and disgusting. Once her British friend came to visit, and asked that we not go to a restaurant "where all the food is mixed together in an awful jumble."

    I love most casseroles.

    MazW , sheri silver Report

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

    Since casseroles were originally French, maybe she was just cherishing the ancient enmity

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    #22

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much My sister is visiting the US from Europe and sent me a picture of a small coke and asked "why is it so big?" I could see old glory flapping in the wind, boys.

    botaxel499 , Pixabay Report

    #23

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Biscuits and gravy

    WayneH2O , Ray Shrewsberry Report

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

    And you’ll get a bunch of different variations of somebody’s granny made it only a certain way…so that’s how you know it’s authentic! Bacon grease? Sausage? Strong black coffee? Just never say you made it from a powdered mix!

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    #24

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Free public restrooms. I know they're gross but they are nice to have.

    vebidib774 , Sung Jin Cho Report

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    Don't you wish you knew
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Was gonna comment but changed my mind so I'll just say Have a great day pandas wherever you are!

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    #25

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much

    Handicap accessiblity. Old buildings/towns in Europe are nice, if both your legs work.

    botaxel499 , AbsolutVision Report

    #26

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much
    24 hour stores. I was in Chicago working with a colleague from Switzerland who suddenly realized around midnight that he needed a network cable to configure a mobile router for a job the next morning.

    I told him that I'd meet him in the hotel lobby to drive him out to Walmart.

    He was happily surprised, as he had forgotten about the US's famous chain of Walmart stores.

    botaxel499 , Caique Morais Report

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

    24-hour Walmarts are not a thing anymore since covid, at least where I live.

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    #27

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much

    Bankruptcy laws. It's a major reason why America has historically had some of the highest rates of small business growth and entrepreneurship. America is one of the most forgiving countries when it comes to personal and corporate bankruptcy (student loans notwithstanding).

    Comparatively, European countries are much more pro-creditor which severely hampers any sort of investment that's even somewhat risky.

    facobi8356 , Scott Graham Report

    #28

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much
    Americanized Chinese food. No one has us beat in that category.,

    botaxel499 , Drew Taylor Report

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

    I might get downvoted, but... Kind of wish people would stop complaining about "Americanized" Chinese food. Lots of dishes were invented by Chinese-Americans way back in the early 1900s because of the war. It may not be authentic Chinese food, but it is authentic Chinese-American food.

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    #29

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Bumper stickers

    Back2Bach , Mathias Reding Report

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    James016
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See a fair few in the uk but we are more of a “baby on board” sticker nation

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    #30

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much I'd like to say optimism, even if it's blind sometimes. The CAN DO attitude is extremely strong. I would also put belligerence up there for better or worse. That "Get the f**k out of my face, I'm not paying for / doing that" attitude. Whether you actually can or not, the American culture makes you feel like you can really do anything. Again, it's a double edged sword but you'll seldom find an American who's just going to lay down and take someone's s**t or heed someone who says (to your aspirations) "You can't".

    facobi8356 , Brooke Cagle Report

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    #31

    30 Things Americans Seem To Like, But The Rest Of The World Not So Much Free soda refills at dine-in places

    Lostarchitorture , Francesca Hotchin Report

    #32

    Corn dogs?

    RScribster Report

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

    OMG I LOVE CORN DOGS! I used to consider them a luxury because I only ever got to eat them at my grandparents house.

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    #33

    Marching bands. If you’d played the flute in a marching band at my school you would have gotten pelters but in the US you can become a state hero.

    Fuzzie_Lee Report