America is a vast country comprising 50 states. It is home to many natural wonders and influential talents in the world. Despite political and cultural controversies, many dream about one day visiting the country.
Because of TV and media representation, the dreams people who have never been to America have may be outrageous and far-fetched. For this reason, citizens laugh when they hear what non-citizens think about the country. Americans say these are the top misconceptions and things most folks don’t understand about the U.S.
1. The Country Is Huge
The United States of America ranks among one of the largest countries in the world. Yet, people sometimes act like it’s a walk through the park.Â
For instance, one person writes, “Foreigners will tell us how they’re planning a two-week trip, starting in NY, driving to Miami, then driving to the Grand Canyon, then driving back to NY, and we’re all like ‘What?!’
2. The Train Service Is Disappointing
Well, who could have guessed? As a foreigner, that reads as a shock to me. Still, train service in America isn’t as efficient as on TV. The smell is…distinctive, too. They say it either smells like urine, weed, or poo. America has a problem.
3. They Are Not Mean
Even though mainstream movies have proved how disturbing, crazy, rude, and hostile Americans can be, they beg to differ.Â
“Don’t believe the news. Seriously, most of us love meeting new people. Especially those from other countries and cultures. In the U.S., We love to tell you the best restaurant or park or best way to get from point A to point B. Don’t be afraid to say ‘hi.'” Remember that when you plan to visit.Â
4. The Law-Making System Is Different
Law systems vary from country to country and even state to state. Most people forget this and that the U.S. is run by democracy.Â
“Specifically, they don’t seem to understand that laws vary by state and that there are restrictions on which laws can be made at the federal level. Also, I’ve seen way too many people who don’t realize that the U.S. President does not have the power to pass laws on his own,” a citizen says.Â
5. It’s Not Always Political
Contrary to popular belief, Americans are only sometimes about politics. They have lives outside of it. Also, the people are not divided by opposing views, each hating the other. There are Americans that enjoy going about their day normally. As a matter of fact, bringing up politics in some settings is considered rude and improper to many.
6. Experience Varies
America is so large that it is “like five cultural countries mashed into one.” Each region has evolved with its own culture and style. Therefore, your experience of the country largely depends on the part of the country you visit. “They are all kind of tied together but are not the same.”
7. It’s No Dystopian Hellscape
Again, America has problems. Still, according to Americans, it’s not the “dystopian hellscape” the media paints it out to be. There are political, social, and religious issues, but they don’t think it’s as bad as people act. Life is good for the average American. Apparently, people who call America bad do not know what living in a third-world country is like.
8. There’s a Lot More To New York
Citizens think there is a lot more to New York than New York City; places that are just as great — maybe more — but don’t receive as much as flowers.
One says, “New York State has more land than the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg combined, for perspective. Come on by sometime. We’ve got GREAT parks and good wine!”
9. They Take Personal Space Seriously
This is one big thing non-natives don’t understand about America. They take their space seriously, so you’re more likely to see more expansive parking lots, restaurants with large spacing between tables, and malls half empty because they consider it too crowded to go in.
10. They’re Normal People
Here’s one that saddens me. Apparently, not every guy is a cowboy? Phew. The truth is, people there lead everyday lives, and the entire America isn’t like the Wild West. They’re just regular working people staying out of trouble when they aren’t causing it and buying fancy cars, not horses.Â
11. Never Order a Large
Here’s one thing you should never do in America, no matter how hungry you are. You would not be able to finish it, and your money would go to waste. Alternatively, you can ask for a box to go and eat the leftover at home.Â
12. They Have An Actual Cuisine
The food in America doesn’t just comprise hot dogs, pizza, and sausages. A citizen shares a couple of recommendations to try when next you visit the country:
Get a lobster roll, clam chowder, or oysters in New England
Get gumbo and bananas foster in New Orleans.
Get Carne Asada fries in Southern California.
Get Teriyaki in Seattle.
Get brisket, fried chicken and waffles, pulled pork, etc., in the south.
Get Cioppino and Dungeness crab in San Francisco.
Get roasted hatch chilies and fajitas in New Mexico.
This thread inspired this article.Â
More From Savoteur
Am I the only one who sometimes questions the American dream? With issues like expensive healthcare and rampant homelessness, believing you’re living the dream life is hard. Someone on an internet travel platform asked Americans for common things that Europe residents have that they consider a luxury. Here are their best answers.
10 Things Europeans Have Everyday That Americans See as a Luxury
The Most Iconic Person From Each State
When you think of certain states, famous residents immediately come to mind. From The Oracle of Omaha to Jon Bon Jovi, Prince, or Will Smith, their names are synonymous with their home states. But what about the other states in America? Take a look at The Most Iconic Person from Each State to see if you agree with our picks!
The Most Iconic Person From Each State
10 Things Foreign Families Were Most Shocked by When Visiting American Relatives
A curious traveler on an Ask An American forum wondered what people with foreign families are most shocked about when they come to America. Giant Pizzas, gun culture, and freedom are just some of the biggest culture shocks tourists report experiencing when they touch down in the U S of A.
10 Things Foreign Families Were Most Shocked by When Visiting American Relatives
10 Famous Places People Voted Aren’t Worth the Visit
Isn’t traveling great? You get to witness various cultures, live new experiences, and see other parts of the world. But with travel comes a reputation for popular destinations, the good, the bad, the overrated, the underrated, etc. Here are a few places tourists in an online travel forum advised against visiting.
10 Famous Places People Voted Aren’t Worth the Visit
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
The United States is home to many of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Unfortunately, it’s also home to cities in steep decline due to increases in poverty, homelessness, and violent and property crimes. While there are many safe towns and cities in the U.S., some online users from a social media discussion board believe there are some you should avoid.
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
