What Do Americans Think Is Normal… But Everyone Else Finds Weird? | Ask Reddit

Summary

In this engaging episode of 'Ask Reddit,' host Evan Eder explores the quirkiest aspects of American culture that often go unnoticed by locals. From the peculiar practice of featuring real estate agents' faces on signs to the overwhelming variety of food options in diners, Evan highlights the unique friendliness of Americans and their complex work culture. The discussion touches on the confusing sales tax system, the unusual state law variations, and the prominent display of flags. This lighthearted exploration reveals how these elements shape the American experience, making it both fascinating and sometimes bewildering.

Takeaways

• 😀 Americans often display real estate agents' faces on for sale signs, a practice not seen in the UK.
• 😀 There's a notable friendliness in American culture, with a tendency to engage openly with outsiders.
• 😀 The variety of food options, especially in diners, can be overwhelming for visitors from the UK.
• 😀 The vast size of the U.S. is surprising, especially when compared to the smaller scale of the UK.
• 😀 Random acts of kindness, like holding doors open and giving compliments, are more common in America.
• 😀 Prescription drug advertisements often mention serious side effects, which can be alarming to non-Americans.
• 😀 The U.S. work culture is marked by limited paid vacation days, leading to a workaholic mindset.
• 😀 Sales tax is added at the register rather than included in the displayed price, causing confusion for shoppers.
• 😀 The display of flags in American homes can come across as excessively patriotic to some visitors.
• 😀 Warning signs about bridges freezing before roads are common, highlighting a quirky aspect of American road safety.

Q & A

What is one surprising cultural practice regarding real estate signs in America?

In the US, it's common for real estate signs to feature the agent's face, which is unusual compared to the UK, where such personal images are rarely used.

How does the size of the United States compare to the United Kingdom?

The US is significantly larger than the UK, making road trips much longer and the geography much more expansive.

What observation is made about Americans' friendliness toward outsiders?

Americans are often seen as very friendly, especially towards newcomers, and are likely to engage in conversation, which can be refreshing for those from more reserved cultures.

What is notable about prescription drug advertisements in the US?

The prevalence of prescription drug ads that mention serious side effects, including death, is a peculiar aspect of American television that many might overlook.

Why do American diners' extensive menus surprise British visitors?

The variety of options available for simple items, like eggs, can overwhelm British visitors, who are used to fewer choices.

What issue regarding work culture in the US was highlighted?

The American work culture often encourages employees not to take their entitled time off, resulting in a lack of paid vacation days, which contrasts with practices in other countries.

What is the impact of not including sales tax in listed prices?

In the US, sales tax is often added at the register, which can confuse consumers who expect the listed price to reflect the total cost.

How is patriotism reflected in American culture according to the discussion?

The frequent display of flags in various settings indicates a strong sense of patriotism, which might seem excessive to those from other cultures.

What unique warning signs are frequently seen on bridges in America?

There are numerous signs warning that 'bridges freeze before road surfaces,' emphasizing safety in driving conditions.

What humorous comparison does Evan Eder make about American and UK toilet designs?

Eder notes that American toilets are filled with more water, which he argues is more effective for sanitation, unlike the shallower designs common in the UK.