How I see the US after living in Europe for 5 years

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on their return to the US after living in Europe, highlighting the contrasts in daily life. From overwhelming supermarket choices and Costco's vast offerings to the shocking cost of healthcare and high work demands, they share a mix of nostalgia and discomfort. The speaker also discusses America's divisiveness, its competitive culture, and the impact of consumerism and mass shootings. While they miss certain aspects of American ambition, the speaker is critical of the growing polarization, highlighting the trade-offs between work, time, and quality of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The overwhelming variety of products in U.S. supermarkets can be both exciting and exhausting, with options from toilet paper to snacks.
• 😀 Costco exemplifies the larger-than-life nature of American consumerism, offering everything in extra-large sizes and providing free samples and soda refills.
• 😀 Healthcare costs in the U.S. are a major concern, with emergency room visits leading to staggering bills like $20,000 for an allergic reaction.
• 😀 The American work culture is characterized by long hours and high stress, with many people working 60-hour weeks and lacking vacation time.
• 😀 Despite the exhausting work culture, American ambition, drive, and competitive spirit push individuals to achieve more and grow professionally.
• 😀 The U.S. political climate is highly polarized, with deep divisions between the left and right, often making it difficult to maintain friendships due to differing views.
• 😀 Homelessness is a visible issue in large cities, a reality that is rarely portrayed in Hollywood but remains part of daily life in the U.S.
• 😀 There is a significant contrast between American consumerism and the more limited options available in European countries, making shopping a longer, more complicated experience in the U.S.
• 😀 The competitiveness in American society is evident from early on, where job titles, schools, and promotions are used to measure a person's worth.
• 😀 Mass shootings and police brutality have become recurring topics in the U.S., leading to a growing mistrust of both the police and the media, which contributes to national division.

Q & A

How does the narrator describe the grocery shopping experience in the US compared to Europe?

The narrator finds the variety in US grocery stores overwhelming, with many more choices of brands and products compared to Europe. This abundance can make even simple tasks like buying toilet paper take longer, sometimes up to 15-20 minutes.

What does the narrator think about Costco and its offerings?

The narrator views Costco as a unique American experience, where everything is sold in massive quantities. They also mention the free samples, cheap hot dogs, and unlimited drink refills, highlighting the larger-than-life nature of American consumerism.

How does the narrator feel about the American healthcare system, particularly after hearing friends' stories?

The narrator is shocked by the high costs of healthcare in the US, citing examples of friends who received exorbitant bills after emergency room visits—one for $20,000 and another for $10,000. This makes the narrator reflect on the financial burden of medical care in the US.

What is the narrator's opinion on the American work culture?

The narrator finds the American work culture stressful and exhausting, with long hours and little vacation time. Despite this, they acknowledge that the ambition and drive in American work culture motivated them to be more confident and driven in their own career.

How does the narrator view the issue of division in American society?

The narrator is struck by the growing division in the US, particularly the polarization between the left and right, as well as the mistrust towards the police. They feel that the media has played a significant role in exacerbating these divisions, making the country feel less united.

What does the narrator think about public restrooms in the US?

The narrator appreciates the fact that public restrooms in the US are still free, seeing this as a positive aspect of American infrastructure compared to other places.

How does the narrator describe the shopping culture in the US?

Shopping in the US is described as a game, where consumers look for deals and earn credit card points. The narrator warns that this can lead to excessive consumerism and even credit card debt, making it a potentially addictive aspect of American culture.

What is the narrator's opinion on American transportation and the dangers of cycling?

The narrator points out the danger of cycling in the US, where roads are often shared with cars, buses, and motorcycles. They describe a particularly risky moment when a cyclist is cut off by a car, showcasing the dangers of biking in American cities.

How does the narrator feel about the competitive nature of American society?

The narrator highlights the competitive nature of American society, where people often compare themselves based on their job, school, or promotions. This competitive mindset is evident even in casual social situations, where job titles and career paths are often used as a measure of self-worth.

What is the narrator's perspective on the American media landscape and its impact on society?

The narrator is critical of the polarized nature of American media, particularly the divide between outlets like CNN and Fox News. They believe this has contributed to the social and political divisions in the US, with people often seeing the world through a lens shaped by partisan media narratives.