Europeans are scratching their heads at these bizarre cultural things Americans view as normal: ‘It makes no sense’

New York Post - Apr 10th, 2025

A Reddit thread has sparked a lively discussion among nearly 8,000 participants about the peculiarities of American customs. Americans themselves listed practices such as the design of public bathroom stalls, the healthcare and sick leave system, the complexity of doing taxes, tipping culture, the use of garbage disposals, the sweetness of foods, underutilization of paid time off, and the way dates are formatted as oddities they didn't notice until non-Americans pointed them out. This conversation highlights how everyday practices, which seem normal within the cultural bubble of the U.S., can appear bizarre when viewed through an international lens.

The thread sheds light on significant differences in cultural practices and systems, underscoring the diverse ways societies organize themselves. For instance, the American healthcare system's unique approach to sick leave demonstrates a stark contrast to more standardized systems in other countries. Similarly, the U.S.'s tax filing complexities and tipping expectations reveal ingrained economic and social practices that differ globally. This discussion not only entertains but also invites reflection on the broader implications of these cultural idiosyncrasies, potentially prompting conversations about change and adaptation in an increasingly interconnected world.

Healthcare Taxes Reddit Thread American Customs Cultural Differences Tipping Food Sweetness Pto Usage

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging look at cultural differences between the US and other countries, highlighting practices that non-Americans often find unusual. Its strengths lie in its relatable content and light-hearted tone, which make it accessible and likely to engage readers. However, the reliance on anecdotal evidence from a Reddit thread limits its accuracy and source quality. The article would benefit from more balanced perspectives and authoritative sources to enhance its credibility. While it touches on topics of public interest, its potential impact is limited to casual discussions rather than driving significant societal changes. Overall, it is an entertaining read with room for improvement in depth and balance.

Accuracy

The story accurately reflects common perceptions and cultural differences between the US and other countries, as discussed in various forums and articles. Claims such as the design of public bathroom stalls, the complexity of the US tax system, and the expectation of tipping are well-documented cultural observations. However, some claims, like those about sick leave and PTO, might vary significantly based on specific employers and regions, which could use more precise verification. The story effectively captures the general sentiment but could benefit from more detailed sourcing or data to support each claim.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of non-Americans finding American customs unusual, which can lead to a one-sided narrative. While it highlights various cultural practices, the story could be more balanced by including perspectives of Americans who might explain the rationale behind these customs. The focus on the 'weirdness' perceived by outsiders might overshadow the diversity of opinions within the US itself, which could provide a more nuanced view of these cultural practices.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and easy to read, with a straightforward structure that lists various cultural differences. The language is accessible, and the tone is light-hearted, which suits the subject matter. However, the article could benefit from a clearer organization of points, as it jumps between topics without clear transitions, which might confuse readers unfamiliar with the context.

Source quality

The article is based on a Reddit thread, which is a platform for user-generated content and opinions. While this source can provide valuable insights into public perception, it lacks the authority and reliability of academic or journalistic sources. There is no attribution to experts or studies that could lend credibility to the claims made. The reliance on anecdotal evidence from a social media platform limits the article's reliability and depth.

Transparency

The article does not provide much transparency regarding how the information was gathered or the methodology behind selecting the comments highlighted. There is no mention of potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting. The lack of context about the Reddit thread's scope or the demographics of its participants reduces the transparency of the article.