Everyone seems to have an opinion of America, but many of them turn out to be untrue. It’s hard to convince others that the things they believe aren’t true, but they’re usually able to see it for themselves when they visit. In this article, we’ll talk about 17 things Europeans thought were facts about America but turned out to be false.
Everyone Carries a Gun
Despite the stereotypes, not everyone in America owns or carries a gun. According to Pew Research, only 30% of Americans own guns, and of those who said they don’t, about a third say they could never see owning one. Many Americans are pro-gun control and would like the government to put tighter restrictions on owning guns.
Fast Food Dominates All Meals
While fast food is popular, America’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse. America is home to people from all over the world, and with them comes a multitude of cuisines. The farm-to-table movement has also grown significantly in America as a counter-effect against the rise of fast food chains.
Americans Are Always Friendly
Americans often have a reputation for being open and friendly, but this can vary widely from place to place. For example, many people say that people in New York usually keep to themselves on the subway and won’t attempt to start a conversation with a stranger.
The U.S. Is All Skyscrapers and Bustling Cities
Far from being a concrete jungle, America boasts a mix of urban and scenic landscapes. Media such as movies and the news tend to focus on big cities like New York and Chicago, which are full of skyscrapers, but the countryside and rural areas have a much more varied landscape.
Public Transportation Is Everywhere
Public transportation isn’t as ubiquitous as some might expect, especially outside the major cities. Considering that it’s a developed nation, the U.S. is actually far behind regarding public transportation infrastructure. Car dependency is so high in the U.S. that it’s the second biggest expense for most families, as per Climate Nexus.
Americans Only Speak English
English is predominant, but many Americans speak languages from all over the world. In California alone, there are over 200 languages that are spoken. Countrywide, languages like Spanish, German, and Italian are spoken by a significant number of people. This is due to the large population of immigrants in the country.
Everything’s Bigger in America
Many people say that everything in America is bigger, and it’s often true. You’ll find larger food portions and bigger cars here than in Europe. Buildings and open spaces are also much larger. This difference is very noticeable to visitors from Europe. However, this doesn’t apply to everything—just a few products.
It’s Always Sunny in California
California’s weather isn’t just sunshine; it varies greatly from north to south. California is so big and thinking that it has the same weather all over would be like thinking a country like Germany has the same type of weather in every location. California has some cold days and even sees a few days without sunshine in the year.
America Is Very Expensive
While some areas are pricey, not all of America breaks the bank. You can still find fairly affordable places to live or visit within the country. Not-so-popular states like Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Idaho are much more affordable than some tourist destinations in Western Europe.
Americans Are Overly Patriotic
Patriotism is a part of American life, though its intensity can vary. Some Americans are very nationalistic and will go to the extent of offending or even harming others for the sake of their country. On the other hand, other Americans love their country but also see its weaknesses and are open to criticizing it where it falls short.
The Streets Are Always Busy
In major cities, the streets are often full of people, especially during busy times. However, in small towns, the streets are much quieter. The way cities spread out affects how busy the roads are. While some city streets are always bustling, others can be surprisingly calm.
Everyone Lives in Luxury
According to Time Magazine, 12.4% of Americans are living in poverty. Luxury exists, but it’s not the standard living condition for most Americans. Most Americans live normal, humble lives and have to work every day to earn a living. Luxury lives are usually spared for politicians, musicians, sports stars, and actors.
Sports Are a Universal Obsession
In America, sports like football and basketball are very important, and many people love them. However, different regions might be interested in different sports. Besides sports, Americans also enjoy other activities like music, art, and film. Not everyone is crazy about sports, but it remains a big part of the culture.
New York Represents All of America
New York is a famous city known for its culture and economy. But America has many different cities and states, each with its own unique character. New York is just one part of the diverse American culture. While very important for the country, it’s not the be-all, end-all.
Everyone Works in Technology or Finance
It’s true that many people in America work in technology and finance, especially in big cities. But there are many other industries too, in fields like farming, education, publishing, and manufacturing. There are also many regular jobs like teachers, plumbers, builders, cleaners, nannies, and hairstylists.
Health Food Is Hard to Find
Some people think it’s hard to find healthy food in America, but that’s not really true. There are many places to buy organic and healthy foods. The farm-to-table movement, where restaurants get fresh food directly from local farms, has helped bring more people to fresh foods.
America Is Unsafe
The World Population Review shows that some areas in America have high crime rates, which might make people think the whole country is unsafe. However, many places are very safe, and the 2018 violent crime rate of 369 per 100,000 people is the lowest it’s been in more than three decades and is mostly concentrated in larger cities. There are lots of efforts to keep public areas safe, and the actual safety of America is different from what people expect.