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Social scientists have been intrigued by the contrasts between America and other nations, tracing back to Alexis de Tocqueville, the early 19th-century French political thinker who famously regarded the United States as “exceptional.”
Today, Americans’ strong focus on individualism and work ethic is reflected in global surveys, with 57% of Americans rejecting that external factors largely determine success. This figure exceeds most other countries and the global median of 38%.
These unique characteristics extend beyond just attitudes and beliefs, as there are many things you’ll only find in America and nowhere else. Take a look at 16 of these distinctive features that make America truly one of a kind.
Tipping Culture
According to Pew Research, 81% of Americans consistently tip at restaurants, while 11% do so frequently. Thus, 92% of Americans engage in tipping. Tipping in America is almost a mandatory practice, not just for exceptional service but also as part of the customary etiquette.
This differs from many other countries where tipping is more optional or reserved for extraordinary service. According to CreditCards.com, most Americans tip their waiters, and the average tip amount ranges from 15-20%.
Solo Cups
Since the 1970s, American parties have been closely associated with the iconic Red Solo Cup. Solo.com reports that enthusiastic fans share over 400,000 photos each year showcasing their memorable moments with this beloved cup. Gene Bekler, the plant manager, revealed to the News-Gazette that Urbana produces an impressive 7.4 billion cups annually, with 30 to 35 million units manufactured in just a single day.
As reported by Reuters, the cups have become so ingrained in American culture that they are even featured in pop culture, notably in the song “Red Solo Cup” by country music star Toby Keith.
Hyper- Commercialized System of College Sports
No other country invests as much attention in collegiate sports as the United States. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) generates billions in annual revenue, and top college coaches earn salaries that compete with professional athletes. In America, college sports transcend mere entertainment; they have become vital to national identity.
Many colleges boast massive stadiums, some comparable to or even larger than professional teams. For instance, the Michigan Stadium at the University of Michigan has a seating capacity of over 107,000.
Pharmaceuticals Advertisements
In America, commercials promoting prescription drugs are common. With the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations that allow direct-to-consumer advertising, pharmaceutical companies have a lucrative market.
According to Statista, the American pharmaceutical industry invested $6.8 billion in direct-to-consumer advertising in 2021, making it the world’s largest pharmaceutical market. This was an 8% increase from the previous year. While this is not allowed in most other countries due to concerns about potential harm from misinformation or over-prescription, it has become an integral part of American culture.
Cheerleading
The University of Melbourne reports that cheerleading started in America as a male-only activity in 1898 at the University of Minnesota, with women joining the ranks in 1923. It is estimated that about 1.5 million cheerleaders are in the U.S. compared to 100,000 outside America, making cheerleading truly American.
Love of Baseball
Have you ever heard the phrase, “That’s as American as baseball and apple pie”? Baseball, a quintessential American pastime, was invented on U.S. soil and is played with a bat and a ball by two teams of nine players each. According to Nielsen Sports, it boasts a fan base of over 170 million in the United States alone. While it may have spread to other countries, America’s love for baseball is unparalleled.
Attachment to the Flag
Americans are often seen as excessively patriotic, particularly due to their affection for the flag. You’ll find flagpoles on porches, American flag-themed swimsuits, and car stickers proudly displaying the emblem. In fact, it’s hard to take a short walk without spotting one. This level of flag display is not as common in many other countries, where expressions of national pride might be more subtle or reserved.
Naming Coins
In many countries, the currency is named based on its value. For example, a 1 rupee coin in India is called a “one-rupee coin.” However, this is not the case in America. The United States has unique names for its coins: penny, nickel, dime, and quarter. This may seem like an insignificant difference, but it’s just one of many ways that America stands out from other countries.
Using Food For Entertainment
Based on research by Travelling Alot, America is among the top three countries with the most eating competitions. The Major League Eating has been airing its annual Nathan’s Famous 4th of July International Hot Dog Eating Competition since 1997. In 2014, it generated a 1.6 rating with 2.8 million viewers and was the 6th highest-rated and the fifth most-watched telecast of the year.
Large Portion Servings
Many visitors to America notice the large portions served at restaurants, especially fast food chains. The average American meal size is significantly larger than in other countries, and this has been attributed to social and cultural factors. Additionally, according to a study published in Nutrition Reviews, super-sized meals appeal to customers’ perceived value for money, leading to their popularity.
For example, burgers, pizzas, and hot dogs are usually sold as meal deals, often including fries and a beverage. This trend of super-sizing meals has also spread to other countries but remains a defining feature of America’s food culture.
Gaps In Bathroom Doors
Another aspect of American culture that surprises visitors is the gaps in bathroom stall doors. In many other countries, bathroom stalls have full-length doors for complete privacy. However, in America, most bathrooms have noticeable gaps between the door and the frame or between neighboring stalls. This can be attributed to building codes and construction practices prioritizing easy emergency access.
But what makes it truly American is that it is a compliance requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for wheelchair accessibility, reports the Iron Wood. While it may seem unusual initially, it’s just one example of how America differs from other countries in small but significant ways.
Free Refills
One of the most delightful surprises for a first-time visitor to the U.S. is the free refills and the bottomless cups. Youth For Understanding reports that the practice dates back to 19th-century American coffee houses.
In 1988, Taco Bell introduced its value initiative, which included reduced prices and free refills in collaboration with Pepsico to increase brand awareness and revenue. The initiative was later adopted by McDonald’s and Burger King. The practice is now deeply ingrained in the American culture of hospitality and generosity.
Car/Driving Culture
The automobile is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a symbol of freedom and independence. The expansive highways and the automotive boom of the 20th century fueled Americans’ love for cars and the road trip phenomenon.
According to the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (AII), there are 908 motor vehicles for every 1,000 people in the United States, with 92% of American households owning at least one vehicle. This statistic positions the U.S. among the countries with the highest number of cars per capita. In 2022, the average American drove over 13,000 miles. In contrast, 49% of European urban residents rely on public transport, while only 5.5% of Americans use biking or public transit.
Hollywood Culture
Hollywood undeniably plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of what it means to be American. For decades, it has influenced global views of the United States through its films and television shows, many of which showcase traditional American settings, values, and lifestyles. Statista reports that Hollywood releases over 500 films annually—more than any other country—underscoring its remarkable influence.
Iconic locations like the Hollywood sign and Times Square have become symbols of America. Additionally, American pop culture significantly impacts fashion and music trends worldwide, further solidifying Hollywood’s status as a cultural powerhouse.
Yellow School Buses
It’s hard to imagine American culture without envisioning the iconic yellow school buses. These bright vehicles are often featured in movies and TV shows, making them a recognizable symbol of America. Frank Cyr, an educator who researched on how to improve school bus safety, first painted yellow school buses in 1939. The color was chosen for its high visibility and ability to grab attention. Today, yellow school buses are used in most American public schools, adding to the whimsical charm of America’s education system.
Figures from the New York School Bus Contractors Association show yellow buses as having the largest fleet, with over 480,000 operations transporting nearly 26 million students to and from school. Currently, more countries outside North America are adopting the yellow school bus chrome in their models, further depicting the influence of American culture outside of America.
Sales Tax Added at Checkout
Unlike in many other countries where the sales tax is included in the displayed price, in the U.S., it is added at the point of sale. This can confuse and annoy first-time shoppers, who may find their total bill higher than expected. This practice stems from the decentralized tax system in the United States; sales tax rates vary by state, county, and even city, making it challenging to include a uniform tax in the shelf price.
According to the Tax Foundation, there are over 11,000 different sales tax jurisdictions in the U.S., at state, county, district, and city levels, each with its rate and regulations. This system allows local governments to fund public services effectively but requires consumers to add an extra percentage to the sticker price mentally.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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