The American Experience: 10 Fascinating Practices That Define Us

Cultural practices and habits vary greatly around the world, and the United States is no exception. Here are ten common practices or habits that are unique to American culture.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in the US, particularly in the service industry. In many restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 15-20% of the total bill as a gratuity for good service. For example, if the bill is $100, the tip would typically be between $15-$20. Tipping is also expected for services such as haircuts, taxi rides, and hotel stays. In some countries, tipping is not common, and service workers may be paid a higher wage that does not rely on tips.

Super-sizing

Many fast-food chains in the US offer "super-size" or "value" meals, which include larger portions of food and drink than the regular menu items. For example, McDonald's offers a "Big Mac" meal, which includes a burger, fries, and a drink, as well as a "Double Quarter Pounder" meal that includes two burgers, fries, and a drink. This practice has been criticized for contributing to the obesity epidemic in the US, as well as creating a culture of excess.

Celebrating Thanksgiving

On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday that traditionally involves a large feast with family and friends. The meal often includes roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, and is not celebrated in other countries.

College sports

American universities often have popular sports teams that attract a dedicated following among students and alumni. For example, the University of Alabama has a highly successful football program, with the team regularly competing for national championships. College sports are not as prominent in other countries, and university sports teams may not receive as much attention or support from the community.

Tailgating

Before attending a sports event, Americans often gather in the parking lot for tailgating, a social event involving food, drinks, and games. For example, before a football game, fans may set up grills and tables in the parking lot, and bring food and drinks to share with their friends and fellow fans. Tailgating is not as common in other countries, where fans may gather in bars or restaurants before a game.

National Anthem at sporting events

Before sporting events, Americans often stand and sing the national anthem. For example, at a baseball game, the anthem is typically played before the first pitch is thrown. This practice has become a controversial topic in recent years, with some athletes choosing to kneel during the anthem to protest social injustices.

Casual dress

Americans tend to dress more casually than people in many other cultures, even in professional settings. For example, tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley may wear jeans and t-shirts to work, while business casual attire is often acceptable in other industries. This casual dress culture is not as common in other countries, where formal dress is often expected in professional settings.

Personal space

Americans often have a larger personal space bubble and prefer more personal space than people from other cultures. For example, Americans may prefer to sit in an empty seat rather than sitting next to a stranger on public transportation. In other countries, personal space may be more limited, and people may be more comfortable sitting closer together.

Sales tax added at the register

Unlike many other countries, sales tax is not included in the price tag, but is added at the register when Americans make a purchase. For example, if an item is priced at $10, the final price may be closer to $11 once sales tax is added. This can be confusing for tourists or visitors who are not accustomed to this practice, and may not be aware of the additional cost until they reach the register.

Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time is observed in most states in the US, where clocks are adjusted forward by one hour in the spring and set back one hour in the fall. The purpose of Daylight Saving Time is to make better use of natural light during the longer days of summer, but it can also lead to confusion and disruption of sleep schedules for some people.

These ten practices and habits are just a few examples of the unique cultural aspects of American society. While some of these practices may be controversial or criticized, they are a part of the fabric of American life and help shape the country's identity. As with any cultural practice, it's important to understand and respect the norms and values of the society in which you find yourself.