What I Don't Like About The USA | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Sorry, Americans, But When I First Came To The USA, I Didn't Like It

There are many stereotypes about this country...but are they all true?

65
Friends

In This Article:

I remember getting off the plane at JFK in August 2017. All sad and depressed for leaving my family and friends, I felt so lonely in the crowd of tourists. I remember that day the only phrase I had in my head was, "Where the f*** am I?"

When I finally got to the baggage claim, I was shocked to see people's appearances. Some of them smelled really bad, some of them were dressed like homeless people. I had certain prejudices about this country that were imposed by media, politics, and TV, so I was possessed by trying to prove to myself that all of those were true. The next couple of months I remembered how everything seemed just so annoying to me.

Why do I need your "Hey! What's up?" if you don't want to continue talking to me?

Whenever people said that to me, I was expecting a following conversation... but they would just leave. Rude!

Why don't you use the metric system? It is so much easier!

The whole big world is using it! Why do you, Americans, need to show off?

Why is there no public transport? And where are the sidewalks?

After living in a big city with a subway and buses two seconds from my house, Long Island seems uninhabitable!

Why are taxes not included in the price? How do I know how much to pay?

My first visit to the supermarket was a mess. At first I thought that my math skills sucked!

Why do you use Fahrenheit? Celsius is so much more logical!

The same as metric system! Just why?

Why do your churches look like business corporation buildings?

In Europe most of the churches are Orthodox or Catholic, so you can always tell it from other buildings. But here I sometimes get confused.

Why is one liter of Coca-Cola more expensive than three liters? Makes no sense!

I discovered the wholesalers here like Costco. Not that I am complaining...

Why are your TV advertisements so fake and annoying?

Just. Why.

I believe that after time goes by, I will know and understand this country better, so I won't make fast criticisms. I hate when people are judging other countries by what they see on TV or hear from friends or politics. The only way of getting familiar with foreign places is living there. And this can be applied to any country, not only the US.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

130
11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl

If it hurts now, it'll hurt again. Not because you're gullible or naive, only because you fall fast, hard, and you do it every time.

We fall each and every time with the complete and utter confidence that someone will be there to catch us. Now that person we SWORE we were never going to fall for has our hearts, and every time we see them our palms start sweating. The butterflies in our stomach start to soar and our hearts are entirely too close to bursting out of our chests.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Things Only Equestrians Understand

Yes, it IS a sport. Yes, I fall all the time. No, I do not ride in jeans with a cowgirl hat on.

627
horses
Barn Pros

Growing up I have always wanted to own a horse. My grandparents own a well known equestrian facility in Georgia, so I have been riding since I was born. A bond between a person and their horse is a bond so strong that it cannot be broken. Everywhere I went I wanted to be around horses, even forcing my family to go on trail rides during vacations. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember has taught me great responsibility, as well as 14 things that all equestrians can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
man wearing white top using MacBook
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

College is super hard. Between working, studying, and having a social life, it feels like a struggle to just keep afloat.

I understand. When you feel like your drowning and there's no way to stay afloat I understand that it feels like everyone else is doing just fine. I understand all the frustration, long nights in the library, and that feeling that you want to just throw in the towel. I understand that sometimes it's too hard to get out of bed because your brain is already filled with too much information to remember. I understand because I am also feeling pretty burnt out.

Keep Reading...Show less
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments