15 Things That Annoy Americans in Their Own Country

Many Americans love their country but are not unquestioningly accepting of everything in it. Surprisingly (or not), most things that annoy Americans in their country are the same things people from other countries complain about when they visit the States. Some views might be controversial, so feel free to share your pet peeves in the States and which things should not be on this list. 

Tipping culture 

Understanding American tipping culture is impossible, even for many Americans. Due to low wages, people are expected to give at least 20 percent not only to the person serving them but there are now tipping screens everywhere. Owners claim they would have to increase prices to raise wages, leaving customers in a tipping limbo. 

Politics in general

Some believe the government is spending too much, while others are baffled by lobbying and its legality. Many are tired of both parties and division, which echoes sports teams’ rivalry. Losing friends and family over politics has become the norm, but many Americans are tired of that and demand changes. 

Cars, everywhere

Yes, everything is more prominent in the US, which led people to wonder why cities weren’t built to be more walkable, so driving is optional. Americans in Europe are surprised that even large cities offer alternatives, from cycling and public transportation to streets for pedestrians only. 

Celebrating work obsession 

Many feel they are overworked, overstressed, exhausted, and, yes, underpaid. Americans do work more than Europeans, and while some still take great pride in working 60 hours per week, others are ready for changes. They want a sleep-work-life balance instead of workism. 

Quantity vs. quality 

Americans have fought for decades to beat obesity, but there is still an obsession with quantity over quality, and people have had it. Those who visited other corners of the world noticed that American food is filled with sugar and larger portions, but no one talks about quality.  

Wedding culture 

Younger generations are slowly ditching enormous weddings that cost more than a house. Some people complain that weddings are nothing but a way for one family to outdo another, and most of the time, the receptions are overpriced yet mediocre parties. It is an industry worth around $72 billion, projected to reach nearly $650 billion by the end of 2032. 

Bigger and better

Younger Americans are tired of hearing others wanting bigger cars, houses, better jobs, the latest phones, massive weddings, and a whole culture of materialism. The Keeping Up with the Joneses mentality can be draining, especially for those who recognize its shortcomings but can’t explain it to their loved ones. 

Healthcare issues 

If you’re an American and feel that healthcare is a privilege, you are not alone. Many Americans cannot understand the healthcare system in the States, especially compared to other Western countries. It is a necessity, but having decent health insurance feels like winning a lottery. 

Loud, wrong, and proud 

There is a stereotype that all Americans are loud. But Americans believe that the loudest are often the least intelligent, and despite being corrected, they will insist on their version of the truth. The rise of loud, proud, and less intelligent Americans is nothing new but appears to be at its peak. 

Christian nation 

Too many Americans are tired of hearing that the States is a Christian nation. Almost 250 years after the First Amendment to the United States declared that the country allows all religions, this is one of the most pressing issues. Though the number of Christians is high, around 60%, that’s hardly a reason to declare the land of a free Christian nation. 

Violence is okay, but nudity is a big deal

Some Americans are struggling to understand how violence is present everywhere: on the news, in movies and series, or video games, yet nudity is a no-go. Having an actor walking around their apartment sans clothes is so rare that only Americans who watch European movies know that can be a thing. 

Desensitization to violence

Speaking of violence, people are baffled that there is a lack of empathy for those in need, and even worse, news of mass shootings is so common that people do not even react to it. Most Americans are for stricter gun laws, but society got so desensitized that violence became part of the American culture. 

Science denial

Americans used to give some of the brightest minds a platform, so we have electricity, the internet, and vacuum cleaners. But, the science denial is strong, and opposition to scientific thinking has become a new normal, as proven by the anti-vaccination movement during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we have regular measles breakouts. 

College debts 

Some people believe they were tricked into needing a college education. It is not because they have something against high education but because the costs are too high, so they are left in debt. It does not help that many colleges offer degrees that will not earn enough money to cover necessities. 

Not everything is a side hustle 

Around 54 percent of Americans adopted a side hustle to supplement their income. However, some people simply want hobbies to be an option. If someone likes painting, they usually first hear, “Are you selling those?” Not everything we do has to have monetary value. Sometimes, we do things because they are good for the soul.   

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