What Europeans Really Think about Americans: 14 Candid Takes (and It’s Not All bad!)
The United States and Europe – two cultures separated by an ocean (and sometimes, it seems, a whole lot more!).
BuzzFeed recently asked their European audience to get brutally honest about their thoughts on Americans, and, well, let’s just say their responses were… illuminating. Get ready for some candid takes on everything from our politics and our accents to our love of ranch dressing (oh, the horror!) and the "you’re welcome!" phenomenon. Let’s dive into what thay had to say:
"Two-party politics just doesn’t cut it." "Having only two options for political parties is a joke to laugh at, not with."
"Where’s the social safety net?" A common sentiment was the feeling that the US lags behind Europe in its commitment to basic services like affordable healthcare, good public transportation, and a robust education system. "Where is all that money going?" was a frequently asked question.
- "Don’t judge a traveler by their passport (or lack thereof)."
Europeans shared mixed reactions towards American visitors. On one hand, they praised Americans’ generosity and hospitality at home but noted a change in demeanor when abroad. Some felt Americans often display a sense of entitlement or disregard local customs.
- "The arrogance is real."
Some suggested American travelers sometimes project an air of superiority and are ignorant of all things outside their own nation. Interestingly, Britons were called out for their tendency towards linguistic exceptionalism.
- "You will never get away with saying ‘The world, according to them, revolves around them."
From using ‘Americanisms’ like "wanna" rather of "want to," to adding a "zing" to the day with unnecessary snark, some Europeans found aspects of American language and culture complicated.
- "Ranch dressing? Seriously?"
Food preferences were a point of contention, with some Europeans expressing bemusement (to put it lightly) about Americans adoration for ranch dressing.
"Negotiating every price is a local language lesson."
Europeans value respect for local customs and traditions, which includes not haggling price for everything.
- "Don’t forget your manners."
basic courtesies like saying "please" and "thank you" were highlighted as a distinction between american and European social graces.
- "The world’s best? Not exactly."
With numerous European cultures boasting about heritage, some European viewpoints expressed disagreement with America’s self-proclaimed superiority.
- "Rules are rules."
Think museums and historic sites? European respondents reminded American visitors that, like it or not, rules apply to everyone.
- Multiple identities PON:
Be aware: Europeans can be frustrated by American tourists who tend to view them as homogenous, seeming to forget that Europeans have diverse nationalities and cultural identities.
"We’re not living in a theme park; this is our home.**
This response pointed out that for visitors, experiencing local history and respecting living environment is key.
- "Put the phone down."
Family time is cherished by Europeans, not spent glued to phones — it’s a natural network.
Let what they say: "We’re more than meets the eye. Get to know us." This batch of perspectives shared above revealed European countries,
How can understanding cultural perceptions improve transatlantic relations?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Cultural Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our interview today! With us is Dr.Elena Fischer, a cultural expert who has extensively studied transatlantic relations. Dr. Fischer, the recent BuzzFeed article you might have seen gave us a raw glimpse into the European perspective on Americans. What stood out to you the most from those candid takes?
Dr. Elena Fischer (DEF): Thank you for having me! I think what really stood out was the mixture of humor and honesty in the responses. Europeans have a unique way of combining affection with criticism, which reflects their deeper understanding of American culture despite the differences.
TNE: Absolutely! One of the more amusing comments revolved around Americans’ love for ranch dressing. What does this say about the cultural divide?
DEF: Ranch dressing is emblematic of American culinary habits, which often prioritize convenience and bold flavors. Europeans tend to favor subtler and more natural flavors in their cuisine. This contrast highlights how food can serve as a cultural touchpoint, revealing both consumption habits and culinary values.
TNE: That’s an interesting perspective. The article also touched on American politics. What were the Europeans’ sentiments regarding our political landscape?
DEF: It was quiet mixed. Some respondents expressed confusion over the partisan divide in the U.S., while others commented on their admiration for the democratic ideals that the U.S. represents.But there was a shared sentiment of disbelief regarding the level of polarization. This shows how politics is viewed thru the lens of different societal values.
TNE: It’s intriguing to think about that lens.Speaking of perceptions, the article mentioned the “you’re welcome!” phenomenon. How do Europeans interpret this?
DEF: The “you’re welcome!” phenomenon can come off as overly formal or insincere to Europeans,who often think of it as an automatic response rather than a genuine acknowledgment.This ties back into cultural norms around politeness and relational communication, where verbal exchanges are often less scripted.
TNE: Engaging! Do you think thes insights can help improve transatlantic relationships?
DEF: Absolutely! Understanding these perceptions can foster dialog and create more nuanced interactions. By bridging the cultural gap through humor and mutual respect, we can cultivate deeper connections. The raw honesty shown in BuzzFeed’s survey can serve as a conversation starter—encouraging both sides to explore their similarities and differences.
TNE: Fantastic points,Dr. Fischer. one last question—if you could summarize the overall European sentiment towards Americans in just a few words, what would they be?
DEF: “Curious admiration with a pinch of skepticism.” While there are criticisms and misunderstandings, there is also a recognition of the richness of American culture and its influence on global dynamics.
TNE: Thank you so much, Dr. Fischer! Your insights have shed light on the complex tapestry of transatlantic relations. We appreciate your time today.
DEF: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these intriguing cultural insights.