Summary

A British tourist shares their experiences of culture shock while visiting the United States, highlighting stark differences in public transportation, minimum wage practices, healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical advertising.

Abstract

The article "Four Weird Culture Shocks I Experienced In America" provides a British perspective on the unexpected aspects of American culture that contrast with the author's experiences in the United Kingdom. The author points out that public transportation in many U.S. cities is lacking compared to the efficient and affordable system in the U.K. Additionally, the reliance on tips due to low minimum wages in some U.S. states is juxtaposed with the U.K.'s living wage standards. The complexity and cost of the U.S. healthcare system are highlighted as a significant burden compared to the U.K.'s free, taxpayer-funded National Health Service (NHS). Lastly, the author expresses surprise at the direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs on U.S. television, a practice illegal in the U.K. and most other countries.

Opinions

Public transportation in the U.S. is often slow, unreliable, and expensive, which is a stark contrast to the efficient and cost-effective systems in the U.K.
The U.S. practice of relying on tips to supplement low wages for service staff is seen as inadequate compared to the U.K.'s living wage policy.
The U.S. healthcare system is criticized for its complexity, high costs, and the need to deal with insurance companies, which is not an issue in the U.K. due to the NHS.
The author is taken aback by the U.S. allowing direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs, which is considered potentially misleading and is banned in the U.K.

Four Weird Culture Shocks I Experienced In America

A British perspective on visiting the United States

America is considered the land of freedom and opportunity by many people around the world.

San Fransisco is frequently portrayed as the most beautiful place in the U.S. Many people dream about visiting the city and walking along the Golden Gate Bridge during a beautiful sunset. However, tourists are often surprised to find high levels of crime and poop on the streets.

San Fransisco is just one example, but you get my point: The reality of visiting the United States often differs from expectations. So with all of that in mind, I want to share several examples of culture shock I experienced while visiting the United States as a tourist from England.

Public Transportation Sucks In Many Cities.

If you don’t have a car, it’s often difficult to get from A to B due to the lack of reliable public transportation.

Trains and buses are notoriously slow in many parts of the United States (with some exceptions). And in many cases, it’s extremely expensive to travel around the local area.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, I can take unlimited bus journeys around London for just £4.65 ($6.30) per day. Or, if I want to go further afield, long-distance journeys are cheap. You can purchase a 5-hour coach ride from London to Manchester for less than £7 ($10).

Many People Aren’t Paid A Living Wage.

A lot of service staff in the United States rely on tips to pay bills and put food on the table. They’re only paid a few dollars per hour and require generous tips to “top up” the rest of their income. Also, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee don’t have minimum wage laws, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Here in the United Kingdom, tips aren’t common — unless you receive outstanding service and want to show your appreciation. Everyone is currently entitled to a minimum of £8.91 ($12.07) per hour — as long as they’re 23 or older. Also, the cost of living in London is significantly lower than in many American cities.

The United States feels like a first-world country with third-world labor laws. As someone who grew up in the U.K., I’m speechless.

The Healthcare System Is Too Complicated.

Seriously… it’s a mess.

Co-pays, deductibles, and other things don’t exist here in the United Kingdom. Oh, and we don’t have to spend countless hours dealing with insurance companies either.

The process for obtaining healthcare in the U.K. is simple. If I need urgent medical treatment, I show up at the hospital, see a doctor, and receive any necessary tests (such as an MRI or X-Ray).

I don’t need to pay for anything because taxpayers fund the national healthcare service (NHS). Even ambulances don’t cost a cent. Heck, the only thing I pay for at the hospital is a snack from the cafe or vending machine.

Public healthcare is free for U.K. residents. And while the NHS certainly has some flaws, we don’t need to worry about healthcare bills whatsoever. We turn up at the hospital, get treated, and go home.

It’s as simple as that.

There Are Loads Of Medical Ads On TV.

They don’t exist here in the U.K. In fact, advertising prescription drugs to the general public is illegal in most countries.

The United States and New Zealand are the only two countries where direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs is allowed, according to Harvard Medical School:

“Many medical advocacy groups say that drug companies employ direct-to-consumer advertising in a way that puts consumers at a disadvantage. First, the FDA cannot limit the amount of money companies spend on advertising; nor can it ban ads for drugs that have serious risks. Companies don’t have to spell out exactly how the drug works, mention the cost, or note if there is a generic drug in the same class or a similar drug with fewer risks.”

So, when I visited the United States, I was surprised to turn on the T.V. and see loads of ads for prescription drugs. The lists of side effects were seemingly endless. And yet, these ads were allowed to be shown on T.V. during the middle of the day.

I was shocked.

To be clear, I love the United States. This list is merely a collection of things I noticed while on vacation in the U.S. that shocked me as a British citizen. And if you ever decide to visit my home country of England, I’m sure you’d experience some culture shocks, as well.

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