Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Exploring global perspectives, many yearn for the adoption of certain cultural customs and traditions from around the world to enrich life in the United States. Inspired by a Reddit thread initiated by “ButtPlugForPM,” asking about desirable international practices, we delve into a collection of fascinating customs that people believe could positively transform the American way of life. Here are some of the most compelling cultural norms and lifestyle choices from abroad that many wish would become more commonplace in the US.
Restaurant Service Innovation: The Call Button
“In South Korea, restaurants utilize small buttons placed on each table. Patrons simply press this button to summon a waiter when service is needed. This system ensures prompt attention without constant interruptions, as staff are signaled only when assistance is specifically requested.”
Embracing Siesta: The Revitalizing Midday Break
“The Spanish tradition of siesta, a midday break, significantly improved my daily life while living abroad. Incorporating a substantial pause during the day boosted my productivity. I now integrate a brief 20-minute power nap into my workday lunch break, leading to considerably more effective afternoons.”
Universal Language Acquisition: Bilingual Education
“It is desirable for children to routinely learn a second language. In the US, bilingualism is largely limited to individuals from bilingual households or those who participated in exchange programs. Conversely, numerous countries prioritize second language education from elementary school onward as a standard component of the curriculum.”
Streamlined Air Travel: Orderly Airplane Disembarkation
“In Peru, a custom observed during air travel involves passengers remaining seated after landing. Flight attendants then systematically release rows to deplane, ensuring a calm and organized exit process. This structured method contrasts sharply with the often chaotic rush to leave the aircraft in the US.”
Freedom to Roam: The Swedish ‘Allemansrätten’ Principle
“Allemansrätten, a Swedish principle, embodies ‘the freedom to roam’. It advocates for responsible enjoyment of nature, permitting individuals to explore freely without concern for trespassing on private land, provided they respect and preserve the environment.”
Extended Mourning Periods: Maori Funeral Traditions
“The Maori tradition of observing a two-week period after a death before holding a funeral provides ample time for processing grief. This extended mourning period contrasts with faster funeral arrangements common in many Western cultures, potentially aiding deeper emotional processing.”
Culture of Cleanliness: Japanese Societal Hygiene
“Japan’s deep-rooted culture of cleanliness extends beyond personal spaces. It’s ingrained in societal practices, such as students cleaning classrooms and sports fans tidying stadiums after events, highlighting a collective responsibility for maintaining public hygiene.”
Leisurely Lunch Breaks: The French Approach to Dining
“Appreciating the French lifestyle involves adopting their approach to lunch. Dedicating an hour for a restaurant meal allows for a proper, enjoyable dining experience and fosters social connections, rather than rushed eating habits often seen elsewhere.”
Sunday Quiet Time: German Rest and Relaxation
“The German custom of designated quiet Sundays is highly appealing. Imagine one day a week free from disruptive noises like leaf blowers, power tools, or loud vehicles, promoting tranquility and peace within communities.”
Fika: The Scandinavian Coffee and Pastry Break
“Fika, a Scandinavian tradition, involves taking group coffee breaks accompanied by pastries within the workplace. This social custom enhances workplace culture by encouraging colleagues to connect and relax together.”
Pregnancy Perks: Prioritized Treatment in Portugal
“During a visit to Portugal while pregnant, I discovered numerous pregnancy benefits absent in the US. These included designated parking spots, queue-skipping privileges (notably at car rentals), and even expedited lines at airport customs, reflecting a societal priority for expectant mothers.”
Generous Parental Leave: Swedish Family Support Policies
“In Sweden, parents are entitled to 480 days of parental leave, designed to be shared equally. Single parents receive the full allocation. A significant portion of these days can be transferred between parents or to other individuals, supported by government compensation at 80% of salary, up to a set income threshold.”
Mask-Wearing Culture: South Korean Health Consideration
“Observing mask-wearing among sick individuals in South Korea highlighted a notable consideration for public health. This proactive measure to prevent the spread of illness stood out as a thoughtful cultural practice.”
Vibrant Weddings: Colorful Indian Celebrations
“Indian weddings, known for their vibrant colors and joyous atmosphere, are a stark contrast to often monochromatic weddings in North America. The wish for more colorful and celebratory wedding traditions reflects a desire for increased festive expression.”
The Long Lunch: Australian Connection and Leisure
“Australia’s ‘long lunch’ concept emphasizes relaxed, extended meals intended for socializing and enjoying company. This custom fosters deeper conversations and a more deliberate, mindful approach to daily life, offering broad benefits.”
Widespread Bidet Usage: Enhanced Hygiene Practices
“The prevalent use of bidets in many countries stands in contrast to their scarcity in American public restrooms. The desire for more widespread adoption of bidets reflects a wish for enhanced personal hygiene standards in public facilities.”
Mandatory Paid Vacation: German Work-Life Balance
“Mandatory four weeks of paid vacation, as experienced in Germany, represents a significant benefit for work-life balance. For Americans accustomed to less vacation time, this policy is particularly appealing.”
Convenient Amenities: Everyday Life in Japan
“Japan offers numerous minor yet impactful conveniences that could greatly improve daily life in the US. Examples include privacy-enhanced toilet stalls with ambient sound features, efficient public transportation, ubiquitous vending machines offering diverse options, distance-based bus fares, and convenience stores stocking high-quality food, among many other elements of daily ease.”
Day of the Dead: Mexican Celebration of Life and Remembrance
“The Mexican Day of the Dead celebration fosters a healthier perspective on mortality and life itself. Embracing this tradition could shift cultural attitudes towards death, making it a more accepted and integrated part of life.”
Superior Biking Infrastructure: Dutch and Danish Urban Planning
“The biking infrastructure in cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen offers a vastly superior experience compared to biking in the US. These cities prioritize bicycles as a primary mode of transport through dedicated lanes, bridges, and parking facilities, encouraging year-round cycling even in harsh weather, reflecting thoughtful urban design.”
What cultural insights from your travels abroad could enrich American society? Share your thoughts in the comments or via our anonymous form.