Although the United States and Canada share a border and some cultural similarities, there are unique differences that set them apart from one another. These differences can be seen in various aspects such as geographical products, lifestyle norms, and everyday amenities. We will explore 15 identifiable and distinctive aspects of American life that distinguish it from its Canadian neighbor.
Quick Service Restaurants
America is the birthplace of many fast food chains, immortal symbols of our delicious culture. Although brands like McDonald’s and Burger King have made their way north, the One True Fast Food Nation has dangled before Canada such fabulously profitable ambassadors as Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out Burger, and Sonic Drive-In.
Culture in Sports
Although both nations love sports, the United States has a distinct sports culture. The significance of major American sports leagues such as the NFL (National Football League), MLB (Major League Baseball), NBA (National Basketball Association), and NHL (National Hockey League) in American society is immense, and the viewership is insurmountable.
Thanksgiving Celebrations in November
Although Thanksgiving is celebrated in both nations, the dates of their celebrations differ. For example, the United States institutes its feast on the fourth Thursday of November in contrast to Canada, which is observed on the second Monday of October. In addition, US Thanksgiving has traditions such as parades and American football games that are not associated with Canadian Thanksgiving.
Diversity in Culture
The cultural makeup of the United States is impressively varied, complete with individuals from every corner of the globe weaving together a beautiful, intricate mosaic. In America’s biggest cities—like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago— these unique voices harmonize, forming neighborhoods and communities that burst with verve and originality.
System of the Electoral College
The United States chooses its President and Vice President via a system that uniquely values state votes over popular ones. Instead of a popular vote, the Electoral College is used to winnow the number of viable candidates. The Electoral College comprises 538 electors, and each state has the same number of electoral votes as the members of Congress, who represent each state in the United States political process. Political parties select these electors at their state conventions and the election mandate that their respective states’ voters cast for presidential candidates. Some states legally require electors to vote for their party’s candidate, but some electors have voted against their candidate and become known as “faithless electors.” After the electoral ballots have been cast, each state spends the day they are received to open and count each electoral vote, where 270 electoral votes are needed to win an election.
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is an iconic American event that reunites millions while binding them to their television sets for the NFL’s championship game, its extravagant halftimes, business’s dream customers’ day, and gatherings. A proper noun in its own right, the Super Bowl is a day when most—indulge or not—can answer the question: “Hey, did you see the halftime show?”
Local Culinary Specialties
The United States is often identified with its expansive array of food, quite literally. Each region has its own specialty, typically reflecting international or regional influences, local fresh ingredients, and a proud tradition.
National Parks
The United States is home to some truly spectacular natural scenery, all preserved in national parks nationwide. Inside these parks, visitors can experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier, among other gems. Outdoor enthusiasts can reveal that these settings have few rivals and take advantage of ample opportunities to explore.
Brands for Consumers
The American market is home to many well-known brands and products. Some of these brands are icons, such as Coca-Cola, Nike, and Levi’s, while others are modern tech giants, such as Apple and Google. While all of these brands are recognized worldwide, the majority are exclusive to the US market.
Festivals Celebrating State Agricultural and Cultural Traditions
State fairs have long been a cherished custom in America. They bring local produce, food, and entertainment onto a public stage. Each state puts on a show for itself, providing everything from rides, games, and carnival food to live music, displays of heirloom tomatoes, and deep-fried confections.
Libraries of the President
The United States of America houses an accumulation of Presidential libraries. These libraries store historical documents, relics, and papers from former Presidents. These facilities represent the account and the remnants of what happened during the years that these Presidents were in office. For those who are interested in history, this is a fun place to visit or to get information to broaden your knowledge about the United States.
The Culture of Gun Ownership
The United States stands out in its connection to guns when compared with many countries, particularly its northern neighbor, Canada. Throughout American history, the right to bear arms has been an essential feature of the U.S. Constitution. Guns have been central to the culture of the United States; indeed, at least since the fall of 1999, when preventive measures were taken against the Y2K bug. Millions of Americans have guns in their homes—over 50 million. Although 37 percent of Americans report that a gun is kept in their home, with exceptions for Pennsylvania, according to the General Social Survey, it could be at least 100 million.
College Sports Activities
College athletics represent a significant cultural aspect of the United States. Hundreds of thousands of people, with each passing year, become followers of various college teams and athletes, who turn out in their favorite mood and panache. Every year, as the NCAA basketball tournament (known as “March Madness”) progresses. College football bowl games take place, and an exhilarated mass of fans sets its sights on the nationwide revelry projected on televisions, computers, and mobile devices, not to mention the monetary benefits these events bring to the universities and the athletic staff.
Sales Tax Fluctuations
The sales tax laws and regulations differ widely from state to state in the United States, creating a complex network of tax jurisdictions with different tax rates and exemptions. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST) are more uniform across provinces in Canada.
Celebrations on the Fourth of July
Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is an important national holiday that marks the country’s independence and autonomy. On this day, Americans across the nation have fun and express their love for the nation by watching fireworks, having picnics, and participating in various games.
American Customs That Confuse the Rest of the World
Non-Americans are pointing out puzzling aspects of American culture, such as the obsession with sugary foods, complex tipping customs, and the prevalence of guns and violence in media. These observations highlight the cultural nuances that can confuse outsiders.
American Customs That Confuse the Rest of the World
What Does the World Really Thinks of Americans
It’s obvious that every part of the world has something to say about Americans or knows something about this glorious country. To identify what foreigners think about Americans by leveraging general news articles and social media surveys, we bring you what we found.
What Does the World Really Thinks of Americans
10 Presidents Marked by Challenges and Criticism
Unveiling the hidden stories of American presidents, this article reveals lesser-known details that illuminate their successes, failures, and controversies.
Examining Historical Presidency: 10 Administrations Marked by Challenges and Criticism
