Living in America, you absorb its culture like a sponge. It’s a land of opportunities, freedom, and diversity. And yet, it’s not until you step out of this bubble that you truly understand the complexities and nuances.

Surprisingly, my departure from America opened my eyes to things I was oblivious to before.

I came to realize that certain aspects of the culture I was born and bred in were not as rosy as they seemed. In fact, they were downright toxic.

So, let me give you a candid account of the eight things I didn’t realize were toxic about American culture until I left. Keep reading, you might just discover something new about the culture you thought you knew so well.

1) Overemphasis on individualism

One of the key tenets of American culture is the emphasis on individualism.

It’s all about personal freedom, independence, and self-reliance. While these are undoubtedly important virtues, they can also foster a sense of isolation and disconnection.

When I moved away, I realized how this individualistic approach can often take a toll on community spirit. The mantra of “every man for himself” can create a lack of empathy and understanding towards others’ struggles.

In other cultures, there’s more focus on collective responsibility and community wellbeing.

This shift in perspective revealed to me how toxic excessive individualism can be. It’s not all about the self; sometimes, it’s about the collective too.

2) Workaholic culture

Another startling revelation was the deeply entrenched workaholic culture in America.

I remember working endless hours, skipping lunches, and even sacrificing weekends to keep up with the demands of the job. It was seen as a badge of honor, a testament to dedication and commitment.

But when I left America, I was shocked to see a stark contrast. In many places, work-life balance wasn’t just a buzzword but a way of life.

People took time for leisure, family, and even afternoon siestas! It forced me to rethink the ‘live to work’ mentality that I had adopted back home.

This culture of overworking and constant hustle is not only unsustainable but also detrimental to our mental and physical health. No job should require you to sacrifice your wellbeing.

3) Supersized portions

An aspect that’s hard to miss about American culture is the gigantic food portions. From fast-food chains to high-end restaurants, the plates are often loaded with more food than one person can consume in a single sitting.

While this might seem like a great value for money, it contributes significantly to the obesity epidemic in the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 40% of adults in America are obese.

In contrast, other countries like Japan and France, where portions are considerably smaller, boast much lower obesity rates. This is not a mere coincidence but a clear connection between portion size and health risks.

The “bigger is better” mentality might not apply when it comes to our plates.

4) Consumerism

It’s hard to ignore the culture of consumerism that is deeply ingrained in American society. Shopping is not just a necessity, it’s a pastime, a hobby, even a therapy for some.

The allure of sales, deals, and the latest trends feed into this cycle of buy, use, discard, repeat. There’s a constant pressure to have the latest gadget, the trendiest clothes, and the flashiest cars.

But does this make us happier? Not necessarily. In fact, it can lead to financial stress and cluttered homes. Not to mention the environmental impact of such rampant consumption.

Living elsewhere, I began to appreciate simpler lifestyles where possessions don’t define self-worth. It’s a lesson that can serve us well in America too.

5) Lack of universal healthcare

As an American, the concept of healthcare as a basic human right was foreign to me. I didn’t realize how unique the American healthcare system was until I lived in a country where universal healthcare was the norm.

I used to stress about medical bills, insurance premiums and deductibles. The fear of falling ill without insurance was always lurking in the back of my mind.

In contrast, living in a country where healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of their income, was a revelation.

I saw firsthand how this not only contributes to better health outcomes but also reduces stress and financial burden.

It made me question why such a wealthy and advanced nation like America still struggles with providing affordable healthcare to all its citizens.

6) The illusion of choice

American culture prides itself on offering a plethora of choices. From 31 flavors of ice cream to 50 types of cereals on the supermarket aisle, it’s all about catering to every possible preference.

However, having lived elsewhere, I realized this abundance of choices can also be paralyzing. It often leads to decision fatigue and a constant fear of missing out on something better.

Moreover, this array of options isn’t always as diverse as it appears. Many products are just variations of the same thing, giving the illusion of choice while keeping us stuck in a cycle of consumption.

In other countries where options are fewer but more distinct, I found decision-making to be less stressful and more satisfying. Choice is good, but perhaps there’s such a thing as too much choice.

7) Obsession with appearance

America’s obsession with physical appearance is no secret. From Hollywood to social media influencers, the pressure to look a certain way is constant and pervasive.

The beauty and fitness industries thrive on creating unattainable standards and then selling products and services promising to help us reach those standards.

It’s a never-ending cycle that feeds insecurities and fosters a culture of comparison and dissatisfaction.

When I lived in cultures where beauty was perceived in a more holistic way, encompassing not just physical appearance but also inner qualities like kindness, resilience, and wisdom, it was a breath of fresh air.

The realization that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all was enlightening. It’s high time we redefine our standards and celebrate diversity in beauty.

8) Ignorance of the world beyond

Perhaps the most significant revelation was the American ignorance of the world beyond its borders.

Our education system and media often focus primarily on American history and issues, leaving a void when it comes to global awareness.

This lack of international perspective can lead to ethnocentrism and a narrow worldview. It’s critical to understand that America is part of a global community, and its actions have far-reaching implications.

Experiencing cultures where global awareness is deeply integrated into their education and everyday life was eye-opening.

It underscores the importance of fostering a more globally conscious generation who can navigate an increasingly interconnected world with empathy and understanding.

Final reflections

As you reach the end of this piece, I hope it stirs a sense of introspection. These observations are not meant as a critique of America, but rather a mirror held up to aspects of our culture we often take for granted.

Remember, every culture has its flaws and virtues, and ours is no different. It’s important to acknowledge these shortcomings not as indictments, but as opportunities for growth and improvement.

After all, recognizing a problem is the first step towards fixing it. And who better than us, the citizens, to initiate this change?

Let’s embrace this newfound awareness and strive to make our culture healthier, more balanced, and globally conscious.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s not just about making America better for us but also contributing positively to the world we are part of.

As Mark Twain famously said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”

Let’s take these words to heart and open our minds to different perspectives.

After all, isn’t that what true growth is about?