In the grand tapestry of American life, few things intrigue foreign newcomers as much as our unapologetic display of patriotism. One South African transplant was downright flabbergasted by the sheer number of American flags fluttering in front yards, hanging in bedrooms, and even boldly stitched into apparel. It’s as if Americans, who might lean towards subtlety in other domains, opted for maximalism when it came to stars and stripes. For those acclimated to quiet cultural pride, such exuberance must seem like being at a Fourth of July barbecue every single day.
Money is another peculiarity that can set foreigners scratching their heads. The so-called ‘monopoly money’ of South Africa, with its delightful rainbow of colors, provides a charming visual diversity that the monochrome U.S. dollar bills sorely lack. Imagine the bewilderment of fiddling with a wallet full of drab green bills, where differentiating a fiver from a hundred is all about squinting at tiny numbers. Moreover, the mere existence of the $1 bill can confound outsiders who sensibly store their pocket change in coins, not paper.
Navigating American transactions is another experience that can side-swipe an unsuspecting visitor. In South Africa, prices are blissfully straightforward—tax included from the get-go. Not so in the U.S., where the price tag is a study in false advertising. Shuffling to the checkout counter, only to face the dismay of an inflated total due to tax, is a shockingly common trial. It’s akin to ordering a burger only to find out the bun costs extra.
If financial surprises weren’t enough, imagine the horror when a waiter casually strolls off with your credit card as though they’re leaving on a permanent vacation. In countries where your card stays firmly within your gaze, the American way of doing things appears unnecessarily risky. But rest assured, the server always returns with your card, along with a hearty expectation that you’ve intellectually calculated their tip.
Lastly, the curious American habit of uncalled-for small talk might leave any bewildered expat pondering the superficiality of it all. When passersby inquire about your day but vanish before you can muster a complete response, one wonders if this is less about interaction and more about ritualistic politeness. It’s a culture clash of epic proportions: one-sided conversations that would send a South African conversationalist into existential crisis.
Whether it’s flag fervor, financial conundrums, or the art of breezy chatter, America will continue to baffle and amuse its visitors and new residents. For this South African, these encounters might be bumps on the road to cultural immersion, but they lend a healthy dose of humor to the wild and wonderful ride that is American life.
