Definitely! And funny stories about that too. Some friends and I went on a cross country roadtrip from California To Pennsylvania, in Iowa we got food in a metal corn silo restaurant and one of our friends ordered a vegetarian lunch, by having thr meat and also the corn removed. Lol The waitress brought it out and it had corn. Unfortunately our friend was being a little rude and was like I asked for no corn. The waitress exclaimed It's all plants isn't it?? 🤣
I mean, in theory any given state could operate autonomously if it really had to. Each has its own completely functioning government and manages its own economy, education, and social programs, and could raise state militias for defense if required to. It would be a really stupid idea, we're stronger working as a mesh network, but we could do it if we were forced to.
It's basically like the continent of Europe having many countries within... only I don't usually see Europeans being patriotic of Europe as a whole but more for their own individual home country
@@SorcererLance parallels can definitely be made between states/USA and countries/EU. Our states are pretty autonomous, with the exceptions being the authority our Constitution placed in our federal government. Personally, I'd love to see our states become more assertive and the federal government refocus on universal policies and governance so our states can focus on the day to day things that its residents need.
In America, The US, the United States, whatever you want to call it, you have like 4 levels of pride. 1. Your heritage/culture: If you/your ancestors came from elsewhere (which is LITERALLY everyone outside of Native Americans), it's cool to have pride in it and where you came from. Most have a neighborhood or area in town associated with your heritage like "Little Italy," or "the Barrio," or "China town," and you'd still celebrate your other national holidays with festivals and other events on a local level to you. 2. Your city: wherever you live or drop in, you have to rep your city. You can talk absolute s--t about it if it sucks, or brag if it's great, but you wear that city hat, get that bumper sticker, support the local sports team, locally and out of state. 3. Your State: No matter where you're from, your state is always the best (until you move). Just like with your city, you've got a rep the state t-shirt, maybe a flag on display if you super love it, you're ready to fight anyone in another state that says your state is trash (not literally, but you'll argue over it like it's the last bottle of water in the desert). 4. USA! USA! USA! Our flag is literally everywhere. I think people outside of the country think we are obsessed with pride, but its not like you go to work chanting USA. The flag thing just is a thing we grow up with. Patriotism elsewhere can be seen as very negative or associated with really bad groups, but here everyone from your local church, to school, to car dealership has flags. It's like is the sky blue, do you see a flag, yeah.
Very well said. I am an Irish/Italian Philadelphian from the beautiful Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the best damn country.... yup that sounds about right Just to add to that: I am 4th generation italian and irish at my most recent immigrant ancestor and those two account for most of my geneology. However, my ancestral roots here date back to 1623, so it's not just people who knew their relatives who immigrated, we take pride in all of our heritage.
A little editorializing: "1. Your heritage/culture: If you/your ancestors came from elsewhere (which is LITERALLY everyone outside of Native Americans), it's cool to have pride in it and where you came from. Except for +90% of Black people in America. For them, the cool factor, sadly, is diminished because of a "peculiar institution"."
@@Mookaton if we go down that road no one has ever originally from anywhere. We were all nomadic if you go back far enough. Generally 500 years or so is enough to be considered "native".
I'm from the southern US and he's right - NY doesn't have the best reputation, but two amazing things happened there. One, my husband and I were looking for a particular restaurant somewhere around Lake Champlain and we couldn't find it. My husband turned around in the only driveway with a No Trespassing sign in it. The man who lived there was in his yard and came over to the car. When he found out what we were doing, he invited us to supper! On Long Island, just outside of NYC, my 4-year old son got sick. I didn't have a car, and had never taken a taxi. The hotel (Hampton Inn) called a taxi for me, and somehow he ended up being the one to pick us up from the doctor's office. He took us to a drugstore, cut the meter off and waited till I got the prescription filled before he started the meter again. The whole time we were there, the maids from every floor checked on us each day to see how my son was doing.
Not from NY but my sister-in-law is and she is one of the best things that has happened to our family. And I love how when something like a hurricane hits a state, other states help out.
I found the NY comment funny. We are from the south where everyone will help you out and my daughter was traveling around Europe this summer for the first time and she still can't get over the British. Mom, they are even ruder then NY it was crazy, lol. I just had to explain to her that we all have different cultures and there are things we consider fine others also consider rude. ( not saying all NYs are rude hubby is from NJ, and we have plenty of friends who are NY transplants)
We need to remember that Polite and Friendly are not the same. The British may be more polite, but the Americans tend to be more friendly. We all keep our heritage very close to us. My family was Irish and Italian and we took those Irish and Italian traditions seriously.
I think southerners are pretty good at both, tbh 😂 We can’t go to a grocery store without friendly conversation with several strangers. At the same time, “bless your heart” is a well know way to politely insult someone lol
Here is a small bit of advice. When you travel to the US, don't just go to the big cities and tourist places. People everywhere, in every state, have great stories to tell. Most people love to meet those from other countries, and are very hospitable. I hope things come together for you and you get to make your journey. It will be unforgettable. I made it the UK and to Scotland about 5 years ago. For me, it was like coming home. I hope coming to the US feels the same for you.
I agree about not just seeing touristy places. I want to go see everyday life. Usually, life is completely different, even in different towns within one state.
The greatest thing about being an American to me is being able to be anything else at the same time. Whether your ancestors helped build the country’s foundation or died to make it free, or you’re 100% new to the country but believe in the freedom we stand for; regardless of whether you speak english or not, regardless of what you worship, regardless of anything at all, if you are here, you are American. I’m beyond blessed to have grown up surrounded by such diversity of culture that makes the US great.
Don't apologize for your outgoing personality. You have enthusiasm and charm, and it's one of the reasons why I watch your channel. There's a whole lot of reaction channels out there, but you make the topics more entertaining.
Lewis; don't lose your outgoing personality. But please don't be loud in restaurants. If people go to a nice restaurant for a meal and quiet conversation, having a table with loud yahoos next to them will annoy most Americans. Save it for sports bars.
A reason Americans have strong connections to the countries from which our families came, is that our grandparents, from the motherlands, would often remind remind us, "Remember, we're Irish/Polish/German/Latvian, etc..." They didn't want us to lose the connection they had with their culture and homeland. That's why it's common to hear Americans say, "I'm Irish/etc...", when they were born in the US. We're not claiming to be nationals from said countries, we are merely repeating what our grandparents drilled into our heads, so that we would not lose a connection they cherished so dearly. And I think the fact that I can Identify as ethnically Polish and Scottish, even though I was born in the US, is cool.
Agreed. My father's family has only been in the US since the 1860's. In Europe there are families who have lived in the same town for many hundreds of years. They have history and roots. It's fun to trace our ancestry and figure out the history of our family and how we got to where we are.
My father's family has been in the US for 3 generations before me. That's not really long enough to build a whole family history, so we learned how my great-grandfather came over from Yorkshire to work in a cotton mill. With that info, I can trace my family back many generations to find that they were all textile workers in Yorkshire. I know who they married and where they lived (I can 'walk' the streets they lived on, thanks to Google earth). I now feel like I have roots in both countries.
@@SATXRealEstateDiva I haven't set foot in a Whataburger in forever. Not after seeing the burger flipper shove his spatula down the backside of his pants to give a good long scratch. Before that, we walked in for lunch and every head turned to glare at us. Seems illegals had taken over and didn't want outsiders.
At Christmas time you can really see a lot of Americans still include Christmas traditions and foods from their ancestral home countries like Norway or Poland. And often celebrate the holidays of that country St.Patricks day is one big example.
Many of us Americans are 1st 2nd or 3rd generation Americans so we tend to have connections with where are family came from. My father's family is Lebanese American, came over in the 50s and opened up a general store in wash DC. I recently did a genetic test and it's like a big chunk of my genetic makeup. Grew up on Lebanese food as well as American Creole (my mother's from New Orleans), so the food we eat, the way are family dynamics are, makes us who we are.
Exactly and my grandmother made traditional Slovakian dishes as well as American Creole. They also immigrated to New Orleans. It influences our melting pot culture and food. For instance my niece just got married in TX and the reception was TX BBQ, Jambalaya, Gumbo, and tons of Kolache 🤤
My husband family is Syrian / British. My ancestry is German, Irish and Norwegian. Proud to be a mixture of all those brave souls what got on a ship to America without money or speaking the language for the most part. Worked their rear ends off to achieve a good life . We're all proud of them but we're also proud to be Americans as a mix of cultures.
One of my good friends, her family is from Lebanon. They moved to America in '77. She was the 1st person in her immediate family that was born here. I ❤ eating at their house
Most Americans I think are passionate about their country first, but the state thing is a way to have a friendly rivalry with other states. Sports teams in particular are a way to prove your state is better than everyone elses. We are loud because we are a huge country and if you want people to hear you it's necessary to speak up. The gun thing is best to not mention in the US; we fight with each other quite enough. As soon as you talk and your accent is obvious most people will light up and have a ton of questions and offer all the help you can handle...or more than you can handle!
When explaining America to Europeans I tell them that Americans will argue over politics and religion. We'll get into fistfights over the best barbecue style.
Agreed about the guns. It's not necessarily an "American" thing. He visited states that have pretty strong gun cultures but plenty of places here do not. All police are well armed though, that's certainly true.
History teacher here. Loving the enthusiasm. The US didn’t develop a national identity strongly until after the civil war. Many citizens were more loyal to their states than to the federal institution. This obviously changed, but we have tons of pride in where we were born/raised. It would be similar to someone being born in South London, being super into south London football clubs, south London history, local culture of south London, different accents and vocabulary. Each state could be a country unto itself. West Virginians sound very different than Texans, just like Liverpool and Yorkshire are very distinct accents. Many of us are your relatives from 1 branch over, from your great-great-great-great grandad. I’m a direct descendant of one of those religious extremists(puritans) that was kicked out way back in 1633, left Hingham UK and founded Hingham, Massachusetts. It’s why we speak a messed up version of your language, and the colors on our flag were also chosen because of the historical ties we had to England. We could be speaking French right now, had they beaten England in the 7 years war. Thanks to some English/Scot/Irish 5th great grandpappy, you all get to have a cool younger brother that happened to kick your ass that one time. ;)
I imagine my experience as an American with Irish heritage is just like it is for those with Scots, German, French, etc. heritage. I had been fascinated from a very young age with Ireland, and found out as a young adult that my maternal grandmother's line went all the way back to an Irish family who came over before the American Revolution. When I was able to finally go to Ireland, it felt like a piece of me had found HOME- that's how strong the pull of heritage is for thousands upon thousands of Americans, descendants of many countries.
My family originally came from England. One of the first times I ever went there was a business trip, and my boss (knowing my background) asked if it felt foreign or strange. No, I told her, while I did not feel like it was my country, it felt completely natural and homey to be there. It felt like a long-lost relative I had never met before.
My family is from Germany and Norway, but both sides left their ties behind them when they immigrated. They left their countries because they wanted to start new in America and didn't keep any of the old world traditions or mementos. Although I'm not an indigenous person, I feel only American and not German or Norwegian. I'm not claiming one way or the other is "better" or anything, just to be clear! I'm just saying that some people in the USA don't have any particular feelings for wherever their ancestors came from.
Neighborhood, County, State, Country that’s the order of pride 😊 No you don’t need a permit to go shoot, even kids go. Hearing a Scottish man say “y’all “ was epic!!
@@kari8187We aren't proud of our counties, but rather our ISDs which are essentially our towns I guess. I've never ever met anybody proud of their county.
I'm 98% british/Scottish American very proud. I've wanted to go to England as a teenager not knowing my ancestry. I hope to come someday. If you ever get to Washington or Oregon, I'd love to show you around. ❤❤
We are a concurrence of country proud, state proud and heritage proud. It’s nice to hear that visitors to the US feel welcomed when they come. I’m in Texas and we’ve never met a stranger. I help people in any way I can. I think I have it stamped on my forehead. 😂
How strong Americans hold on to their heritage, particularly European heritage is often related to how long ago one's ancestors immigrated to the US. In my case I am primarily a mix of Scottish, Irish and French heritage, but I don't strongly associate myself with it as my ancestors came to America in the late 1600's on my mother's side through early 1800's on my father's side. Sure if I ever go to Europe I would like to see the regions my great, great, great, great, great grand parents called home, but it would not be a driving factor on such a trip.
True. On my part there was much confusion on where my family was from just 3 generations back. I know for a fact that my paternal grandfather's parents were both polish. I know that my maternal mothers mother was Czec/ Yugoslav. My maternal grandfather's parents or parents were Irish. So I know basic things. I've even seen the paperwork from Ellis Island for my paternal lineage from the early 1900's. That's the thing. I'm only a third-generation American on all sides, with the possible exception of my paternal mother's side. My mother's mother has so little interest in history, possibly due to traumatic upbringing, that she has no information. She knows her husband was Irish but that's about it. My father's mother, I think was so ingrained into her husband's family life that she just considered herself polish, although my research has told me she's probably 4th or 5th generation Dutch or English or both. But by the time I was old enough to think about asking these questions she was pretty senile. As for her Polish American husbands, they were all raised in a generation where you were in America. That meant you were going to speak English and ignore your past. I have come to the possibly incorrect conclusion that they may have been hiding some Jewish Heritage, and thus why they never talked about it. My great-grandfather came from a town called Nikolajew in 1916, and the only reference I can find to that town anywhere is that it was once a ghetto in Russia for a Jewish community. Now it's absolutely possible leather Roman Catholic was living in a Jewish Community. Lines that blur back then a little bit. But it is still questionable. All my grandparents other than my maternal grandmother that has no interest in history, are all long dead now. Because of WWII, so many records and buildings were destroyed during the wars that I can't smile any is back far enough. Not to mention I have no idea if I'm following it correctly. Put on my c-nile paternal grandmother's side, I have discovered that I may be partially from Sleepy Hollow New York which is cool.
Exactly. Or...mostly. My family came from Norway about a hundred years ago, but they settled in a community of other Norwegian immigrants. Consequently, I am about 70% Norwegian based on a genetic test--more than you'd expect if one of my parents was the immigrant.
My mother is a UK mix... Scotish, Black Irish, English. My father was 1/2 Norweigen and 1/2 Native American. My husband is 1st gen Serbian American. Yes we all pretty much stay aware of where we came from. This is a country of immigrants, I'm sure immigrants in other countries are similar. But perhaps we hold on to it more strongly than others after several generations.
One thing about In-N-Out, also Chic-fil-A, is when out of state Firefighters come to California to fight the many and massive wildfires, In-N-Out and Chic-fil-A gives vouchers, to them, for free food. Never advertised, let it be known, they just do it as a thank you.
I enjoyed this video & also watch Sean’s. As an American with mainly Scottish & some English ancestry I totally agree with him in that most Americans are connected to their ancestral origins & also wonder why they first emigrated to America. I can’t wait for you to get your POBox by the way !👍
When you watch a lot of Irish youtube, you see that the Irish think it's cute that Americans are so into their Irish-ness, but they're like, "you do know you're not actually Irish, right?" lol. Italians are the same way. What they don't get is that everybody's ancestors came from somewhere else, then lived where it's the Scottish & Irish neighborhood, next to the Italian neighborhood, next to the Puerto Rican neighborhood, next to the Russian Jewish neighborhood, so everybody got used to other cultures, but got reinforced in their own for an identity. That's why it's a big deal here.
My father was a young man during the Great Depression and he loved hunting and fishing and kept his family and all his neighbors fed. My son is a great shot and loves going to the shooting range and the Rangers make sure everything and everyone is safe. And we absolutely are very interested in our genealogy. We are so grateful to our ancestors for going through the hardships and having the courage to come here.
We've had a British man stop, turn around and come back to us because we were trying to read a map in Leeds (England), looking for the Hard Rock Cafe. We were so greatful and blown away by his kindness! Another time I had a young man rush up the stairs past me, stop a few steps above me, turn around & ask if he could help me with my luggage (can't remember which train station it was in London). He was dressed in a pinstriped suit with a bowler hat on his head, so he had to be going into work. He saw me struggling, so he offered me his assistance. So, SO kind. I have many other stories about having lovely coversations with Brits on trains, planes, tourists attractions, etc. So, take heart that your fellow Brits are leaving very good impressions on many foreign tourists.
I can't speak to England, but I met some incredibly friendly people when I visited Scotland. The most notable example was when we missed the last bus out from Doune and didn't know how we were going to get back to Stirling in time to catch the train. By this time the bar crowd across the street was invested in our plight (we had ducked in for a pint while waiting), and when it became clear that we had misread the schedule and were stuck, a couple of guys started making some phone calls. 20 minutes later, some guy's cousin with a late shift in Stirling showed up to give us a lift there. It was a beautiful gesture, on par with any behavior in my home state (I live in Iowa, and we're particularly known for being extremely friendly). Maybe it's because we were tourists, but everyone in Scotland treated us so well and we felt so welcome.
I have found that people in the United States are more passionate about the area they know, which usually is the state or city they live in. If they have traveled to or lived in an area other then where they currently live then that has exposed them to what that area has to offer then they may have some strong feelings about that area too. Looking forward to you getting the P.O. Box.
Americans do take pride in their heritage and I'm glad this guy mentioned it because I think it gets overlooked a lot. My mom's side of the family is mostly all English, Irish and Finnish. We have family in Europe I've never met but other relatives have. It would be fascinating to go to Ireland or England to see where I've come from. My dad's side is from Poland and it would be just as great to visit there as well.
I think the differences between the states that make up the US, is very much like if the different countries in Europe were states and made up one big country. They each have unique cultures, cuisine, ways of speaking, climate, sceanery etc.
I think there are generally far less pronounced cultural differences between the 50 US States than between the 50 countries of Europe. But your point stands.
@@willcool713 See, I don't know about that. Europeans tend to think US states are more culturally similar than they are because they speak the same language. They disregard things like law, religion, and attitudes about the role of government in the lives of the people. The states aren't administering federal laws. They have their own--civil and criminal--and there is a wide variance from one state to another. Take drugs and alcohol, for instance. In Oregon, cannabis is fully legal and psilocybin mushrooms are fully decriminalized. In neighboring Idaho, both cannabis and psilocybin are illegal. In some parts of Arkansas, you can't even buy alcohol, let alone cannabis or psilocybin. They're called Dry Counties, if you want to look them up. Don't forget to take those THC Gummies out of your glovebox before the roadtrip. You don't want an accidental felony when you cross state lines.
Your comment about being "weird" in the UK for normal reserved behavior, I can see what you mean. Because in watching your videos I sometimes forget you're British because you do often act very American in personality. I mean your vocabulary is very British and of course you're reacting and learning about American things so I don't truly forget your British. But you do have a much more American personality than probably all the other UK people on TH-cam I've watched.
I have noticed the portion sizes are getting smaller at restaurants in the US since with the current economic crisis, prices are up and portions are getting smaller.
Lewis really should try online recipes of all the dishes he drools over. There are spot on fast food recipes that will make 6 meals for what one costs at the drive thru.
I feel that sentiment with Heritage pride. My family came from Cuba, to at the same time to have been born in the US and have a better life than I were to have been born in Cuba! The US has its issues, but I couldn’t imagine having to deal with the awful struggles other countries have to deal with. I can’t wait for you to be able to experience your American vacation! I’ll definitely be tuning in to watch 🇺🇸
Gun legality depends on the state. In some states they are all but outlawed without hard to get special permits, in other states you need to file paperwork and/or complete background checks. In some states you can carry, but they have to be exposed to sight (open carry), in some states you can carry them out of sight (concealed carry). In my state, Oklahoma, you can conceal carry and do not have to file any paperwork at all.
Btw, when you make it to a gun range film it and tell them how many viewers you have. Most likely they will pull out all the stops and let you shoot the good stuff.
It's funny you explained that he meant "small bit " by "wee bit" because Scottish accents are hard to do but we always use "wee bit" or "wee li'ile lad" in the impression 😂
I'm 100% Greek - Greek American. So yes on the topic of being proud of our heritage or roots. And it is probably confusing to think of each State being the same but different from each other. Keep in mind if you want to attend football games while here that they are seasonal, not year round. So plan your trip according to season. Speaking of seasons, I would not plan a trip here during winter. Probably mid September - early October would be best for weather and certain sports. Just a personal choice.
Not a drop off greek blood in me but my neighbors in my old neighborhood were and you will not take real authentic greek food away from me and we always have Ouzo in the liquor cabinet.
I guess we in the US, think that people from the UK are polite due to what is shown in the movies or tv. I've been to the UK and I found many people in England to be cold and rude ☹. People from Wales and Scotland were much more kinder and very helpful. 😸 Since I live in a city that has a lot of tourists, I try and help anyone who seems to be lost. From warning folks of the dangerous parts of city, to taking them to the place itself. I also tell them ways to find clean toilets or taxis (always go to a hotel), to good places to eat.
Exactly, perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the stereotype is that the English are polite in the sense of have "good manners", while others may not observe as many social niceties but are more disposed to be friendly and helpful, even if they don't have the polish associated with certain strata of English society.
I live in Indiana , we are known as The Hoosier state! ✌🏻- you can sign up for lessons on how to shoot a gun as well- I would suggest that before u start going to a range by yourself :)
I'm in TN and if you let the people working at the range know you've never shot a gun they will pull out everything for you and teach you anything you want to know.
I was raised around guns. My dad & grandpop hunted a lot, and I was taken to a range around the age of 4 (the targets were pictures of deer). All the men I knew were either in the military or police, so I was taught about guns at an early age. When I moved to Alabama as a young mother, a gun was a necessity. We had huge rattlesnakes, water moccasins (which will chase you down for the privilege of biting you), copperheads, alligators, and bobcats around our home. I went deer stalking a couple of times, though the only thing I shot at were beer cans left in the woods. My daughter and I still go to a gun range for target practice. If kids are taught to respect guns and their lethal potential, they’re less likely to abuse them later. No need for a license to go to a gun range. But most areas will require you to watch a training and safety videos well as provide.
There are many gun ranges in the United States where you can go and rent a weapon to shoot and you don't need a special license. If you are not as they will quite often give you instructions before allowing you to shoot however.
He got selected to go as a cultural ambassador because there are only about a dozen people in Scotland that Americans can understand. (They originally picked Nessie but the shipping was too expensive.)
Hahahahahah! Was going to say to L3WG, "wee" is about as mild and understandable as Scottish English gets. When they get into the deep brogue, it's completely arcane to American ears, something like our deepest and thickest Appalachian mountain accents.
One thing I would love to see you react to. I know he's a comedian but Tim Wilson's southern accents and he actually does a really good job of explaining how many different southern accents there are and where you can expect the people to talk different at and how they talk
It's hard to describe to others how the various affinities function here in the U.S. Everyone's basic loyalty is to their family first, then country and/or religion. If you have a defined ethnic heritage (Irish, German, Korean, Chinese, African-American, Hispanic, etc.) that will be pretty high on the list but probably below the first three (or maybe not). Then, most people do identify with the state they live in and enjoy the unique foods or places that make the state cool. Then, also, people are active and loyal to their communities (towns, cities, counties). It sounds like a lot, but it all seems to fit kind of naturally. People often say Americans have no culture, but the reverse is true -- we have a ton of multi-layered cultures all interacting in the same geographic space.
I think part of the thing with the last point is that the vast majority of Americans will have immigrant ancestors recently enough to be able to trace at least a decent number of them within recorded history, and everyone tends to be a slightly different blend of origins so it makes for an interesting family history topic. I’d imagine that sort of conversation would often tend to be a lot more boring for people in the UK and Europe where you have a substantial portion of the population that were just from that same area for as far back as anything’s recorded. So yes, we tend to identify strongly as Americans, but part of the typical American identity is also to have had ancestors decide to come to America from somewhere else. And that somewhere else gives a bit more of a personal touch to each person’s identity.
Dude. So I’m from KY (the northern tippy top of the state and about a few minutes from OH), and when I moved to Austin, TX, I was blown away by the TX state pride. Not just there but all the TX cities and towns I drove through. There were shapes of TX, stars, and Longhorns EVERYWHERE: emblazoned on interstate ramps, carved into architecture, on various objects in public places. It was nuts… but also infectious. I only spent a little over a year there, but still got a TX star to hang proudly, lol. Point is, Texas is EXTREMELY state proud. I may live in the US, but the states I’ve lived have nothing on them
People wonder why a lot of Americans don't travel very much outside of the US. Well... I think it's because we travel through the other states seeing what they have there! Lol. There are so many different cultures and things to see/learn in every single state....& I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that either! I think that maybe why a lot of people don't think too travel outside of the United States. True for some.. it's about financial means but I think for a lot of other people.... it's because we already have so much here to explore!
When you come over, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to come to someone’s home for dinner. Americans, in general, love Brits. The offer for dinner is genuine and you’d make their day if you go. It’s one of the greatest ways to experience a country, through the people, not just sites. If you want to go to the shooting range and not feel weird like he did, just watch a bunch of shooting range videos. They have indoor and outdoor ranges. And Americans are totally into their heritage. Be prepared for tons of people telling you their grandfather or great grand far came from Wales or Scotland or where ever. I think that the 80’s contributed to Americans love of all things British. First, the music, I mean come on! The 60’s - the 80’s were dominated by British. Then there was Princess Diana, we loved her near as much as ya’ll did. Plus there was Margaret Thatcher, I remember thinking that’s pretty much like having a female president here. I remember being impressed you guys did it first. We’re so into our heritage, a very large number of Americans have sent of DNA tests that are supposed to break down where you’re from. You can look at the results online and it will show you people you’re related to based on your DNA. It’s ended more than one marriage.
17:30 The name of the country is United States of America.When the country was first founded, there was a lot of of debate as to whether the individual states or the central government should have more power. So to say each state is kinda like its own country is exactly the point. The idea at first was to basically have each state be its own country, but be allied under the United States of America.
You definitely see that state pride in Texas, probably more than any other state, I'd say. Just driving around in Texas, you will see the Texas flag flying high all over the place, tons of businesses named "Texas (insert business type here)" or some variation thereof, and lots of folks wearing something related to Texas. Texans are proud to be Texan, for sure. But don't think that we are not also VERY proud to be Americans, as well.
In my experience almost everyone in the U.S.A seems to have at least 1 state that they dislike.. and are often very vocal about that dislike. That kinda contributes to the state first feeling.
Great video! I like seeing/hearing other people's perspectives on America and Americans. My heritage is an interesting but not unique blend. I am mostly French, but I am also Scottish (Clan MacLaren) and Native American (Iroquois possible Mohawk tribe). Growing up, my family focused on our French ancestry and nearly all of my mother's family speak French. I never learned anything about my Scottish and Iroquois heritages. I think we all focus on learning about our ancestry because the US doesn't have a lengthy history like European countries. For me, I am intrigued by my blend of ancestors. I want to know as much as I can about the world they came from. It's way more interesting than my boring life.
Not all states have a strong statewide identity. Pennsylvania, for instance, has three identities Philadelphian, Pittsburgher, or Pennsatuckian (the rural middle of the state) and none of the three are totally okay with being confused with the other. Being born in the state and lived all but about a decade residing here, and I haven't observed a strong statewide pride and identity, it's much more regional than that. Pittsburgh and Philly have a pretty big rivalry. I spent my other decade residing in NYC, and it's my experience that New Yorkers are loud and in a hurry, but actually very kind and helpful. I once saw a tour bus sideswipe and damage a parked car and about half a dozen people stopped and got together to get the bus company information, leave their contact info as witnesses, etc. And we then left a note for the owner to collect it all the nearest business. There's a very strong sense of fairness and justice in New Yorkers in that way that is endearing and almost funny at times when a bunch of angry seeming people get on the same page to be nice. I think it's also funny that New Yorkers say please and thank you all the time. They just might yell it at you. "CAN YOU PLEASE MOVE ASIDE?" "THANK YOU!" lol.
In the more tourist-y cities, like Orlando, Florida, for example, there are some gun ranges that are specifically set up to cater to foreign tourists, where you can shoot fully automatic weapons and all kinds of stuff.
6:30 Yeah, we're passionate about the state we live in mainly because different states have different laws. For example, New Hampshire is considered the most "free" state of them all. At least according to my brother, who wants to move there. But I was born in New Mexico, grew up in Michigan, spent 15 years down in Kentucky, and found my way back up here to Michigan. Now I'm in the construction trade.
One of the big misconceptions about America is over our individual state pride…I’m a Texan and I’ll probably let you know if the conversation lasts very long at all. lol BUT, make no mistake about it, when it comes to the world stage…I’m an American and will stand up for New York, Colorado or any one of the other 47 States as quickly as my own beloved Texas! We bicker among ourselves constantly…College football being a favorite, also BB-Q is another…lol
When I visited NYC most people we encountered were rude. We did meet about 2 nice people but not overly nice. I’ve not really thought about it before but I do love the state I grew up in. I’ve lived in NC for the last 15+ years and I still prefer GA. Every state and the people in that state are very different so it makes sense we would prefer our own state.
Well I'm from a major city -- 1 million people, 10th largest (San Jose, aka "silicon valley") -- and I can tell you it's a simple matter of, everybody here has "places to go, things to see, and people to do". We will help people out if needed. But we don't greet everyone who passes by....I mean, think about that: thousands of people are going to pass by every five minutes, right. Try to find someone who's not walking around, hopefully they won't be too busy. 🙂
I think there's a point at which you've just found "home" whatever constitutes it and whatever you think of it. That city/state/country and all are part of your identity at that point. I hold nothing against city-folks, even though the majority of my life, including my formative years were quite literally spent out in the Sticks... I went to a city school for the higher tuition... joined the Navy and bootcamp was the Great Mistakes Naval Training Center... so just a skip and jump outside of Chicago, a respectable sized city. I'm sure my blunt as a bowling ball manners and openness bordered on an insane naive impression to many of them. They were quieter, more reserved, and less likely to randomly burst out in an obscenity laden rant. They're not exactly rude or crude, not in the sense country folks kind of seem... BUT they have their rougher points, too. AND culture comes from routines that satisfy problems kind of by rote. Desert cultures are going to be full of long flowing clothes and protection from the sun, while jungles and forests are usually more about seeing skin or at least forgiving of it... Cuisine is about what CAN be available around the year, and how to keep it as long as possible in as good a condition as feasible. When you're nestled into a city, it pays dividends to "keep up appearances" but that doesn't mean diddly out in the woods where nobody is around to give a sh*t if you strut around naked or take baths in your front yard... AND the notions of a Homeowners' Association harassing someone via the Police or court is just insanity out here, BUT in suburbia, it's business like about normal, even a praiseworthy operation to get involved with in the right context. It IS a huge country, and we as citizens of it are REALLY remarkably lucky and privileged to have the options to hop in the car or on a motorcycle and drive a couple thousand miles for a completely DIFFERENT cultural point of view, perspective on life, and exposure to a whole different group of "mutts". We're the mutts of the world just as truly as when Bill Murray said it in "Stripes". Our ancestors at some point ALL got literally thrown out of every self respecting country in Europe. Outside of Natives, we share that heritage... It's worth being proud of it. It's good to celebrate origins... take that pride... BUT remember, we're also proudly ALL of us Americans... mutts every damn one of us, and if not now, the generation will come.My paternal grandfather came over from Holland, but family in both Holland and Germany admit there was probably a German skipping borders before that... AND my maternal grandfather warned us kids that we were effectively Heinz57's... so never pick on someone maliciously because they're liable to be a damn cousin. Don't be a damn doormat either. AND I grew up in the mountains in East Tennessee... moonshine territory... For better or worse, that's home... at least, to me. ;o)
Here in California, the “stars” go to “in-n-out” burger after the awards shows..It’s amazing to see them scarf down those burgers, and French fries..in their fancy duds! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Love Grandma Debbie
His last point about family heritage is spot on. My family is german decent. It's mixed now and we claim mexican/American today but I felt so much pride about being german decended that I studied the language in school.
In the US, it's almost like having 50 countries that all agreed to work together and go by one name. So yeah, a lot of state pride, but we're all Americans first. Also, if you want the "real" US experience, explore beyond just the big cities. Check out some small towns, you won't regret it. Expect to gain about 45 lbs, too. lol
Its hardly ever called the United States of America.... that is just too much name. So that's why people just say the US or America and why we just get called Americans.
What most people don't understand even here in the US is that the US is a political country. You choose to be an American and their ideals. There isn't a genetic connection (except Native Americans of course). You can't say your ancestors have been here for a thousand years like you can in the UK or Europe. Every one of us came from some place else to be here. In my case I can track back to the 1600's when my German ancestors came over. I can also trace back to my Scottish roots as I am descendant of Robert Burns (Scottish National Poet). I can also trace back my French ancestors. I am an American Mutt. (German, Norwegian, Swedish, Scottish, English, French and Dutch) People want to find out where the families came from and why.
Earlier today, I watched a video about "old" English churches. When I think old, as an American, I think 1700s. Being near Atlanta, "old" is only after 1865 when Sherman burned the entire city. They mentioned the "new" part of the "old" church was built in the early 1400s! That's before Europeans were in America! (maybe). Question for the Brits, or just you - how upset are you that the US basically took your National Anthem and made it into an American song? Called "My Country Tis of Thee." Sometimes played before the American National Anthem at sporting events. BTW, on your trip to the US, it might be a learning experience to visit a shooting range. Not sure if they allow non-citizens to shoot, but maybe with your Passport. You can rent a gun, ammunition, ear & eye protection, and try it out on a range. Most places are happy to show a novice how to properly hold, aim, and secure a firearm, so you're not "on your own." Just remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterward, and don't make it on the last day. Gunpowder does stay on your hands and airport security will detect it.
I was born and raised in San Diego, down there hugging the border with Mexico. (Note: ...so I really know and totally appreciate good Mexican food.) I was educated and have spent my entire adult life in the San Francisco Bay Area. My children were born here, too - native Californians both. Like so many, maybe most of us, I'm a Californian first and an American second - a close second. That's just the way we are here. 🌻
To go to most gun ranges , ones that rent guns anyway, you don’t need a license per-say they usually take your drivers license to hold while you are there so you don’t try to walk out with the gun/s you rent to shoot lol But also as a first timer they will give you a quick safety demonstration and possibly a person to instruct you. I def suggest you do it , it’s sooo much fun
My craziest image was Scottland was from back in the 1990's. I had three friends from the UK that I met when they first got to the US. All were named Simon, one from Wales, one from Scottland and one from northern England (he ended renting a room for a year). The Welch Simon and I were BFFs. This really irritated, several of the English that were part of the group. By far, the Scottish Simon lived the unhealthiest. He was the best looking of all of us but drank to excess and would end up puking more that all the rest of us put together. He and his wife were married in the US. I was the only non-UK person to be a part of the bachelor party which lasted 4 days. Part of it was a BBQ at my BBF's apartment complex. It had a hot tub and my BFF and I were in it talking. The Scottish newlyweds did not hang out with each other, go figure. Scottish Simon was drunk and crashed. His soon to be wife came to the hot tub and set on my lap face to face. I was a bit horrified. That is one of my firsthand impressions of Scottish people. Very small sample group, but very interesting. One note, I believe that UK males back in the 1990's were more attached to their fancy single malt whiskeys than they were their significant others. They certainly treated them with more care. Just saying, no judgement!!!
I highly recommend that if you come to the US to explore, and you dont have all the time in tje world to do it, pick a region and plan your trip for that region. If you want to go to Vegas, fly into Vegas and plan your trip to within 100 or so miles of the airport. Explore in that radius. If you want to see New York, fly to New York. Everything on the East coast is very close together so you probably won't need to travel 100 miles to see insane amounts of stuff. If you want to see the Redwood Forest, fly into northern California and plan your trip around that region. You will NOT be able to see NYC, Disney, the Grand Canyon in one trip unless you're hopping on a flight every other day.
If you make the jump across the pond, make sure you check out the local convention centers. You'll almost always find a local convention with a: gun, boat, camping show. I can only speak for NC and Nevada, but no license needed to visit a range. If you tell the range staff that you're new to it, I'm sure they will take time to make sure you're doing it safely. Or you can just stop here. I shoot in my backyard.
When you come to Texas, you must hit the casinos on the border of Texas and Oklahoma! Winstar World Casino is the world's largest! It's a must see! As well as Choctaw casino an hour east of Winstar. Choctaw has a bowling alley and an arcade plus...a theater with really good movies playing
Americans ARE "American Mad" as you put it, but we also like to take the mick out of each other, comparing ourselves to each other & poke fun at the others, Lol. Anything from sports teams, accents, etc to the various, never ending stereotypes we perceive the other states to be/have. The states are like siblings, who poke fun at each other ...but at the end of the day, we are all for one & one for all!
We are big on state’s rights and there is a state identity that is strong. The beauty of our country is that all these different states come together under one nation in a blend of National traditions.
I've been watching your videos for a while now, I love seeing others perspective on America. My brother lives in Bury Saint Edmunds, England. It's always interesting to hear the differences. Since it seems like you have an affection for America, I think it'd be cool if you haven't already reacted to the Star spangled banner as you've never heard it before, you really should. I think you'd appreciate it. Much love from Texas ❤️
I am very proud of being multicultural. European and Puertorican. Born in PR with dual citizenship. My father was born in France but his ancestry is from all over Europe and my ancestry from Puerto Rico came from Spain and Corsica.
Jersey, Stand Up!!! Lol!!! He’s right!!! We love our country, but understand…. each state is has its own pride, celebrate each of our cultures and nationalities, have it’s own set of rules, and each lives differently (even with similar beliefs). Sometimes, we even talk a wee bit of sh!t on each other! Lol! But when we need to (like September 11th w/ New York and New Jersey), we love to help our friends and neighboring states when the situation is necessary. We even can call for help from California (all the way across the other side of the country), so he’s made a really great point there. If you do come into the country, you’re gonna need to hit each section of the country to know the difference of how we roll! Again, New York is different from New Jersey! New Jersey is different from Maryland, Virginia, and anywhere down “South” ( when we say that, it’s to mean all the states from Virginia all-the-way down to Florida and west to Louisiana), to Texans, to Mid-Westerners, to the Upper Central (cities like Chicago to Detroit to Denver), all the way to the west coast. Every state is different and has a different way and culture about itself. Just know, we like our identities! We Rock Different!
Just subscribed! Love your content brother! Yes we're proud Americans but since we are a younger country a lot of us are curious and look back at our heritage. I found long ago that my fathers family immigrated from Ireland and my Mothers grandparents came to America on a ship from Germany. So technically I am Irish/German/American lol. Dude, you would love it here, I think you'd have such a great time. Keep up the great content dude. Cheers from Ohio!
State identity is a big deal. I have lived in Pennsylvania for decades, but I'm still a New Yorker at heart. Laws, customs, geography, climate, all influenced by what state you live in, or are from.
We have many people in South Carolina (SC) with Scotts-Irish heritage, and they are very proud of their lineage, along with being proud Americans--and yes--we love our states too! A little related Scotts-Irish history: SC was one of the original 13 colonies pre-Revolutionary War. In the 1600s/1700s, the coastal city of Charleston, SC was the state capital and inhabited by early colonists from Britain. My family first came to SC from Britain way back when. Charleston SC was a happening place, booming with overseas trade, money flying everywhere, and inhabited by British elites, cultured people, and even pirates. Meanwhile at that same time, the top of SC (called "the Upstate" today) was known as "the Backwoods of South Carolina" because it was a heavily wooded, wild and unsettled region. But it was inhabited by Native Americans (Cherokee) as it had been for a long time, and outlaws because it was a great place to hide. By the 1740s, many of the Scotts-Irish people who had originally emigrated to Pennsylvania came down to the Backwoods of SC and began to settle the area along the rivers. These same people would be caught up in the Revolutionary War later as the British marched right through the Upstate, through the woods and along the Tyger River...and got their asses kicked after winning Charleston some time earlier. The Upstate of SC was a turning point in the Revolutionary War thanks to the topography of hills and woods, and those "wild" Scotts-Irish emigrants, now American colonists, fighting guerilla style, hiding behind trees, baiting British soldiers through woods to open fields to a surprise group of Patriots positioned on the high ground, and brave women and slaves who hid food, letters, and ammunition in tree stumps for Patriots. American colonists were still British subjects-- Patriots were colonists fighting against the Brits for freedom, and Loyalists were colonists fighting with the Brits against the Patriots. Some colonists still felt loyal to the crown and/or assumed we couldn't defeat the British. You know the rest of the story!
Ur enthusiasm was infectious on this vid... I Lol when u paused the vid ... explaining the wee bit ... iam quite sure most of a us americans knew what he was saying. 2 .the shooting range , u seem the type of dude ,that would respect and enjoy becoming a true marksman ...
I was trying to navigate the subway system, in New York, and this y🎉young lady was very sweet and said I'm going that way come on. And she got me to my station and told me which station to get off on. Very helpful!
Lots and lots of Germans in the US too. There is a map you can find that shows what ancestry is most common in each state and German is by far the most common.
Been watching every so often, finally had to subscribe. Love your reactions. 😁 When you're over here, and visit Las Vegas or Reno, Nevada, a tip: casino restaurants have *fantastic* food. Big casinos usually have several restaurants, for all budgets, and you don't need to be staying in their hotel or gambling to eat there. It's only the expensive restaurants you'd need a reservation for. Even the buffets are lavish. Stay in a cheap motel and save your money for gambling, stage shows and eating. And remember, the house *always* wins. They survive on people depending on luck or skill while gambling. If you happen to win big, that's the time to stop, walk away and cash in. Otherwise you could end up with only 25 cents and having to hitchhike to the airport...and being glad you didn't turn in your flight ticket for cash. (This lesson imparted by my late husband, only he didn't have a flight out. His car died. He had to hitchhike back to Oregon, leaving the car on the side of the road.) Heritage, new or old, is very important, yes. I don't call myself anything but American, because I'm so mixed up. My mother's maternal side has been here since the sometime in the 1600s. Started with a Welshman who was the black sheep of the family, so they kicked him off to America. By the time of my grandmother, that side had Welsh, Scots, Irish, Dutch, and a dash of Creole blood. The family name was still the original Welsh name, though. Mom's paternal side was started in America by her Swedish grandparents who emigrated to America in the mid-1800s. My dad was first-generation American. His father was Slovak, his mother was Czech. (Both countries were still under the rule of the Austro-hungarian Empire then, in late 1800s when they came over.) So I'd have to take a deep breath and say I was a quarter Czech, a quarter Slovak, a quarter Swede, amd a quarter Welsh-Scots-Irish-Dutch-Creole! Hell, no. I'm American. 😆
Proud to be a south carolina man... and an american... AND of my English roots and heritage... My family came here in 1767 and settled in VA.. it's weird but yea.. most all of my friends know where we came from
See that's what makes the USA so great. All of YOU. We value OUR history. Where our family comes from. Its all the traditions, values, food, and culture they brought with them from your country and melted together here. Like mine. In England, My last name is from 15 KM SW of London, Feltham. My family is made of English, Irish, and Germany. They migrated to Canada then to the US. We like knowing all this. Therefore, knowing you all and your ways and interacting with you is fun to us, getting in touch with the pass in a way.
My grandfather emigrated here from St. Rodenbury ? Orkney Isles, Scotland. And my Dad was born aboard the ship in the middle of Ocean. But we have charted our ancestry back to Viking raids
The funny thing is, you can have a culture shock as an American just traveling to a different part of the United States.
very true
That's a fact!
Definitely! And funny stories about that too. Some friends and I went on a cross country roadtrip from California To Pennsylvania, in Iowa we got food in a metal corn silo restaurant and one of our friends ordered a vegetarian lunch, by having thr meat and also the corn removed. Lol The waitress brought it out and it had corn. Unfortunately our friend was being a little rude and was like I asked for no corn. The waitress exclaimed It's all plants isn't it?? 🤣
@@joshjones6072 How do you order no corn in a corn silo? I mean, isn't that a given?!!
Haha! Yes. Thanks for a morning chuckle.
We are state-centric, but are very proud of the U.S.A. and being citizens of the country.
I mean, in theory any given state could operate autonomously if it really had to. Each has its own completely functioning government and manages its own economy, education, and social programs, and could raise state militias for defense if required to. It would be a really stupid idea, we're stronger working as a mesh network, but we could do it if we were forced to.
It's basically like the continent of Europe having many countries within... only I don't usually see Europeans being patriotic of Europe as a whole but more for their own individual home country
"MASSACHUSETTS! THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA !!!"
@@Ceeeje the spirit of what’s old and what’s new
@@SorcererLance parallels can definitely be made between states/USA and countries/EU. Our states are pretty autonomous, with the exceptions being the authority our Constitution placed in our federal government.
Personally, I'd love to see our states become more assertive and the federal government refocus on universal policies and governance so our states can focus on the day to day things that its residents need.
In America, The US, the United States, whatever you want to call it, you have like 4 levels of pride.
1. Your heritage/culture: If you/your ancestors came from elsewhere (which is LITERALLY everyone outside of Native Americans), it's cool to have pride in it and where you came from. Most have a neighborhood or area in town associated with your heritage like "Little Italy," or "the Barrio," or "China town," and you'd still celebrate your other national holidays with festivals and other events on a local level to you.
2. Your city: wherever you live or drop in, you have to rep your city. You can talk absolute s--t about it if it sucks, or brag if it's great, but you wear that city hat, get that bumper sticker, support the local sports team, locally and out of state.
3. Your State: No matter where you're from, your state is always the best (until you move). Just like with your city, you've got a rep the state t-shirt, maybe a flag on display if you super love it, you're ready to fight anyone in another state that says your state is trash (not literally, but you'll argue over it like it's the last bottle of water in the desert).
4. USA! USA! USA! Our flag is literally everywhere. I think people outside of the country think we are obsessed with pride, but its not like you go to work chanting USA. The flag thing just is a thing we grow up with. Patriotism elsewhere can be seen as very negative or associated with really bad groups, but here everyone from your local church, to school, to car dealership has flags. It's like is the sky blue, do you see a flag, yeah.
Very well said. I am an Irish/Italian Philadelphian from the beautiful Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the best damn country.... yup that sounds about right
Just to add to that: I am 4th generation italian and irish at my most recent immigrant ancestor and those two account for most of my geneology. However, my ancestral roots here date back to 1623, so it's not just people who knew their relatives who immigrated, we take pride in all of our heritage.
..."Native Americans" came from elsewhere as well.
@Mookaton I think they mean since since 1492ish...
A little editorializing: "1. Your heritage/culture: If
you/your ancestors came from elsewhere (which is LITERALLY everyone outside of Native Americans), it's cool to have pride in it and where you came from. Except for +90% of Black people in America. For them, the cool factor, sadly, is diminished because of a "peculiar institution"."
@@Mookaton if we go down that road no one has ever originally from anywhere. We were all nomadic if you go back far enough. Generally 500 years or so is enough to be considered "native".
I'm from the southern US and he's right - NY doesn't have the best reputation, but two amazing things happened there. One, my husband and I were looking for a particular restaurant somewhere around Lake Champlain and we couldn't find it. My husband turned around in the only driveway with a No Trespassing sign in it. The man who lived there was in his yard and came over to the car. When he found out what we were doing, he invited us to supper! On Long Island, just outside of NYC, my 4-year old son got sick. I didn't have a car, and had never taken a taxi. The hotel (Hampton Inn) called a taxi for me, and somehow he ended up being the one to pick us up from the doctor's office. He took us to a drugstore, cut the meter off and waited till I got the prescription filled before he started the meter again. The whole time we were there, the maids from every floor checked on us each day to see how my son was doing.
Not from NY but my sister-in-law is and she is one of the best things that has happened to our family.
And I love how when something like a hurricane hits a state, other states help out.
I found the NY comment funny. We are from the south where everyone will help you out and my daughter was traveling around Europe this summer for the first time and she still can't get over the British. Mom, they are even ruder then NY it was crazy, lol. I just had to explain to her that we all have different cultures and there are things we consider fine others also consider rude. ( not saying all NYs are rude hubby is from NJ, and we have plenty of friends who are NY transplants)
we have saint Patrick's day parade every year, and we all become Irish for a day.
We need to remember that Polite and Friendly are not the same. The British may be more polite, but the Americans tend to be more friendly. We all keep our heritage very close to us. My family was Irish and Italian and we took those Irish and Italian traditions seriously.
You’re absolutely right- Many people can be polite and yet unfriendly at the same time
“Curt” you might call it
I think southerners are pretty good at both, tbh 😂 We can’t go to a grocery store without friendly conversation with several strangers. At the same time, “bless your heart” is a well know way to politely insult someone lol
Here is a small bit of advice. When you travel to the US, don't just go to the big cities and tourist places. People everywhere, in every state, have great stories to tell. Most people love to meet those from other countries, and are very hospitable. I hope things come together for you and you get to make your journey. It will be unforgettable. I made it the UK and to Scotland about 5 years ago. For me, it was like coming home. I hope coming to the US feels the same for you.
I agree about not just seeing touristy places. I want to go see everyday life. Usually, life is completely different, even in different towns within one state.
The greatest thing about being an American to me is being able to be anything else at the same time. Whether your ancestors helped build the country’s foundation or died to make it free, or you’re 100% new to the country but believe in the freedom we stand for; regardless of whether you speak english or not, regardless of what you worship, regardless of anything at all, if you are here, you are American. I’m beyond blessed to have grown up surrounded by such diversity of culture that makes the US great.
Don't apologize for your outgoing personality. You have enthusiasm and charm, and it's one of the reasons why I watch your channel. There's a whole lot of reaction channels out there, but you make the topics more entertaining.
Lewis; don't lose your outgoing personality. But please don't be loud in restaurants. If people go to a nice restaurant for a meal and quiet conversation, having a table with loud yahoos next to them will annoy most Americans. Save it for sports bars.
A reason Americans have strong connections to the countries from which our families came, is that our grandparents, from the motherlands, would often remind remind us, "Remember, we're Irish/Polish/German/Latvian, etc..." They didn't want us to lose the connection they had with their culture and homeland. That's why it's common to hear Americans say, "I'm Irish/etc...", when they were born in the US. We're not claiming to be nationals from said countries, we are merely repeating what our grandparents drilled into our heads, so that we would not lose a connection they cherished so dearly. And I think the fact that I can Identify as ethnically Polish and Scottish, even though I was born in the US, is cool.
Agreed. My father's family has only been in the US since the 1860's. In Europe there are families who have lived in the same town for many hundreds of years. They have history and roots. It's fun to trace our ancestry and figure out the history of our family and how we got to where we are.
My father's family has been in the US for 3 generations before me. That's not really long enough to build a whole family history, so we learned how my great-grandfather came over from Yorkshire to work in a cotton mill. With that info, I can trace my family back many generations to find that they were all textile workers in Yorkshire. I know who they married and where they lived (I can 'walk' the streets they lived on, thanks to Google earth). I now feel like I have roots in both countries.
I am an American first, and then I am a Texan . We even have pride in our cities.
Weird 🧐
I'm Texan first then American.
@xtremefps_ To foreigners, we are Americans to other Americans, we are Texans.
Whataburger BLOWS AWAY In & Out Burger. ijs
Same here. I would identify as American first rather than my state, although I'm proud of my state.
@@SATXRealEstateDiva I haven't set foot in a Whataburger in forever. Not after seeing the burger flipper shove his spatula down the backside of his pants to give a good long scratch. Before that, we walked in for lunch and every head turned to glare at us. Seems illegals had taken over and didn't want outsiders.
The largest st Patty's day celebration is in America. There's more Irish here than in Ireland.
At Christmas time you can really see a lot of Americans still include Christmas traditions and foods from their ancestral home countries like Norway or Poland. And often celebrate the holidays of that country St.Patricks day is one big example.
As a Mexican American, we include tamales in our Christmas dinner. As for St. Patrick's Day Everyone who drinks celebrates that one.
And lots of us are happy to adopt the tamale tradition.
Many of us Americans are 1st 2nd or 3rd generation Americans so we tend to have connections with where are family came from. My father's family is Lebanese American, came over in the 50s and opened up a general store in wash DC. I recently did a genetic test and it's like a big chunk of my genetic makeup. Grew up on Lebanese food as well as American Creole (my mother's from New Orleans), so the food we eat, the way are family dynamics are, makes us who we are.
Exactly and my grandmother made traditional Slovakian dishes as well as American Creole. They also immigrated to New Orleans. It influences our melting pot culture and food. For instance my niece just got married in TX and the reception was TX BBQ, Jambalaya, Gumbo, and tons of Kolache 🤤
My husband family is Syrian / British. My ancestry is German, Irish and Norwegian. Proud to be a mixture of all those brave souls what got on a ship to America without money or speaking the language for the most part. Worked their rear ends off to achieve a good life . We're all proud of them but we're also proud to be Americans as a mix of cultures.
One of my good friends, her family is from Lebanon. They moved to America in '77. She was the 1st person in her immediate family that was born here. I ❤ eating at their house
Most Americans I think are passionate about their country first, but the state thing is a way to have a friendly rivalry with other states. Sports teams in particular are a way to prove your state is better than everyone elses. We are loud because we are a huge country and if you want people to hear you it's necessary to speak up. The gun thing is best to not mention in the US; we fight with each other quite enough. As soon as you talk and your accent is obvious most people will light up and have a ton of questions and offer all the help you can handle...or more than you can handle!
When explaining America to Europeans I tell them that Americans will argue over politics and religion. We'll get into fistfights over the best barbecue style.
@@matthill5426 Don't forget chili, even if Cincinatti gets it unanimously wrong. ;o)
Agreed about the guns. It's not necessarily an "American" thing. He visited states that have pretty strong gun cultures but plenty of places here do not. All police are well armed though, that's certainly true.
History teacher here. Loving the enthusiasm. The US didn’t develop a national identity strongly until after the civil war. Many citizens were more loyal to their states than to the federal institution. This obviously changed, but we have tons of pride in where we were born/raised. It would be similar to someone being born in South London, being super into south London football clubs, south London history, local culture of south London, different accents and vocabulary. Each state could be a country unto itself. West Virginians sound very different than Texans, just like Liverpool and Yorkshire are very distinct accents.
Many of us are your relatives from 1 branch over, from your great-great-great-great grandad. I’m a direct descendant of one of those religious extremists(puritans) that was kicked out way back in 1633, left Hingham UK and founded Hingham, Massachusetts. It’s why we speak a messed up version of your language, and the colors on our flag were also chosen because of the historical ties we had to England. We could be speaking French right now, had they beaten England in the 7 years war. Thanks to some English/Scot/Irish 5th great grandpappy, you all get to have a cool younger brother that happened to kick your ass that one time. ;)
I imagine my experience as an American with Irish heritage is just like it is for those with Scots, German, French, etc. heritage. I had been fascinated from a very young age with Ireland, and found out as a young adult that my maternal grandmother's line went all the way back to an Irish family who came over before the American Revolution. When I was able to finally go to Ireland, it felt like a piece of me had found HOME- that's how strong the pull of heritage is for thousands upon thousands of Americans, descendants of many countries.
Yeah I totally agree I’m Italian American and even just speaking to an Italian person felt like “home”
Im Irish/German Heritage
My family originally came from England. One of the first times I ever went there was a business trip, and my boss (knowing my background) asked if it felt foreign or strange. No, I told her, while I did not feel like it was my country, it felt completely natural and homey to be there. It felt like a long-lost relative I had never met before.
My family is from Germany and Norway, but both sides left their ties behind them when they immigrated. They left their countries because they wanted to start new in America and didn't keep any of the old world traditions or mementos. Although I'm not an indigenous person, I feel only American and not German or Norwegian. I'm not claiming one way or the other is "better" or anything, just to be clear! I'm just saying that some people in the USA don't have any particular feelings for wherever their ancestors came from.
@@johnalden5821 Mine came from England to settle Jamestowne. Over the next 40 years, more ancestors came from nearly every spot in England.
Neighborhood, County, State, Country that’s the order of pride 😊 No you don’t need a permit to go shoot, even kids go. Hearing a Scottish man say “y’all “ was epic!!
Not in Texas! It's Texas first, city next, then country. Neighborhood and county, not so much
@@nancybrewer8494 you live in Friday Night Lights state and you are not proud of your county?!?! I am shook 🤣
@@kari8187We aren't proud of our counties, but rather our ISDs which are essentially our towns I guess. I've never ever met anybody proud of their county.
@@JakeValentineStory what is an iSD? County pride is about home teams and stuff
Preach it
I'm 98% british/Scottish American very proud. I've wanted to go to England as a teenager not knowing my ancestry. I hope to come someday. If you ever get to Washington or Oregon, I'd love to show you around. ❤❤
oh that's cool! & thanks ill have that in mind for sure!!
We’re passionate about country when we need to come together and fight for our country but we go hard for our states and different cultures.
We are a concurrence of country proud, state proud and heritage proud. It’s nice to hear that visitors to the US feel welcomed when they come. I’m in Texas and we’ve never met a stranger. I help people in any way I can. I think I have it stamped on my forehead. 😂
How strong Americans hold on to their heritage, particularly European heritage is often related to how long ago one's ancestors immigrated to the US. In my case I am primarily a mix of Scottish, Irish and French heritage, but I don't strongly associate myself with it as my ancestors came to America in the late 1600's on my mother's side through early 1800's on my father's side. Sure if I ever go to Europe I would like to see the regions my great, great, great, great, great grand parents called home, but it would not be a driving factor on such a trip.
True.
On my part there was much confusion on where my family was from just 3 generations back. I know for a fact that my paternal grandfather's parents were both polish. I know that my maternal mothers mother was Czec/ Yugoslav. My maternal grandfather's parents or parents were Irish. So I know basic things. I've even seen the paperwork from Ellis Island for my paternal lineage from the early 1900's. That's the thing. I'm only a third-generation American on all sides, with the possible exception of my paternal mother's side. My mother's mother has so little interest in history, possibly due to traumatic upbringing, that she has no information. She knows her husband was Irish but that's about it. My father's mother, I think was so ingrained into her husband's family life that she just considered herself polish, although my research has told me she's probably 4th or 5th generation Dutch or English or both. But by the time I was old enough to think about asking these questions she was pretty senile. As for her Polish American husbands, they were all raised in a generation where you were in America. That meant you were going to speak English and ignore your past. I have come to the possibly incorrect conclusion that they may have been hiding some Jewish Heritage, and thus why they never talked about it. My great-grandfather came from a town called Nikolajew in 1916, and the only reference I can find to that town anywhere is that it was once a ghetto in Russia for a Jewish community. Now it's absolutely possible leather Roman Catholic was living in a Jewish Community. Lines that blur back then a little bit. But it is still questionable. All my grandparents other than my maternal grandmother that has no interest in history, are all long dead now. Because of WWII, so many records and buildings were destroyed during the wars that I can't smile any is back far enough. Not to mention I have no idea if I'm following it correctly. Put on my c-nile paternal grandmother's side, I have discovered that I may be partially from Sleepy Hollow New York which is cool.
On the other hand, my husband's father has traced his Scottish lineage back to the 1400s. So at least my son has something to go on
Well said. My family also has been here since the 16 and 1700's. My Grandfather, when asked, would always say We're American.
Exactly. Or...mostly. My family came from Norway about a hundred years ago, but they settled in a community of other Norwegian immigrants. Consequently, I am about 70% Norwegian based on a genetic test--more than you'd expect if one of my parents was the immigrant.
Yes, if you visit, you can just go to a range and shoot. You don’t need a license. Just need someone to lend or rent you a firearm.
Check the state laws where you go. Each State is different. We have different needs.
My mother is a UK mix... Scotish, Black Irish, English. My father was 1/2 Norweigen and 1/2 Native American. My husband is 1st gen Serbian American. Yes we all pretty much stay aware of where we came from. This is a country of immigrants, I'm sure immigrants in other countries are similar. But perhaps we hold on to it more strongly than others after several generations.
Hope you do make it over here soon. You're gonna love it.
One thing about In-N-Out, also Chic-fil-A, is when out of state Firefighters come to California to fight the many and massive wildfires, In-N-Out and Chic-fil-A gives vouchers, to them, for free food. Never advertised, let it be known, they just do it as a thank you.
I enjoyed this video & also watch Sean’s. As an American with mainly Scottish & some English ancestry I totally agree with him in that most Americans are connected to their ancestral origins & also wonder why they first emigrated to America.
I can’t wait for you to get your POBox by the way !👍
When you watch a lot of Irish youtube, you see that the Irish think it's cute that Americans are so into their Irish-ness, but they're like, "you do know you're not actually Irish, right?" lol. Italians are the same way. What they don't get is that everybody's ancestors came from somewhere else, then lived where it's the Scottish & Irish neighborhood, next to the Italian neighborhood, next to the Puerto Rican neighborhood, next to the Russian Jewish neighborhood, so everybody got used to other cultures, but got reinforced in their own for an identity. That's why it's a big deal here.
My father was a young man during the Great Depression and he loved hunting and fishing and kept his family and all his neighbors fed. My son is a great shot and loves going to the shooting range and the Rangers make sure everything and everyone is safe. And we absolutely are very interested in our genealogy. We are so grateful to our ancestors for going through the hardships and having the courage to come here.
We've had a British man stop, turn around and come back to us because we were trying to read a map in Leeds (England), looking for the Hard Rock Cafe. We were so greatful and blown away by his kindness! Another time I had a young man rush up the stairs past me, stop a few steps above me, turn around & ask if he could help me with my luggage (can't remember which train station it was in London). He was dressed in a pinstriped suit with a bowler hat on his head, so he had to be going into work. He saw me struggling, so he offered me his assistance. So, SO kind. I have many other stories about having lovely coversations with Brits on trains, planes, tourists attractions, etc. So, take heart that your fellow Brits are leaving very good impressions on many foreign tourists.
I can't speak to England, but I met some incredibly friendly people when I visited Scotland. The most notable example was when we missed the last bus out from Doune and didn't know how we were going to get back to Stirling in time to catch the train. By this time the bar crowd across the street was invested in our plight (we had ducked in for a pint while waiting), and when it became clear that we had misread the schedule and were stuck, a couple of guys started making some phone calls. 20 minutes later, some guy's cousin with a late shift in Stirling showed up to give us a lift there. It was a beautiful gesture, on par with any behavior in my home state (I live in Iowa, and we're particularly known for being extremely friendly). Maybe it's because we were tourists, but everyone in Scotland treated us so well and we felt so welcome.
Norway, Sweden and Denmark was very helpful and so friendly they got us into private excursions.
Lewis, you know how you didn’t understand Shaun when he said cities, that how we Americans feel when you say water. 😁
I was born and raised in New Jersey. I haven’t lived there since 2003, so 20 years and I pronounce it as wooder
more passionate about our State when we're talking to other American's but when it's other countries, of course we're more passionate about America ♥
💯 in the US I'm from TN or Nashville in Nashville I'm from my suburb outside of the US I'm American.
I have found that people in the United States are more passionate about the area they know, which usually is the state or city they live in. If they have traveled to or lived in an area other then where they currently live then that has exposed them to what that area has to offer then they may have some strong feelings about that area too. Looking forward to you getting the P.O. Box.
Shaun and Laurence both doing all the heavy lifting making it easy for UK react andy channels
Americans do take pride in their heritage and I'm glad this guy mentioned it because I think it gets overlooked a lot. My mom's side of the family is mostly all English, Irish and Finnish. We have family in Europe I've never met but other relatives have. It would be fascinating to go to Ireland or England to see where I've come from. My dad's side is from Poland and it would be just as great to visit there as well.
I’m a native Texan and very proud of it. Our states are so important to us.
I think the differences between the states that make up the US, is very much like if the different countries in Europe were states and made up one big country. They each have unique cultures, cuisine, ways of speaking, climate, sceanery etc.
I think there are generally far less pronounced cultural differences between the 50 US States than between the 50 countries of Europe.
But your point stands.
@@willcool713 See, I don't know about that. Europeans tend to think US states are more culturally similar than they are because they speak the same language. They disregard things like law, religion, and attitudes about the role of government in the lives of the people. The states aren't administering federal laws. They have their own--civil and criminal--and there is a wide variance from one state to another.
Take drugs and alcohol, for instance. In Oregon, cannabis is fully legal and psilocybin mushrooms are fully decriminalized. In neighboring Idaho, both cannabis and psilocybin are illegal. In some parts of Arkansas, you can't even buy alcohol, let alone cannabis or psilocybin. They're called Dry Counties, if you want to look them up. Don't forget to take those THC Gummies out of your glovebox before the roadtrip. You don't want an accidental felony when you cross state lines.
Your comment about being "weird" in the UK for normal reserved behavior, I can see what you mean. Because in watching your videos I sometimes forget you're British because you do often act very American in personality. I mean your vocabulary is very British and of course you're reacting and learning about American things so I don't truly forget your British. But you do have a much more American personality than probably all the other UK people on TH-cam I've watched.
I have noticed the portion sizes are getting smaller at restaurants in the US since with the current economic crisis, prices are up and portions are getting smaller.
Lewis really should try online recipes of all the dishes he drools over. There are spot on fast food recipes that will make 6 meals for what one costs at the drive thru.
I feel that sentiment with Heritage pride. My family came from Cuba, to at the same time to have been born in the US and have a better life than I were to have been born in Cuba! The US has its issues, but I couldn’t imagine having to deal with the awful struggles other countries have to deal with.
I can’t wait for you to be able to experience your American vacation! I’ll definitely be tuning in to watch 🇺🇸
Gun legality depends on the state. In some states they are all but outlawed without hard to get special permits, in other states you need to file paperwork and/or complete background checks. In some states you can carry, but they have to be exposed to sight (open carry), in some states you can carry them out of sight (concealed carry). In my state, Oklahoma, you can conceal carry and do not have to file any paperwork at all.
Btw, when you make it to a gun range film it and tell them how many viewers you have. Most likely they will pull out all the stops and let you shoot the good stuff.
Put your p.o.box info including any package size limitations in both metric ansd standard sizes in your YT disciption also please
It's funny you explained that he meant "small bit " by "wee bit" because Scottish accents are hard to do but we always use "wee bit" or "wee li'ile lad" in the impression 😂
he didnt even need to explain wee bit to me i feel like ive used it from time to time
@@shiichan32 yeah that's what I said
I am glad you finally discovered Shaun. He is a hoot and loves to travel around the US and eat.
In America we also say wee. Not everyday slang but it’s not uncommon to hear someone say “a wee bit”
I'm 100% Greek - Greek American. So yes on the topic of being proud of our heritage or roots. And it is probably confusing to think of each State being the same but different from each other. Keep in mind if you want to attend football games while here that they are seasonal, not year round. So plan your trip according to season. Speaking of seasons, I would not plan a trip here during winter. Probably mid September - early October would be best for weather and certain sports. Just a personal choice.
Not a drop off greek blood in me but my neighbors in my old neighborhood were and you will not take real authentic greek food away from me and we always have Ouzo in the liquor cabinet.
I guess we in the US, think that people from the UK are polite due to what is shown in the movies or tv. I've been to the UK and I found many people in England to be cold and rude ☹. People from Wales and Scotland were much more kinder and very helpful. 😸 Since I live in a city that has a lot of tourists, I try and help anyone who seems to be lost. From warning folks of the dangerous parts of city, to taking them to the place itself. I also tell them ways to find clean toilets or taxis (always go to a hotel), to good places to eat.
Exactly, perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the stereotype is that the English are polite in the sense of have "good manners", while others may not observe as many social niceties but are more disposed to be friendly and helpful, even if they don't have the polish associated with certain strata of English society.
I live in Indiana , we are known as The Hoosier state! ✌🏻- you can sign up for lessons on how to shoot a gun as well- I would suggest that before u start going to a range by yourself :)
I'm in TN and if you let the people working at the range know you've never shot a gun they will pull out everything for you and teach you anything you want to know.
I was raised around guns. My dad & grandpop hunted a lot, and I was taken to a range around the age of 4 (the targets were pictures of deer). All the men I knew were either in the military or police, so I was taught about guns at an early age. When I moved to Alabama as a young mother, a gun was a necessity. We had huge rattlesnakes, water moccasins (which will chase you down for the privilege of biting you), copperheads, alligators, and bobcats around our home. I went deer stalking a couple of times, though the only thing I shot at were beer cans left in the woods.
My daughter and I still go to a gun range for target practice.
If kids are taught to respect guns and their lethal potential, they’re less likely to abuse them later.
No need for a license to go to a gun range. But most areas will require you to watch a training and safety videos well as provide.
There are many gun ranges in the United States where you can go and rent a weapon to shoot and you don't need a special license. If you are not as they will quite often give you instructions before allowing you to shoot however.
He got selected to go as a cultural ambassador because there are only about a dozen people in Scotland that Americans can understand. (They originally picked Nessie but the shipping was too expensive.)
Hahahahahah! Was going to say to L3WG, "wee" is about as mild and understandable as Scottish English gets. When they get into the deep brogue, it's completely arcane to American ears, something like our deepest and thickest Appalachian mountain accents.
@@matthill5426 Backwoods Louisiana Cajun/creole...
@@matthill5426 This Texan with British ancestors all the way back says "a wee bit" a lot.
One thing I would love to see you react to. I know he's a comedian but Tim Wilson's southern accents and he actually does a really good job of explaining how many different southern accents there are and where you can expect the people to talk different at and how they talk
When you get that P.O box set up, you are going to be swamped with a ton of stuff lol
It's hard to describe to others how the various affinities function here in the U.S. Everyone's basic loyalty is to their family first, then country and/or religion. If you have a defined ethnic heritage (Irish, German, Korean, Chinese, African-American, Hispanic, etc.) that will be pretty high on the list but probably below the first three (or maybe not). Then, most people do identify with the state they live in and enjoy the unique foods or places that make the state cool. Then, also, people are active and loyal to their communities (towns, cities, counties). It sounds like a lot, but it all seems to fit kind of naturally. People often say Americans have no culture, but the reverse is true -- we have a ton of multi-layered cultures all interacting in the same geographic space.
I think part of the thing with the last point is that the vast majority of Americans will have immigrant ancestors recently enough to be able to trace at least a decent number of them within recorded history, and everyone tends to be a slightly different blend of origins so it makes for an interesting family history topic. I’d imagine that sort of conversation would often tend to be a lot more boring for people in the UK and Europe where you have a substantial portion of the population that were just from that same area for as far back as anything’s recorded.
So yes, we tend to identify strongly as Americans, but part of the typical American identity is also to have had ancestors decide to come to America from somewhere else. And that somewhere else gives a bit more of a personal touch to each person’s identity.
Shaun's channel is great. He vlogs about the cities he travels to. Recently watched his videos in Charleston, which I've never been to.
Dude. So I’m from KY (the northern tippy top of the state and about a few minutes from OH), and when I moved to Austin, TX, I was blown away by the TX state pride. Not just there but all the TX cities and towns I drove through. There were shapes of TX, stars, and Longhorns EVERYWHERE: emblazoned on interstate ramps, carved into architecture, on various objects in public places. It was nuts… but also infectious. I only spent a little over a year there, but still got a TX star to hang proudly, lol. Point is, Texas is EXTREMELY state proud. I may live in the US, but the states I’ve lived have nothing on them
People wonder why a lot of Americans don't travel very much outside of the US. Well... I think it's because we travel through the other states seeing what they have there! Lol. There are so many different cultures and things to see/learn in every single state....& I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that either! I think that maybe why a lot of people don't think too travel outside of the United States. True for some.. it's about financial means but I think for a lot of other people.... it's because we already have so much here to explore!
Canadians get a wee bit salty about the term "America."
Poor dopes. 🙂
When you come over, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to come to someone’s home for dinner. Americans, in general, love Brits. The offer for dinner is genuine and you’d make their day if you go. It’s one of the greatest ways to experience a country, through the people, not just sites.
If you want to go to the shooting range and not feel weird like he did, just watch a bunch of shooting range videos. They have indoor and outdoor ranges.
And Americans are totally into their heritage. Be prepared for tons of people telling you their grandfather or great grand far came from Wales or Scotland or where ever. I think that the 80’s contributed to Americans love of all things British. First, the music, I mean come on! The 60’s - the 80’s were dominated by British. Then there was Princess Diana, we loved her near as much as ya’ll did. Plus there was Margaret Thatcher, I remember thinking that’s pretty much like having a female president here. I remember being impressed you guys did it first.
We’re so into our heritage, a very large number of Americans have sent of DNA tests that are supposed to break down where you’re from. You can look at the results online and it will show you people you’re related to based on your DNA. It’s ended more than one marriage.
17:30 The name of the country is United States of America.When the country was first founded, there was a lot of of debate as to whether the individual states or the central government should have more power. So to say each state is kinda like its own country is exactly the point. The idea at first was to basically have each state be its own country, but be allied under the United States of America.
You definitely see that state pride in Texas, probably more than any other state, I'd say. Just driving around in Texas, you will see the Texas flag flying high all over the place, tons of businesses named "Texas (insert business type here)" or some variation thereof, and lots of folks wearing something related to Texas. Texans are proud to be Texan, for sure. But don't think that we are not also VERY proud to be Americans, as well.
Though a lot of us are thinking it may be time to leave the union.
In my experience almost everyone in the U.S.A seems to have at least 1 state that they dislike.. and are often very vocal about that dislike. That kinda contributes to the state first feeling.
We have a large German group of folks here also, and celebrate Octoberfest 🍺 🍻 every year too. We have many cultures in the US. 😊
So glad you're reacting to Sean's videos 😊, I forgot about these early ones😂. You always do great videos!
Great video! I like seeing/hearing other people's perspectives on America and Americans. My heritage is an interesting but not unique blend. I am mostly French, but I am also Scottish (Clan MacLaren) and Native American (Iroquois possible Mohawk tribe). Growing up, my family focused on our French ancestry and nearly all of my mother's family speak French. I never learned anything about my Scottish and Iroquois heritages. I think we all focus on learning about our ancestry because the US doesn't have a lengthy history like European countries. For me, I am intrigued by my blend of ancestors. I want to know as much as I can about the world they came from. It's way more interesting than my boring life.
Not all states have a strong statewide identity. Pennsylvania, for instance, has three identities Philadelphian, Pittsburgher, or Pennsatuckian (the rural middle of the state) and none of the three are totally okay with being confused with the other. Being born in the state and lived all but about a decade residing here, and I haven't observed a strong statewide pride and identity, it's much more regional than that. Pittsburgh and Philly have a pretty big rivalry. I spent my other decade residing in NYC, and it's my experience that New Yorkers are loud and in a hurry, but actually very kind and helpful. I once saw a tour bus sideswipe and damage a parked car and about half a dozen people stopped and got together to get the bus company information, leave their contact info as witnesses, etc. And we then left a note for the owner to collect it all the nearest business. There's a very strong sense of fairness and justice in New Yorkers in that way that is endearing and almost funny at times when a bunch of angry seeming people get on the same page to be nice. I think it's also funny that New Yorkers say please and thank you all the time. They just might yell it at you. "CAN YOU PLEASE MOVE ASIDE?" "THANK YOU!" lol.
PA is more town, then city, then region. Cause no one wants to be Philly!
In the more tourist-y cities, like Orlando, Florida, for example, there are some gun ranges that are specifically set up to cater to foreign tourists, where you can shoot fully automatic weapons and all kinds of stuff.
6:30 Yeah, we're passionate about the state we live in mainly because different states have different laws. For example, New Hampshire is considered the most "free" state of them all. At least according to my brother, who wants to move there. But I was born in New Mexico, grew up in Michigan, spent 15 years down in Kentucky, and found my way back up here to Michigan. Now I'm in the construction trade.
One of the big misconceptions about America is over our individual state pride…I’m a Texan and I’ll probably let you know if the conversation lasts very long at all. lol
BUT, make no mistake about it, when it comes to the world stage…I’m an American and will stand up for New York, Colorado or any one of the other 47 States as quickly as my own beloved Texas! We bicker among ourselves constantly…College football being a favorite, also BB-Q is another…lol
When I visited NYC most people we encountered were rude. We did meet about 2 nice people but not overly nice. I’ve not really thought about it before but I do love the state I grew up in. I’ve lived in NC for the last 15+ years and I still prefer GA. Every state and the people in that state are very different so it makes sense we would prefer our own state.
Well I'm from a major city -- 1 million people, 10th largest (San Jose, aka "silicon valley") -- and I can tell you it's a simple matter of, everybody here has "places to go, things to see, and people to do".
We will help people out if needed. But we don't greet everyone who passes by....I mean, think about that: thousands of people are going to pass by every five minutes, right. Try to find someone who's not walking around, hopefully they won't be too busy. 🙂
I think there's a point at which you've just found "home" whatever constitutes it and whatever you think of it. That city/state/country and all are part of your identity at that point. I hold nothing against city-folks, even though the majority of my life, including my formative years were quite literally spent out in the Sticks... I went to a city school for the higher tuition... joined the Navy and bootcamp was the Great Mistakes Naval Training Center... so just a skip and jump outside of Chicago, a respectable sized city.
I'm sure my blunt as a bowling ball manners and openness bordered on an insane naive impression to many of them. They were quieter, more reserved, and less likely to randomly burst out in an obscenity laden rant. They're not exactly rude or crude, not in the sense country folks kind of seem... BUT they have their rougher points, too.
AND culture comes from routines that satisfy problems kind of by rote. Desert cultures are going to be full of long flowing clothes and protection from the sun, while jungles and forests are usually more about seeing skin or at least forgiving of it... Cuisine is about what CAN be available around the year, and how to keep it as long as possible in as good a condition as feasible. When you're nestled into a city, it pays dividends to "keep up appearances" but that doesn't mean diddly out in the woods where nobody is around to give a sh*t if you strut around naked or take baths in your front yard...
AND the notions of a Homeowners' Association harassing someone via the Police or court is just insanity out here, BUT in suburbia, it's business like about normal, even a praiseworthy operation to get involved with in the right context.
It IS a huge country, and we as citizens of it are REALLY remarkably lucky and privileged to have the options to hop in the car or on a motorcycle and drive a couple thousand miles for a completely DIFFERENT cultural point of view, perspective on life, and exposure to a whole different group of "mutts". We're the mutts of the world just as truly as when Bill Murray said it in "Stripes". Our ancestors at some point ALL got literally thrown out of every self respecting country in Europe. Outside of Natives, we share that heritage... It's worth being proud of it. It's good to celebrate origins... take that pride... BUT remember, we're also proudly ALL of us Americans... mutts every damn one of us, and if not now, the generation will come.My paternal grandfather came over from Holland, but family in both Holland and Germany admit there was probably a German skipping borders before that... AND my maternal grandfather warned us kids that we were effectively Heinz57's... so never pick on someone maliciously because they're liable to be a damn cousin.
Don't be a damn doormat either.
AND I grew up in the mountains in East Tennessee... moonshine territory... For better or worse, that's home... at least, to me. ;o)
Here in California, the “stars” go to “in-n-out” burger after the awards shows..It’s amazing to see them scarf down those burgers, and French fries..in their fancy duds! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Love Grandma Debbie
His last point about family heritage is spot on. My family is german decent. It's mixed now and we claim mexican/American today but I felt so much pride about being german decended that I studied the language in school.
In the US, it's almost like having 50 countries that all agreed to work together and go by one name. So yeah, a lot of state pride, but we're all Americans first. Also, if you want the "real" US experience, explore beyond just the big cities. Check out some small towns, you won't regret it. Expect to gain about 45 lbs, too. lol
We aren't all American first.
Its hardly ever called the United States of America.... that is just too much name. So that's why people just say the US or America and why we just get called Americans.
What most people don't understand even here in the US is that the US is a political country. You choose to be an American and their ideals. There isn't a genetic connection (except Native Americans of course). You can't say your ancestors have been here for a thousand years like you can in the UK or Europe. Every one of us came from some place else to be here. In my case I can track back to the 1600's when my German ancestors came over. I can also trace back to my Scottish roots as I am descendant of Robert Burns (Scottish National Poet). I can also trace back my French ancestors. I am an American Mutt. (German, Norwegian, Swedish, Scottish, English, French and Dutch) People want to find out where the families came from and why.
Earlier today, I watched a video about "old" English churches. When I think old, as an American, I think 1700s. Being near Atlanta, "old" is only after 1865 when Sherman burned the entire city. They mentioned the "new" part of the "old" church was built in the early 1400s! That's before Europeans were in America! (maybe). Question for the Brits, or just you - how upset are you that the US basically took your National Anthem and made it into an American song? Called "My Country Tis of Thee." Sometimes played before the American National Anthem at sporting events.
BTW, on your trip to the US, it might be a learning experience to visit a shooting range. Not sure if they allow non-citizens to shoot, but maybe with your Passport. You can rent a gun, ammunition, ear & eye protection, and try it out on a range. Most places are happy to show a novice how to properly hold, aim, and secure a firearm, so you're not "on your own." Just remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterward, and don't make it on the last day. Gunpowder does stay on your hands and airport security will detect it.
I was born and raised in San Diego, down there hugging the border with Mexico.
(Note: ...so I really know and totally appreciate good Mexican food.)
I was educated and have spent my entire adult life in the San Francisco Bay Area.
My children were born here, too - native Californians both.
Like so many, maybe most of us, I'm a Californian first and an American second - a close second.
That's just the way we are here.
🌻
To go to most gun ranges , ones that rent guns anyway, you don’t need a license per-say they usually take your drivers license to hold while you are there so you don’t try to walk out with the gun/s you rent to shoot lol
But also as a first timer they will give you a quick safety demonstration and possibly a person to instruct you. I def suggest you do it , it’s sooo much fun
Born & raised in Arizona USA. Am always drawn back to the desert. Love it.
My craziest image was Scottland was from back in the 1990's. I had three friends from the UK that I met when they first got to the US. All were named Simon, one from Wales, one from Scottland and one from northern England (he ended renting a room for a year). The Welch Simon and I were BFFs. This really irritated, several of the English that were part of the group.
By far, the Scottish Simon lived the unhealthiest. He was the best looking of all of us but drank to excess and would end up puking more that all the rest of us put together. He and his wife were married in the US. I was the only non-UK person to be a part of the bachelor party which lasted 4 days. Part of it was a BBQ at my BBF's apartment complex. It had a hot tub and my BFF and I were in it talking. The Scottish newlyweds did not hang out with each other, go figure. Scottish Simon was drunk and crashed. His soon to be wife came to the hot tub and set on my lap face to face. I was a bit horrified. That is one of my firsthand impressions of Scottish people. Very small sample group, but very interesting.
One note, I believe that UK males back in the 1990's were more attached to their fancy single malt whiskeys than they were their significant others. They certainly treated them with more care. Just saying, no judgement!!!
I highly recommend that if you come to the US to explore, and you dont have all the time in tje world to do it, pick a region and plan your trip for that region. If you want to go to Vegas, fly into Vegas and plan your trip to within 100 or so miles of the airport. Explore in that radius. If you want to see New York, fly to New York. Everything on the East coast is very close together so you probably won't need to travel 100 miles to see insane amounts of stuff. If you want to see the Redwood Forest, fly into northern California and plan your trip around that region. You will NOT be able to see NYC, Disney, the Grand Canyon in one trip unless you're hopping on a flight every other day.
If you make the jump across the pond, make sure you check out the local convention centers. You'll almost always find a local convention with a: gun, boat, camping show.
I can only speak for NC and Nevada, but no license needed to visit a range. If you tell the range staff that you're new to it, I'm sure they will take time to make sure you're doing it safely. Or you can just stop here. I shoot in my backyard.
When you come to Texas, you must hit the casinos on the border of Texas and Oklahoma! Winstar World Casino is the world's largest! It's a must see! As well as Choctaw casino an hour east of Winstar. Choctaw has a bowling alley and an arcade plus...a theater with really good movies playing
Americans ARE "American Mad" as you put it, but we also like to take the mick out of each other, comparing ourselves to each other & poke fun at the others, Lol.
Anything from sports teams, accents, etc to the various, never ending stereotypes we perceive the other states to be/have. The states are like siblings, who poke fun at each other ...but at the end of the day, we are all for one & one for all!
We are big on state’s rights and there is a state identity that is strong. The beauty of our country is that all these different states come together under one nation in a blend of National traditions.
I've been watching your videos for a while now, I love seeing others perspective on America. My brother lives in Bury Saint Edmunds, England. It's always interesting to hear the differences. Since it seems like you have an affection for America, I think it'd be cool if you haven't already reacted to the Star spangled banner as you've never heard it before, you really should. I think you'd appreciate it. Much love from Texas ❤️
I am very proud of being multicultural. European and Puertorican. Born in PR with dual citizenship. My father was born in France but his ancestry is from all over Europe and my ancestry from Puerto Rico came from Spain and Corsica.
Jersey, Stand Up!!! Lol!!! He’s right!!! We love our country, but understand…. each state is has its own pride, celebrate each of our cultures and nationalities, have it’s own set of rules, and each lives differently (even with similar beliefs). Sometimes, we even talk a wee bit of sh!t on each other! Lol! But when we need to (like September 11th w/ New York and New Jersey), we love to help our friends and neighboring states when the situation is necessary. We even can call for help from California (all the way across the other side of the country), so he’s made a really great point there. If you do come into the country, you’re gonna need to hit each section of the country to know the difference of how we roll!
Again, New York is different from New Jersey! New Jersey is different from Maryland, Virginia, and anywhere down “South” ( when we say that, it’s to mean all the states from Virginia all-the-way down to Florida and west to Louisiana), to Texans, to Mid-Westerners, to the Upper Central (cities like Chicago to Detroit to Denver), all the way to the west coast. Every state is different and has a different way and culture about itself. Just know, we like our identities! We Rock Different!
Just subscribed! Love your content brother! Yes we're proud Americans but since we are a younger country a lot of us are curious and look back at our heritage. I found long ago that my fathers family immigrated from Ireland and my Mothers grandparents came to America on a ship from Germany. So technically I am Irish/German/American lol. Dude, you would love it here, I think you'd have such a great time. Keep up the great content dude. Cheers from Ohio!
State identity is a big deal. I have lived in Pennsylvania for decades, but I'm still a New Yorker at heart. Laws, customs, geography, climate, all influenced by what state you live in, or are from.
33k growing fast.
We have many people in South Carolina (SC) with Scotts-Irish heritage, and they are very proud of their lineage, along with being proud Americans--and yes--we love our states too!
A little related Scotts-Irish history: SC was one of the original 13 colonies pre-Revolutionary War. In the 1600s/1700s, the coastal city of Charleston, SC was the state capital and inhabited by early colonists from Britain. My family first came to SC from Britain way back when. Charleston SC was a happening place, booming with overseas trade, money flying everywhere, and inhabited by British elites, cultured people, and even pirates.
Meanwhile at that same time, the top of SC (called "the Upstate" today) was known as "the Backwoods of South Carolina" because it was a heavily wooded, wild and unsettled region. But it was inhabited by Native Americans (Cherokee) as it had been for a long time, and outlaws because it was a great place to hide.
By the 1740s, many of the Scotts-Irish people who had originally emigrated to Pennsylvania came down to the Backwoods of SC and began to settle the area along the rivers. These same people would be caught up in the Revolutionary War later as the British marched right through the Upstate, through the woods and along the Tyger River...and got their asses kicked after winning Charleston some time earlier.
The Upstate of SC was a turning point in the Revolutionary War thanks to the topography of hills and woods, and those "wild" Scotts-Irish emigrants, now American colonists, fighting guerilla style, hiding behind trees, baiting British soldiers through woods to open fields to a surprise group of Patriots positioned on the high ground, and brave women and slaves who hid food, letters, and ammunition in tree stumps for Patriots. American colonists were still British subjects-- Patriots were colonists fighting against the Brits for freedom, and Loyalists were colonists fighting with the Brits against the Patriots. Some colonists still felt loyal to the crown and/or assumed we couldn't defeat the British. You know the rest of the story!
Ur enthusiasm was infectious on this vid... I Lol when u paused the vid ... explaining the wee bit ... iam quite sure most of a us americans knew what he was saying. 2 .the shooting range , u seem the type of dude ,that would respect and enjoy becoming a true marksman ...
I was trying to navigate the subway system, in New York, and this y🎉young lady was very sweet and said I'm going that way come on. And she got me to my station and told me which station to get off on. Very helpful!
Lots and lots of Germans in the US too. There is a map you can find that shows what ancestry is most common in each state and German is by far the most common.
Been watching every so often, finally had to subscribe. Love your reactions. 😁 When you're over here, and visit Las Vegas or Reno, Nevada, a tip: casino restaurants have *fantastic* food. Big casinos usually have several restaurants, for all budgets, and you don't need to be staying in their hotel or gambling to eat there. It's only the expensive restaurants you'd need a reservation for. Even the buffets are lavish. Stay in a cheap motel and save your money for gambling, stage shows and eating. And remember, the house *always* wins. They survive on people depending on luck or skill while gambling. If you happen to win big, that's the time to stop, walk away and cash in. Otherwise you could end up with only 25 cents and having to hitchhike to the airport...and being glad you didn't turn in your flight ticket for cash. (This lesson imparted by my late husband, only he didn't have a flight out. His car died. He had to hitchhike back to Oregon, leaving the car on the side of the road.)
Heritage, new or old, is very important, yes. I don't call myself anything but American, because I'm so mixed up. My mother's maternal side has been here since the sometime in the 1600s. Started with a Welshman who was the black sheep of the family, so they kicked him off to America. By the time of my grandmother, that side had Welsh, Scots, Irish, Dutch, and a dash of Creole blood. The family name was still the original Welsh name, though. Mom's paternal side was started in America by her Swedish grandparents who emigrated to America in the mid-1800s. My dad was first-generation American. His father was Slovak, his mother was Czech. (Both countries were still under the rule of the Austro-hungarian Empire then, in late 1800s when they came over.) So I'd have to take a deep breath and say I was a quarter Czech, a quarter Slovak, a quarter Swede, amd a quarter Welsh-Scots-Irish-Dutch-Creole! Hell, no. I'm American. 😆
YES, Detroit - representing!!!! Love it!!!
Proud to be a south carolina man... and an american... AND of my English roots and heritage... My family came here in 1767 and settled in VA.. it's weird but yea.. most all of my friends know where we came from
See that's what makes the USA so great. All of YOU. We value OUR history. Where our family comes from. Its all the traditions, values, food, and culture they brought with them from your country and melted together here. Like mine. In England, My last name is from 15 KM SW of London, Feltham. My family is made of English, Irish, and Germany. They migrated to Canada then to the US. We like knowing all this. Therefore, knowing you all and your ways and interacting with you is fun to us, getting in touch with the pass in a way.
My grandfather emigrated here from St. Rodenbury ? Orkney Isles, Scotland. And my Dad was born aboard the ship in the middle of Ocean. But we have charted our ancestry back to Viking raids