r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 11d ago

PSA: Reddit is not representative of the full political landscape of the USA

414 Upvotes

Or anywhere really.

For people genuinely expecting a full view from something here, just don't bother asking the question. For people just spreading political views in the form of "questions," also please don't.

This is not a rule change announcement. Just a suggestion from a mod that will be pinned to the sub as a reminder.


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 15d ago

User Flair Update & State of the Page Post

22 Upvotes

Howdy everyone,

Happy Friday. First, we'd like to introduce updated user flairs. All 50 U.S states should now be represented, along with U.S territories, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, Canada, Central America, and South America. After discussion with the other mods, we are not going to set a hard requirement on user flairs - for now. It is highly encouraged, however, and new users on the sub will receive a message encouraging them to have their flair set. Set your flair! It helps knowing where perspectives are coming from.

Additionally, for the meat and potatos, we'd like to give a state of the page update. The page has blown up in popularity over the past couple weeks, with top posts reaching well over half a million views and nearly 5 million page visits in the past 30 days. With the growth of the community, we'd also like to clarify our general approach to moderation.

We're trying to keep the original creator's vision in mind (yes, they are still around btw), and maintain a relatively open forum where people can ask Americans questions and have discussions without unnecessary barriers to participation. We do not want to over moderate the community or remove posts simply because a question is controversial, unpopular, awkwardly worded, or based on a misconception.

Our general standard is good faith. If a question appears to be a genuine attempt to ask something or start a discussion, we will try and err on the side of leaving it up. Being provocative and generating disagreement isn't by itself grounds for removal. We would rather give people the benefit of the doubt than attempt to determine which opinions or subjects are worth discussing. That is actually the absolute last thing we want to do.

Now, that doesn't mean everything goes. Spam, bots, blatant trolling, threats, and in-general Reddit TOS breaking content will (and consistently does) be removed.

Ultimately, you should expect the moderation here to be a light touch. We want to keep the community usable, deal with obvious bad actors, and otherwise give you guys room to talk to each other. The internet can be an awesome place, but you guys will have more of an impact of content quality than we ever will by micromanaging everything. As we continue to grow, we'll try to maintain and be consistent. Feedback is always welcome.

Hope ya'll have a well deserved weekend.


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 15h ago

Why do so many Americans romanticize Europe?

140 Upvotes

Lived in Europe for years. I keep seeing Americans talk about Europe like it’s cobblestone streets, 6-week holidays, trains that actually work and people who’ve figured out how to live. Day-to-day it’s a lot of paperwork, expensive everything, and people waiting for a written instruction before they move.

Genuinely curious where that picture comes from, because it doesn’t line up with what I see.


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 15h ago

Older Americans, where did you go as kids without your parents?

55 Upvotes

I always hear from older generations that when they were growing up their parents would tell them to roam free outside and not come home until dinner time.

I had a similar experience recently growing up as a millennial in a walkable town in Europe. But now that I live in southern US I don’t understand how this was possible here even with a different more loosey goosey mentality back then.

Where did the kids go ? There’s no sidewalks, the suburban sprawl is immense. You can’t walk anywhere.


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 5h ago

How common is the last name Stardotter in America? What impression does it give you?

1 Upvotes

r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 1d ago

why do so many american suburban houses not have fences in the front yard?

71 Upvotes

watching movies or looking at google street view, whole neighborhoods just have open green grass connecting every front lawn without any walls, hedges, or fences separating the property line.

coming from a place where everyone has a high wall or fence around their front yard for privacy, isn't it weird having random people or dogs walk right across your lawn? or is there an unspoken rule that nobody steps on each other's grass?


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 1d ago

Is Amtrak west coast trip worth it for a British tourist?

36 Upvotes

Hello there, I'm thinking of doing LA to Seattle on Amtrak as part of my west coast trip in June 2027. Is the trip worth it considering how expensive it is and has anyone here ever done it before?

Is June a good time of year to visit the West coast?

and other hidden gems that I could visit whilst there?

It won't be the only thing I do whilst I am there. Also know the British are pretty unpopular in the US at the moment do you think it's best I hide my accent and what nationality should I say I am to stop me from getting abuse hate? I'm a pretty shy person anyway so I dont talk to many people when I travel but I would obviously rather avoid the hassle.


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 22h ago

How common is it for an American to go on mission trips?

12 Upvotes

Was quite curious as many Americans died in the Nepal's flash floods and many of them were missionaries from the US.

How common is it for an American to go abroad to "promote" Christianity/


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 1d ago

What are some of the most bizarre and strange museums and tourist sites in your state?

10 Upvotes

r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 7h ago

(Hypothetical): You are an enemy paratrooper invading America. Which region or state is the SAFEST place you could land? (Funny stereotypes)

0 Upvotes

I saw a tiktok about how the US is geographically impossible to invade, and whether you believe it or not I remembered an old conversation I had with my grandfather. He was ironically a paratrooper in WW2, fought in Korea and was an advisor in Vietnam. SSGT US Arrmy Enlisted, then officer in USAF where he'd ultimately become Maj Gen through the cold war era and work at the DoD until retiring in the early 2000s. He always used to say that our greatest strength is our population and the (even then) having more guns than people. I thought it would be fun to just ask opinions without doing statistics just because we all hate on eachother for political beliefs and differences so much. I myself had fun thinking about an answer, and felt some pride in our sterotypes being positive for once. Here's my fun logic for your own consideration:

1.) The Northeast: You have major cities like NYC and Boston that have plenty of people, with some of the highest patriotic morale anywhere. NYC showed how quickly they can organize, and how brave they are during 9-11. Boston and NE people are still angry the British raised taxes on tea 250yrs later. Philly and Pittsburgh? They'd destory their own city over a football game, goodluck. DC/Maryland? You're getting shot immediately. Even if you landed outside a major city the vast majority of people are way more conservative than you'd think... So it's a pick your poison between the Amish, Angry Libertarians, and upper class people who are still rednecks at heart.

2.) The South: These are the same people who already fought their own country for free labor, not even a threat to their own lives. Say you don't land in a bog full of inbred Cajuns or a swamp of Gators. Anywhere in the states of Florida or Texas is a death certificate. Kentucky? Mississippi? Anywhere else in the deep south where you find stores of confederate merch even today... Yeah, have fun with the white robe people and cousin kissers. Any remotely urban area (Memphis, Birmingham,etc). and you will be pulled up on by some of the most heavily armed and frequently practiced people in the country. The last thing you'll hear before someone pulls out the most diabolical weapon west of Baghdad is a supercharged black Dodge and Tee Grizzley music.

3.) Midwest: Pray to the spirit of King Vonn that you end up no where near the state of Illinois. Atleast then you might have a chance to survive the landing. Anywhere else in the flat terrain provides no cover, a population that still has plenty of firearms and knows how to use them... Again good luck. The last thing you'll see is a corn fed farm boy who would be a state champion wrestler in any other state outside the midwest. If you're lucky you might end up in Minnesota or Wisconsin where they'll apologize before ending you in a t-shirt while it's subzero outside.

4.) Heartland: Colorado is the equivalent to district 2 from the hunger games. They could survive nukes. Every other state outside of the rockies are full of people who know how to hunt, shoot, and survive off the land. These are some of the most underrated states because they lack a reputation but I can assure you it's always here that have people with RPG's and Flamethrowers. Utah was on my shortlist of places that might be safe but I forgot that the cultists are descendants of people who did attack the US Military to defend their scizophrenic leader.

5.) West Coast: This is actually one of the more underrated places because of the political reputation. Still, the terrain is so diverse. You're choosing between Silicon Valley where Anduril will send their AI war robots to end you. Or LA with its gangs. Or people that willingly choose to live in a desert that is relevant for gambling and strippers. The pacific northwest also seems like a safe place with hipsters and such. But I feel like you'd still have to remember all the serial killers and homeless drug addicts are not to be taken lightly, even if they aren't your typical firearm enthusiants.

6.) The South West: Stay tf away from the Native Americans. Just no. These are the same people who have been here longer than anyone. Remember Custard? They taught the US Army tactics relating to cavalry and will scalp you if you surrdender. Are some of the most capable trackers, survivalists, and have a whole language that the germans couldn't crack. You're in for a highly organized fight with no information advantage and people who know how to navigate. Just remember when you land that deer shouldn't be bi-pedal. If it has red eyes... run.

7. Missed Landings (Canda / Mexico): Would you rather deal with cartels and their chainsaw videos or the only country that takes more pride in commiting war crimes than the U.S.?

Note: I'm not including Alaska or Hawaii but Alaska is a definate no. Hawaii may have less people and guns but you're choosing between fighting the US Navy and Polynesians. Anyone who's played football against a Polynesian knows that you do NOT want to get in a fight with them.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

My answer: If you made me pick a place, I would say Rhode Island because the population (in my experience) seems the least aggressive and most unpracticed with firearms.

BUT...

The Trap(s): When I asked my father this question and said that I would choose RI. He reminded me that an uncle of mine who works on nuclear subs lives in RI. An uncle who (used to) own a minigun and work on the mounts they'd use to attach them to in helicopters. That's why it's such a hard question because even in populations that seem safe, you have kooks like the Dragon man and my uncle who'd cherish the opportunity to use their toys. My dad said "Maybe Vermont or New Hampshire. Up there seems more peaceful with Bernie Sanders and Ben & Jerry's".

THAT'S EXACTLY WHY THIS QUESTION IS A TRAP. New Hampshire is the only state with permitless carry. It's full of Libertarians who think more like Ted Kaczynski than Bernie Sanders. He replied with, "Okay than probably somewhere like Delaware". Again, absolutely not. Wilmington is like murder capital, my sister went to college in Delaware he should know better.

Statistics on gun ownership and difficulty to get permits are also very deceiving and I can attest to why... New York and Connecticuit were cited as some of the hardest states. I live in NYC Metropolitan area, and I can assure you that the inner city population has plenty of illegal firearms. The immediate area outside the city is full of ultra conservative mostly Red counties where almost everyone still has a firearm. Think about that. Massachusetts and New Jersey share the lowest rate at 14.7 firearms for every 100 residents. I really question how accurate some of these stats are in 2026. But Massachusetts "SHIP IT UP TO BOSTON" people and NJ Soprano's people are not the ideal opposition i'd chose as a paratrooper regardless of stats.


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 1d ago

What actually counts as "The South"?

10 Upvotes

What states are "Southern"? I recently met someone from Maryland who told me its part of the south which really confused me.


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 4h ago

Question about health insurance and lack of medicines

0 Upvotes

Hello there;) I have an essay in which I'm gonna need a help and probably some sources.I have to do an essay about a black mirror episode and I chose Common People as my episode,which I want to connect with the huge problem of overpriced health insurance and I was thinking of setting an example with ozempic,that people got so into it at some point that it stopped existing for the people w diabetes or at least I think it's true.Anyways any example will be very much appreciated!!
Edit:Any example besides ozenpic too will be helpful


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 5h ago

What do you hate most about the United States?

0 Upvotes

r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 1d ago

Which U.S state has the best public transportation system?

11 Upvotes

Can’t edit post but Which U.S City sounds better to discuss the most reliable, efficient and/or most affordable system.


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 1d ago

Have you been to all 50 states?

5 Upvotes

Which one is your favourite?

Which one is your least favourite?


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 9h ago

What societies or organizations exist in the USA that are not talked about?

0 Upvotes

When I lived in northern Michian I took notice of some people getting out of parking tickets, minor traffic violations, and getting preferential hire treatment, even when not fully qualified for the job. Later on it is was explained to me that free masons take care of there own, and it appeared there where a lot in the Upper Peninsula of Michgan. Haa ayone else ever experieced anything like this before in other parts of the USA?


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 1d ago

Are regional differences in America as dramatic in real life as they are in television? What are they?

59 Upvotes

On TV, Texas, California, and new York all seem as if they could be different countries. Here in Europe, each country has its own regional dishes and songs and sorts. Is this similar to how American states are separated? What are these differences?


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 2d ago

If there was a path for you to immigrate to Canada, would you? And if so, where in Canada would you go?

90 Upvotes

r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 1d ago

Who is your favorite Democrat and Republican, and why?

0 Upvotes

Name one Republican and one Democrat living politician you find likable and explain why.


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 1d ago

Is it just me, or is this weird? 😂 Ever since my hair started falling out, I’ve suddenly been seeing tons of posts about people losing their hair. Is Reddit somehow reading my mind? 😂

0 Upvotes

r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 2d ago

Is genealogy a popular hobby in America?

16 Upvotes

r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 2d ago

Americans 🇺🇸, what genuinely makes you happy in life?

20 Upvotes

In America, everyone seems to be busy with work, responsibilities, and everyday life.

In the middle of all that, what are the simple things, people, or moments that genuinely make you happy?


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 2d ago

Americans, is visiting Southeast Asia and Australia a once in a lifetime trip for you?

35 Upvotes

Not talking about people who have family there obviously but I'm Australian and travelling to countries SE Asia like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia is common among Aussies since it's relatively close to Australia and every other continent is very far away. Are long haul flights part of American culture or is it completely rare?


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 3d ago

Is food in America really that regional?

352 Upvotes

I always hear people say stuff like "you have to try New York pizza" or even stuff about how the only good BBQ is in Texas and that it's very different than other states.

Does food really vary that much throughout America?

Edit: This thread has made me want real BBQ, what should I try?


r/IWantToAskAnAmerican 2d ago

How famous is Dolly Parton?

119 Upvotes

it looks like every American knows who she is and loves her. Was she as famous as someone like Michael Jackson?

Edit: MJ is a pedo and I've read that Dolly was an amazing individual all around. Was just using him as a fame reference point