Cultural Differences Between Europe And The United States

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Despite the close cultural and historical connection between the United States and their European counterparts, there are some distinct differences. Some of these differences may not even be known to many Americans unless they have traveled to Europe themselves. The way we speak, the names we use for certain foods, and especially our laws differ. First and foremost, every traveler should be well informed of the differences in the laws of the country they are commuting to; no matter how similar the country may seem their home country. The differences between life in the United States and Europe are numerous and range in notoriety; as infamous as legal marijuana to as miniscule as putting mayonnaise on French fries. Specifically, in Amsterdam …show more content…

This law also applies in the United States, regardless of whether marijuana is legalized or not in a specific state. In both Amsterdam and the United Sates, people cannot simply stroll around, joint in hand, at a playground or a restaurant. However, Amsterdam does permit the personal use of hash in the privacy of one’s home or at a coffee shop. Probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Amsterdam is the numerous coffee shops. These special dispensaries sell small quantities of hash to customers 18 and over. Each customer can only be given a maximum of 5 grams per day. In most of the United States, there are no designated places that produce and sell hash, therefore hash is purchased from just about anyone, illegally of course. In the U.S., states that permit the medical or recreational use of marijuana have special dispensaries as well. Dispensaries in the U.S. can sell marijuana to customers 21 and over and usually allow no more than one ounce to be purchased at a …show more content…

Other than the obvious places like bars and restaurants, movie theaters also sell alcoholic beverages to their customers. Anyone of drinking age can purchase a bottle beer to go along with their buttered popcorn and movie. In Paris, people can purchase beer at McDonalds. Compared to Europe, alcohol consumption in the U.S. is much more restricted. Numerous places, including McDonalds and most movie theaters, do not sell alcohol or prohibit its consumption within or in close proximity to the premise. If an American traveling to Paris decided to order a quarter-pounder with cheese to go along with their ice cold beer, the person taking their order may not understand their request. In Paris, a quarter-pounder with cheese is called a royal with cheese. The United States and Europe use different names for the burger because Europe uses the metric system; therefore requesting a quarter-pounder with cheese may not make as much sense to a European as it would to an