The American Way: 14 Things That Prove the U.S. “Got It Right”

Say what you want about our healthcare system or the political climate; you shouldn’t rule out the U.S. just yet. We still know how to grow and improve despite our flaws. These are some of the things that America gets right.
1. Restaurant Menu Substitutes

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Swapping out your ketchup for barbecue sauces in other countries is sometimes near impossible. In the States, however, you’re more than likely to sit down at a restaurant or order takeout with the ability to swap out your food with no problem.
2. Theme Parks

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Call us thrill seekers because we enjoy a great theme park! Roller coasters, great food, and live entertainment—what’s not to love? With over 400 amusement parks throughout the U.S., there’s no doubt that Americans know how to have fun.
3. NASA

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The final frontier will always be a mystery to humankind. But thanks to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) here in America, the U.S. continues to lead space exploration and discovery. Not only that, but our data is free for the public to access, encouraging young scientists and future astronauts to pursue their dreams.
4. Public Restrooms

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Believe it or not, some countries make you pay if you want to use their restroom. Here in the U.S., the nearest restaurant or convenience store will gladly let you use their bathroom free of charge. Thank you!
5. Central Air Conditioning

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As Azrael in Dogma (1999), Jason Lee put it best: “There is no pleasure, no rapture, no exquisite sin great…than central air.” You’re welcome, rest of the world.
6. Higher Education

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You don’t need to attend an Ivy League University to get an excellent education. America boasts some of the best education systems in the world, allowing students from all backgrounds the chance to further their education.
7. National Parks

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Thanks to the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act of March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the first National Park and began a movement across the U.S. Now, there are 425 national park sites throughout the country, 63 of which include “National Park” within their name.
8. Halloween

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Sure, other countries may do trick-or-treating and string some decorations up. But no one loves and commits to the entire Halloween season quite like Americans. We’re talking about festivals, haunted houses, theme parks, and towns transforming into spooktacular events all for Halloween.
9. Freedom of Speech and Press

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Many countries throughout the world don’t grant their citizens this freedom. The right to express your opinion is a privilege that we should all respect and be grateful for.
10. Adoption

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Adoption is frowned upon in some countries, despite how many children and orphans need a home. Thankfully, the U.S. adoption process is a little easier to navigate, making America the country that adopts the most children worldwide.
11. Public Library System

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Libraries in the U.S. offer more than just books and quiet spaces to read. Many libraries offer free passes to museums and zoos, musical instrument rentals, as well as free concerts and classes—such as cooking, dance, and tech classes for seniors.
12. Community and Compassion

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People answer the call whenever there is a crisis or tragic event here in the States. Despite our different backgrounds and beliefs, Americans always find a way to band together and help our neighbors.
13. Diverse Cuisine

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America is a melting pot, after all. Each culture brings food and traditions to the masses, celebrating their differences over the most common and universal thing: food. No matter where you are in America, you can find tons of food and drinks to enjoy.
14. Optimism

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Americans and their “Can Do” attitude is a point of pride. Whether you’re not selected for a promotion or your favorite team’s recent losing season, Americans, despite all our faults, will pick ourselves up again even if the odds are stacked against us.
“I Love It Here!” 20 Best Small Towns in America for Your Bucket List

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Are you seeking a respite from the busy and noisy urban lifestyle? Look no further than America’s small towns. From the quaint and charming to the downright quirky, small towns across the country offer unique experiences and attractions. Here are 20 of America’s most famous. Where are you going next?
“I Love It Here!” 20 Best Small Towns in America for Your Bucket List
15 Bucket List Hot Spots To See the Northern Lights Starting in September

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One of the most enchanting natural phenomena in the Northern Hemisphere is the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. On the proper night, with perfect weather conditions and peak solar activity, you can see the stunning lights that paint the night sky. Here are some of the best places to view the Northern Lights.
15 Bucket List Hot Spots To See the Northern Lights Starting in September
10 Travel Destinations That Score at Best a 3 Out of 5 According to Americans

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Are you tired of going on dream vacations? Are you bored of traveling the world and experiencing new cultures? Does the prospect of going on a thoroughly-average adventure intrigue you? Well, look no further. Recently, experienced travelers met in an online discussion to reveal the most average vacation destinations in the United States. Not every vacation has to be “epic.”
10 Travel Destinations That Score at Best a 3 Out of 5 According to Americans
15 Incredible Places in the U.S. You Might Not Have Realized Were UNESCO Sites

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There’s nothing better than discovering there’s even more to a place than you thought. Whether you know it or not, these 15 incredible places in the U.S. are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and all worth visiting.
15 Incredible Places in the U.S. You Might Not Have Realized Were UNESCO Sites
15 American Foods Non-Americans Think Are Completely Bizarre, Weird, or Disgusting

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Sometimes, we think our food choices are ordinary until an outsider comes along and points out it is not. These 15 American foods have been described as bizarre, weird, or disgusting by non-Americans who’ve tried and tasted them. Are you surprised by the list?
15 American Foods Non-Americans Think Are Completely Bizarre, Weird, or Disgusting
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