13 Things That Creep Me Out About America as an African Immigrant
Moving to America felt like stepping into a movie set. Everything was bright, fast, and a little too loud. I came with open arms, ready for the “land of the free,” but I wasn’t ready for the culture shocks that made my jaw drop. I’d seen enough Hollywood films to think I knew what to expect, but real life didn’t quite match the script.
As an African immigrant, settling in came with surprises that made me pause and think, “Wait, is this normal?” Some things were funny, some just plain scary, and others were flat-out confusing. Here are thirteen things that still creep me out, even after living here for a while.
Guns Are Everywhere
I still remember seeing my first “No Guns Allowed” sign at a grocery store. It wasn’t comforting. It meant people might be walking around with guns. Back home, the police have them, but regular people? Nope. In the U.S., you can legally carry one into a supermarket, depending on the state. That’s wild to me.
Overly Cheerful Strangers
It’s not that I don’t like friendly people, but the cashier asked how my day was going, and the stranger on the street said, “Hey there!” with a wide grin. At first, I thought they were mocking me. In Africa, people are polite, but this kind of chipper small talk felt unnatural. It took time to believe it wasn’t sarcasm.
Tipping Confusion
Why is it my job to calculate someone’s wage after I’ve already paid for my food? Tipping here feels more like a rule than a choice. And the pressure is real. The screen turns to you, and everyone watches as you decide whether to tip 15, 20, or 25 percent. I just wanted a sandwich, not a math test.
Prescription Drug Commercials
Back home, medicine is something your doctor talks about. In America, it’s something you see during a football game, followed by a long list of side effects, including possible death. The creepy part? The music never stops being cheerful while they say it. It’s unsettling.
Trucks the Size of Houses
The first time I saw a pickup truck the size of a bedroom, I took a picture. Why are they that big? What are people carrying? Cows? Rockets? In Africa, you’d struggle to park something that size in a normal lot. Here, it’s just Tuesday.
Super Cold AC
American air conditioning feels like revenge. You come in from the summer heat and instantly freeze. Restaurants, offices, and movie theaters all blast AC like they’re chilling meat. I wear a sweater in July. That should tell you something.
Endless Paperwork
Everything needs a form. Sometimes, the same form twice. I once filled out five sheets to see a doctor. Want to rent an apartment? You better have ten documents and three personal references. It feels like the paperwork never ends.
Portion Sizes
The food servings here are enormous. You order a “small,” and it could feed two people. I once ordered pizza and got a huge size that I couldn’t eat half of. No wonder takeout boxes are normal. In Africa, we call that leftovers for two days.
Silence on Public Transport
Buses and trains are quiet. No one chats. No one makes eye contact. It’s like everyone silently agreed not to exist around each other. Back home, we complain, joke, argue, and sometimes even sing. Here, it feels like a moving library.
Overuse of Lawsuits
You can get sued for anything. Spill coffee? Sue. Fall in a store? Sue. Say something wrong? Maybe sue. It’s scary. You feel like you need legal advice before saying “hello” to a stranger’s dog. It keeps you constantly on edge.
Toilet Gaps
Why are the bathroom stalls not fully closed? There are gaps wide enough to make eye contact with someone walking by. That’s not privacy. That’s horror. Every time I use a public toilet, I feel like I need to apologize to the next person for surviving the experience.
Credit Score Obsession
Your life here depends on three numbers. Not your age or your GPA, but your credit score. Rent, buy a car, even get a phone? You better have a good score. I didn’t even know what a credit score was when I arrived. Now, it’s the number I fear more than my weight.
Flag Obsession
I’ve never seen people so in love with their flag. It’s everywhere. On socks. On cereal boxes. Hanging on every porch. In Africa, we love our countries, but we don’t drape it on our cars. It’s patriotic, sure, but it starts to feel intense like you’re in a cult meeting without realizing it.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
You Might Also Like:
How To Stick To Your Holiday Budget and Avoid Debt: With the holiday season in full swing, many find themselves facing high expenses. The anticipation of gift-giving, coupled with the desire to create unforgettable moments, often leads to the common tradition of seasonal spending, with the average holiday budget reaching a considerable sum.
