15 American Traditions that Need to Go

Americans highly value independence. They are taught to be self-sufficient and to rely on themselves. Social norms are partly formed by established traditions within the social structure, which are the backdrop of continuity and culture. However, some traditions may become old-fashioned and even harmful as society goes on. Here are 15 American traditions that need to go.

Black Friday Madness

HuffPost states that the term ‘Black Friday’ was coined in the 1950s or 1960s in Philadelphia to describe a day traffic police hated. Black Friday means the chaos, crowds—and sometimes violence—that come with shopping madness in the United States.

Dangerous crowd behavior caused by chaos is common and can result in injuries and, on rare occasions, fatalities. Aside from the direct physical danger, Black Friday increases spending, promotes materialism, and contributes significantly to waste.

Excessive use of Fireworks on the 4th of July

Independence Day celebrations will not be complete without fireworks, but their environmental and social impacts are complicated to sidestep.

Fireworks create noise pollution that disrupts humans and wildlife, and air pollution can have long-term environmental effects. Additionally, accidents and injuries involved in exploring these options mean that better sustainable celebration options should be explored.

Gender Reveal Parties

One article that The Business Insider wrote on the topic revealed that gender reveal parties have been transphobic because they put too much emphasis on the gender the baby was assigned at birth. Originally destined to spread happy tidings of gender, they have grown into highly politicized gender reveal parties that propagate outdated gender stereotypes.

Some, meanwhile, have been disastrous, including wildfires sparked by explosive reveals. As a side, these parties are to the point of highlighting binary gender roles and high environmental risks, which requires more thoughtful, inclusive ways to celebrate.

Proposals

These days, proposals have rivaled the height of extravagance and spectacle, turning what should be a simple thing into an ostentatious declaration of wealth and popularity.

Teenagers can be put under undue stress and financial strain, competing with each other. Less pressure, more superficial, and more heartfelt invitations may be our best bet.

Excessive Food Portions

The American way of dining too much is usually about quantity instead of quality, which culminates in more food waste and increased obesity rates.

This tendency also serves whopping portions, which exacerbate health issues and prop up unhealthy eating habits. By reducing nutrition and portion sizes, we can solve food waste and public health issues.

Balloons of the Thanksgiving Day Parade

NBC New York reported that the Macy’s Christmas Parade was renamed the Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927 when balloons first graced the parade. Macy’s, however, used real animals to parade before that. 

The giant helium balloons at the Thanksgiving Day parade are highly resource—and environmentally intensive. Concern about the sustainability of helium and the waste of an overused resource is also an issue.

College Fraternities and Sororities

Fraternities and sororities can give you friends, give you a chance to serve the community, and raise money. They can also help their members academically by setting GPA requirements and supporting them.

Sometimes, these organizations also perpetuate a culture of privilege, like using alcohol and drugs. Examining their role on college campuses could help make everyone safer and more inclusive.

Sports Culture Year Round

Schools often pay too much attention to athletics, letting academics and student well-being go by the wayside. Many students face pressure from this year-round sports culture without paying equal attention to mental health and students’ academic priorities. Fostering well-rounded student experiences is very important to balance athletic pursuits with educational and personal development.

Singing the National Anthem at Every Sporting Event

Brian Cain Peak Performance says the tradition of singing the national anthem at sporting events in the United States started in World War II as a symbol of patriotism and wartime support. After the war, the tradition continued, with NFL commissioner Elmer Layden believing the tradition should stay.

Repeated use before every sporting event can lessen its importance and sometimes protract division. Today, the ritual is hollow and performative.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars. The standard tip amount is 15–20 percent of the bill, though it can be greater. 

However, digital payment systems have also experienced a rise in what’s known as ‘tipflation,’ which prompts customers to tip at rates far over 30%. Customers are also expected to tip online orders and no service kiosks. 

Disneyland Senior Class Trips

Senior class trips to Disneyland are just a rite of passage, but the cost excludes kids who can’t afford it and puts more financial strain on families. Instead, schools can create more affordable and inclusive alternatives for students to have memorable and relevant end-of-year experiences.

Rushed Holiday Shopping

Rushed holiday shopping in the United States is a trend in which people start shopping for the holidays earlier in the year than usual.

Holidays have been commercialized through rushed shopping, and they have lost their meaning, making them focus on debt and a consumer-driven culture. The true feelings of the season quickly become overshadowed by this pressure to buy.

Over-the-Top Baby Showers

In recent years, baby showers have become lavish events, putting added pressure on families to overspend and conform to what we perceive to be society’s expectations.

Focusing on material gifts can cause financial stress and lead to unnecessary consumption. Simplifying these celebrations, you can help ease the pressure and focus on the pure joy of welcoming a new life.

Spring Break Party Culture

Spring Break isn’t always portrayed in popular media as the same story when, in fact, not all students choose to drink and party at the same pace and to the same degree.  That culture jeopardizes student safety and promotes outrageous behavior.

Toxic Hustle Culture

Hustle culture is glorifying a culture of overwork and productivity above mental health and work-life balance. This strategic seeking of achievement can result in burnout and poor well-being. Longer working hours also heighten the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, poor sleep quality, and alcohol use.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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