We Asked Non-Americans What They Think Every US Household Has

“We don’t want to stereotype, but” …

We understand if you’re feeling a little uneasy at this stage, as most sentences that start like this either end in the type of awkward silence that spawns social anxiety or an abrupt cancellation on Twitter.

However, there are circumstances where stereotypes can be objectively hilarious, not to mention outlandish, bizarre, and occasionally, accurate!

So, when we asked non-Americans what they think they’d find in every US household, it’s no surprise that the responses combined the sublime with the ridiculous (and the insightful) to unpredictable effect. Let’s find out more!

Key Takeaways from Our Team:

“Now that I’ve read this, I am considering rearranging my living room” – Jessica Whitehouse

“I would have expected more mentions of firearms, but the internet had something else in mind” – John Isaac

“I can’t imagine my life without peanut butter and jelly, they were absolutely right!” – Matt Speakman

Here Is What Every American Household Has According to Reddit Users

We gathered all the comments from Reddit, and managed to build the infographic below on the incredible range of responses we received. From an endless supply of peanut butter (yum-yum) to a gallon of milk in the fridge (this volume may multiply depending on how many teenage boys live in the house), it appears as though many observations have been based on every US sitcom that was ever filmed in front of a studio audience. Oh, more than 26 thousand people also liked the idea that US homes had at least one sofa that faced a live studio audience, although the notion that this was accompanied by a laughter track seemed a stretch too far!

It’s Funny Because It’s True

The good news is that plenty of good-natured Americans also took part in the Reddit sub-chat, with some confirming the copious amounts of peanut butter found in every patriotic US household. There also seemed to be some truth to the idea that the ‘Reece’s Pieces’ cereal makes for a more than adequate dessert option, especially when added to ice cream or some delicious cinnamon toast. Yes, American cereals really are that ridiculous!

The omni-presence of garbage disposal sinks (the type that will mash your hand to a pulp if you’re not careful) also appears to be far more than a Hollywood fabrication. However, some of the descriptors given to these units made us belly laugh, with one Reddit user referring to a “switch that when you flick it turns your sink into a blender”.

One respondent also made a delightful reference to a “trash smoothie”, which we imagine would taste dreadful while being packed full of nutrients (just like any other smoothie, to be fair). Interestingly, this discussion also segued into an impromptu debate over whether garbage disposal sinks are exclusive to newer homes or older builds, which highlights Reddit’s underutilised scope for serious conversation if nothing else.

According to most responses and likes, you’ll also find many different brands and varieties of BBQ sauce in a typical American household. Of course, this may be true for other regions of the world, but we doubt any other continent is as committed to BBQ sauce diversity and representation as America!

Want more? Check These Stereotypes That Didn’t Make the Cut

Such was the depth, quality and sheer hilarity of some responses that many stereotypes didn’t make the final infographic cut. Rather than commit these observations to the metaphorical garbage disposal up in the sky, however, we thought we’d share some of the funniest below!

• Top loading washing machine: A top loading washing machine is a unit that lets you load clothes through the top rather than the front, but while this received 4.2k upvotes on Reddit, it’s apparently less common in the US today due to energy efficiency regulations. Still, it’s much easier on the back and knees, so we’re all in favour!
• Drywall, lots of drywall: This suggestion alone earned 26.2k upvotes and 1,313 comments, even though the fire-resistant drywall is synonymous with older builds. This also led to the unsubstantiated claim that while builders attempted to install drywall in the UK, they had to stop as the residents kept eating it!
• American flags everywhere: Given that you can buy guns in Walmart, it’s staggering to think that there’s still no mention of handguns here. However, most proud, gun-toting Americans are also likely to have one or more national flag in their home, while the mere idea of decorating your home’s interior in multiple flags garnered 11.9k upvotes!
• Fridge with ice dispenser-built in: I have to admit I misread this as being a ‘fridge with ice cream dispenser-built in’, which actually wouldn’t have come as a huge surprise. But yes, most US homes do feature fridges with in-built ice dispensers, which on reflection is probably why these units are called American fridges!
• Air conditioning, lots of air conditioning: This suggestion earned a whopping 19.8k upvotes, probably from the 83% of US homeowners who have it installed in their properties. As for the remaining 17%, they’re probably too busy sweating through their clothes and fanning each other furiously to respond.
• An American: Ah, we see what you did here! Yes, it’s likely that the vast majority of US households do indeed have at least one American citizen residing within them. Actually, on reflection, it’s very insensitive to assume peoples’ background and nationality like that. How very dare you!

We’re sure you’ll agree, these honourable mentions are well worth remembering. In fact, the entire thread is an absolute hoot, so why not check out some of the other responses here!

Isn’t This Common Everywhere?

OK, we hear you ask, but aren’t some of these stereotypes also applicable to other countries and regions? Sure, this is true in some cases, as BBQ sauce, national flags and American fridges are key staples of households around the world. The same can said of peanut butter accessibility, of course, but the sheer level of consumption in the US sets the nation apart as far as this unusual metric goes (who needs GDP to measure a country’s greatness anyway?). The US also blazes a trail for others to follow in terms of garbage disposal sinks and ridiculously sweet cereals, making the ‘Land of the Free’ A-OK in our books!

Methodology

As we’ve touched on, this text and infographic was compiled from a Reddit thread, which posed the question ‘Non-Americans, what do you think every American person has in their house?’ We’ve sifted through the litany of response to find the weirdest, wackiest and funniest takes, while also leaving room for those rare nuggets of insight and wisdom (yes, they were few and far between!). Heck, we’ve even made a reference to the stereotypes that didn’t make the infographic cut, so what more could you possibly ask for as a reader?

Fair Use

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