Things Americans Do That Arabs Can't Understand
By: Anthony Bayyouk / Arab America Contributing Writer
There is a wide range of customs differences between Arabs and Americans. The mix of Arabs and Americans in the United States has raised some questions from both cultures. Arabs question why Americans do certain things and as more Arabs move to the United States Americans are interested to learn about Arab culture. Arab Americans have many questions about some of the cultural norms in America. Something that is seen as second nature to an Arab is never even thought about in American culture. In this article, Arab America will be clearing up any questions Arabs have about American culture. And if any Americans wondered what parts of their culture Arabs thought was weird, feel free to read and learn about it below.
Americans allow their kids to move out at 18
In the American culture, parents allow their kids and even encourage them to move out when they turn 18. They claim it teaches them independence and shows them how to live in the real world. The only way an Arab kid is leaving the house at 18 is if they’re getting married or going to college, and the college excuse isn’t always guaranteed.
Americans care about the earth a lot
Have you ever wondered what that green box is outside your neighbor’s home? It’s something Americans call a recycle bin. They put plastic and paper in there to be reused. Arabs also recycle in different ways. The Arab version of recycling is putting zaatar in the cream cheese container. And humus in the sour cream container. Recycling and cleaning the earth should be a universal effort and not based on culture. Arabs could learn a little something from Americans when it comes to recycling. Filing the cream cheese containers with zaytoun is not going to cut it.
Wearing shoes in the House
I know every Arab mom’s heart just skipped a beat. Americans really don’t see anything wrong with this. Wearing shoes in the house is normal for Americans, maybe they mob every day but I doubt it. If you’ve ever been to an Arab house you will notice that by the garage door there are at least twenty pairs of shoes. I Don’t think any of my shoes even know what color the tiles are in my house. If you somehow make it past the front door with your shoes and then upstairs it’s over! When I moved away for university I noticed foreigners are the only people that have slippers for the house. But Americans just walk everywhere with their shoes on. Are they not worried about the dirt outside getting on their carpet?
Portion sizing
Yes, I know the phrase sounds really weird to allow me to explain. The phrase portion sizing means limiting the food you put on your plate. Instead of TEN scoops of rice maybe just portion size it and put two scoops. Or instead of a bowl of leban, you and have ½ a cup. It’s something Americans do to keep a healthy diet. In the Middle Eastern culture, Arabs want to be very generous and make sure their family and guests eat more than they need to. Although this is a very nice custom, it is unhealthy. Portion sizing also guarantees that each food group is included in your diet. There are five food groups: dairy, meat, grain, vegetables, and fruits. Arabs include the five food groups without trying. For example grape leaves, the beef inside is your meat, the rice is your grain, the leaf is your vegetable, you can eat it with leban and at the end of the meal your dad will cut you up an apple. All five food groups are met bon ape tit.
Small wedding
Americans limit the number of people that will attend their wedding. I also heard that they allow the bride and groom to make the guest list. Isn’t that ridiculous? If the bride and groom aren’t unfamiliar with at least half of the people in attendance, then it’s not a real Arab wedding. Americans like to keep it small and simple and often the burden of paying for the wedding is on the bride and groom. An average Arab wedding consists of 600 guests. In the Middle Eastern culture, marriage is so important that every one your family knows has to be invited. Although recently with covid having a small wedding ( 250 guests) is socially acceptable. Americans also have a small wedding because they only want to share the special day with the most special people.
All jokes aside, both cultures have their perks and can both learn something from each other. To Conclude, there are a few more things Americans do that Arabs find odd. Such as wearing a seatbelt in the car, working 9-5, and allowing their kids to sleep outside the house.
