As a native New Yorker that has traveled to a decent number of places in the United States before moving to Iceland in 2016, I’ve noticed some fascinating differences between the cultures.
In this post, I’m pointing out 5 things about USA culture that confuses Icelanders. These are things I’ve specifically been asked by Icelanders about the US.
Here are 5 Things that Confuse Icelanders About the USA
1. Only a Two-Party Political System in the USA
Iceland and the USA have some similarities when it comes to government. For instance, both have split the government into three parts – legislative, judicial, and executive. However, it kind of ends there.
On a federal level, the US is split into only two political parties, which is seen as very limiting by Icelanders. Icelandic Parliament is made up of 63 politicians but there are many different parties that make up the government.
In fact, it is an important part of Icelandic Parliament for there to be multiple parties. Even as I have been living here, new parties have popped up and have been voted into Parliament.
Currently, it seems almost impossible for new political parties to make it to the federal level of government in the US, which clearly confuses Icelanders.
2. Having different words for Niece, Nephew, Aunt, Uncle and Cousins
This one has been funny to me because I never assumed that Icelanders wouldn’t have distinctive words to describe niece, nephew, aunt, cousins, and uncle. In Icelandic, these family members are grouped together by gender.
For instance, the Icelandic word frændi is used to talk about an uncle, male cousins, or a nephew. The word frænka is used for aunt, female cousins, or a niece. When I speak to an Icelander in English and they are describing their mother’s brother, I will say “Oh, that’s your uncle” and they are like “Sure, or my frændi.”
3. Putting up signs and ropes where it is obviously dangerous
Due to the variety of raw nature and intense weather conditions, Iceland can be a dangerous place. Icelanders grow up learning about respecting nature and to keep in mind that if you are not aware, that you can get yourself into a fatal situation.
However, they expect people to use their common sense when it comes to exploring the country. For instance, not going too close to an edge of a cliff, or not stopping in the middle of the road to take photos.
The explosion of tourism meant that Icelanders needed to start putting ropes and signs in places where it might seem like overkill. Because the USA is a litigious society, it has become a default to put up signs, ropes, and warnings even in places where it is obviously dangerous. While this does confuse Icelanders, they prefer for people to stay safe.
4. The Amount of Gun Violence in the USA But the Lack of Federal Gun Control Laws
Surprisingly, there are a lot of guns in Iceland (about 70,000), which has a population of almost 370,000, but there is hardly any gun violence.
One main reason for close to no gun violence in Iceland is that guns are seen as being used for hunting and sport, not for protecting yourself. The other main reason is that there are very strict gun laws here.
To become a gun owner in Iceland, a person must take courses, pass a test, get a background check, and show that they know how to properly store the gun. There is not a federal law in the USA that controls who can and can’t be a gun owner.
Not surprisingly, when Icelanders hear about the ongoing gun violence in the USA, they are confused why there are not stronger gun laws that govern the whole country.
5. Tipping in the USA
In Iceland, people who work in the service industry are paid a living wage. It’s not encouraged to tip in Iceland, and it’s certainly not seen as a way to supplement a person’s wage so that an individual can pay their bills.
Obviously, it is confusing to Icelanders that so many people in the US rely on tips to make ends meet. Also, the % of what is expected for people to pay wait staff at restaurants is confusing too.
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