Tomorrow is the Fourth of July and as an American, I know full well that this country encapsulates some great history, traditions, customs and quirks. But just in case anyone else needs to have their memories refreshed on the key staples of American culture, I am here to, quite literally, spell it out for you.
Aa is for America
Duh.
Bb is for Baseball
What was once a game that evolved from similar bat-and-ball games from other countries, eventually became known as the American national pastime. A close runner up: Beyonce.
Cc is for Coca-Cola.
The Coca-Cola Company was introduced in 1886 in the United States. The drink was invented by John Pemberton as a substitute for his addiction to morphine after being injured in the American Civil War. America is one of the largest consumers of soda in the world. It is estimated to consume 154 liters per capita. It is second only to Argentina.
Dd is for Democracy
There are currently 123 out of 192 countries with democracies. But, I am still pretty grateful to have been born into one of them.
Ee is for Eagle
In 1782 the Bald Eagle was chosen as the US National Emblem because of its strength, majesty and long life. Another close runner-up: Ellen, because she is a national treasure.
Ff is for Flag
Unlike most countries, you can find the American flag hanging out front of many American homes and on various articles of clothing and accessories. This is mostly unheard of in other countries, where the flag is mostly only found outside of government buildings.
Gg is for George Washington
Aka, the OG of America.
Hh is for Hot dogs and Hamburgers
Although they both have German origins, hot dogs and hamburgers have become overwhelmingly popular in the US and, most likely, you will be having one or both in celebration this week.
Ii is for Ice
Americans are known for putting ice in everything we drink, a foreign concept in other countries. In countries such as Britain, if you were to order tap water at a restaurant it would be served to you warm. Yuck.
Jj is for Jorts
This is an American fashion staple you are bound to see an abundance of on the 4th.
Kk is for Kardashians
Our very own royal family.
Ll is for LOUD
An American stereotype that proves to be true more often than not. We prefer 'enthusiastic about life.'
Mm is for Military
The US is considered to have the world's strongest military and with good reason. America has a defense budget of over 600 billion, which is more than the next seven highest spending countries combined.
Nn is for NASCAR
Otherwise known as the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. I'll admit, I had to look that up but there is no denying that this is a national staple in US culture.
Oo is for Overworking
The US is the most overworked country in the world with well over 50% of the population working more than 40 hours per week. We are the only industrialized country in the world that doesn't have a legally mandated annual leave. The average American gets 13 days off a year while most other countries range from 20 to 30.
Overeating was a close second.
Pp is for Patriotism
While many countries exude patriotism, Americans are definitely known for having extreme, over the top, in your face pride in their country. For an example refer back to letter 'F.'
Qq is for Quite a Bit of Personal Space (see what I did there?)
Americans tend to require more personal space than other countries. All you have to do is step into a crowded elevator to feel the discomfort radiating off of everyone. A brief handshake is typically the most physical contact two acquaintances will have in the US compared to the hugging, arm touching and cheek kissing which is often practiced in other countries.
Rr is for Reality TV
We all tried to avoid it at one point or another but we all eventually cave. ANTM, KUWTK, AGT, SYTYCD, more than likely there is an acronym out there that signifies your guilty pleasure. I'm ashamed to admit that it was Jersey Shore that did me in.
Ss is for Sweet Tea
This is mostly a Southern commodity but it's still more prevalent here than anywhere else in the world.
Tt is for Thanksgiving
A day filled with food, family and football. It's honestly a shame that we are the only ones who get to celebrate this holiday.
Uu is for Usher
Another national hero.
Vv is for Victory
Americans like to refer to themselves as back to back World War champs. On top of our military prowess, US athletes have won a total of 2,521 medals, 1,022 of them being gold, at the summer Olympics and another 282 at the Winter Olympics. We are also home to the most decorated Olympic athlete in the nation, Michael Phelps with 28 medals, 23 of which are gold
Ww is for the White House
412 doors, 147 windows, 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, 6 levels, 3 elevators and Trump still downgraded.
Xx is for Xanax
According to the World Health Organization, the US is one of the most depressed countries in the world. The US ranked 3rd for uni-polar depressive disorders, just after India and China. Sorry, I know this one was a bummer but give me a break, it's 'X.'
Yy is for Y'all
Because who has the time to say you all? I mean come on, y'all.
Zz is for Zombies
This one may be a bit of a stretch but you have to admit Americans seem to be quite infatuated with zombies as of late. With hits such as "The Walking Dead," "Fear the Walking Dead," "iZombie," "Z Nation," "World War Z," etc. You get the idea.
Now, I'm sure you are feeling super refreshed and educated on the rich culture of the US and are fully prepared to go celebrate the independence of this beautiful country. Happy 4th, y'all.