America isn't an abstract "idea." It's a nation—a place, a people, and a shared way of life.
It’s our home. And we love it, fiercely.
Tomorrow is our country's birthday. So we're going to tell you 50 things we love about America.
Pull up a chair. 🧵
It’s our home. And we love it, fiercely.
Tomorrow is our country's birthday. So we're going to tell you 50 things we love about America.
Pull up a chair. 🧵
1. American Monuments
We are a nation with larger-than-life heroes; it's only fitting that we built them larger-than-life monuments. We carved the faces of our great men into the side of a cliff. There was no practical need for it. We were Americans. We did it because we could.
We are a nation with larger-than-life heroes; it's only fitting that we built them larger-than-life monuments. We carved the faces of our great men into the side of a cliff. There was no practical need for it. We were Americans. We did it because we could.
2. Road Trips
Few other nations span a continent, and no other nation spans a continent as vast, varied, and awe-inspiring as ours. There is a magic written into the American landscape, and anyone with a car and a little gas money has a ticket to a lifetime of exploring.
Few other nations span a continent, and no other nation spans a continent as vast, varied, and awe-inspiring as ours. There is a magic written into the American landscape, and anyone with a car and a little gas money has a ticket to a lifetime of exploring.
3. Swagger
If you ask a foreigner to describe an American, one of the first things they often mention is the swagger—that boots-on-the-table, what-are-you-gonna-do-about-it-buddy cowboy brashness.
Europeans often find it obnoxious. Luckily, we don't care what Europeans think.
If you ask a foreigner to describe an American, one of the first things they often mention is the swagger—that boots-on-the-table, what-are-you-gonna-do-about-it-buddy cowboy brashness.
Europeans often find it obnoxious. Luckily, we don't care what Europeans think.
4. American Folklore
Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Johnny Appleseed, Buffalo Bill—some of them were real people, and some of them weren't. But the myths and legends about their deeds made all of them larger-than-life figures that shaped the American imagination.
Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Johnny Appleseed, Buffalo Bill—some of them were real people, and some of them weren't. But the myths and legends about their deeds made all of them larger-than-life figures that shaped the American imagination.
5. Happy Hour
Happy hour was one of America's many glorious inventions. It began aboard the USS Arkansas in 1913, when the crew started organizing nightly "happy hours" to keep morale high. The nightly events included boxing and wrestling matches, music, dancing, and movies.
Happy hour was one of America's many glorious inventions. It began aboard the USS Arkansas in 1913, when the crew started organizing nightly "happy hours" to keep morale high. The nightly events included boxing and wrestling matches, music, dancing, and movies.
6. Skyscrapers
The skyscraper is another entirely American creation—conceived and designed in Chicago, refined and modernized in New York, and adopted across America's great cities in the early 20th century.
America invented the modern city skyline. (And we still do it best).
The skyscraper is another entirely American creation—conceived and designed in Chicago, refined and modernized in New York, and adopted across America's great cities in the early 20th century.
America invented the modern city skyline. (And we still do it best).
7. Gun Ranges
American marksmanship began on the frontier, where pioneers honed their skills by "shooting at a mark"—usually a knot on a tree or an "x" marked on a slab of wood.
The spirit of those early Americans lives on in the gun ranges—an essential American institution.
American marksmanship began on the frontier, where pioneers honed their skills by "shooting at a mark"—usually a knot on a tree or an "x" marked on a slab of wood.
The spirit of those early Americans lives on in the gun ranges—an essential American institution.
8. Local Diners
Tucked away on the side of a road or a highway pull-off, portion sizes that will send you to an early grave, friendly waitresses, coffee with bottomless refills—there just isn't anything quite like them anywhere else in the world.
Tucked away on the side of a road or a highway pull-off, portion sizes that will send you to an early grave, friendly waitresses, coffee with bottomless refills—there just isn't anything quite like them anywhere else in the world.
9. American Holidays
Most nations have at least one or two unique holidays. But the American calendar is richer and more varied than anywhere else. Thanksgiving, July 4, Halloween—all distinctly American, all filled with unique traditions, foods, and stories.
Most nations have at least one or two unique holidays. But the American calendar is richer and more varied than anywhere else. Thanksgiving, July 4, Halloween—all distinctly American, all filled with unique traditions, foods, and stories.
10. Stand-Up Comedy
Another American creation, and another thing we do better than anyone else. At its very best, stand-up comedy is a genuine art form, and it's a distinctly American art—bold, self-deprecating, built upon slaughtering sacred cows.
Another American creation, and another thing we do better than anyone else. At its very best, stand-up comedy is a genuine art form, and it's a distinctly American art—bold, self-deprecating, built upon slaughtering sacred cows.
https://x.com/njhochman/status/1794422753975562500
11. Mountains
America's mountains have captivated our greatest writers, artists and poets—and have shaped America's sense of itself in profound and enduring ways.
"Alone, far in the wilds and mountains, I hunt,
Wandering, amazed at my own lightness and glee."
-Walt Whitman
America's mountains have captivated our greatest writers, artists and poets—and have shaped America's sense of itself in profound and enduring ways.
"Alone, far in the wilds and mountains, I hunt,
Wandering, amazed at my own lightness and glee."
-Walt Whitman
12. Insane People
American boldness is a kind of insanity. It's written into our famous deeds—but also in the long-forgotten stories of nameless everyday Americans.
The same nation that gave us the Alamo and Custer’s Last Stand also gave us men like Thomas Fitzpatrick:
American boldness is a kind of insanity. It's written into our famous deeds—but also in the long-forgotten stories of nameless everyday Americans.
The same nation that gave us the Alamo and Custer’s Last Stand also gave us men like Thomas Fitzpatrick:
13. Theme Parks
Amusement parks evolved from European fairs, but—like many things—they were refined and perfected in America. The rollercoasters, cotton candy, and various competitions and shows are an essential and magical part of American childhood.
Amusement parks evolved from European fairs, but—like many things—they were refined and perfected in America. The rollercoasters, cotton candy, and various competitions and shows are an essential and magical part of American childhood.
14. Backyard Barbecues
Barbecues are one of those little pieces of American life that you might take for granted, until you spend long periods of time outside of the country, and notice their absence. They're an American institution that transcends class, race, and geography.
Barbecues are one of those little pieces of American life that you might take for granted, until you spend long periods of time outside of the country, and notice their absence. They're an American institution that transcends class, race, and geography.
15. Small Towns
The small American town is another feature of our way of life that has influenced our literature, art, and culture in powerful ways. There's a quiet dignity to small-town America that dates back to the earliest European settlements. Some things never change.
The small American town is another feature of our way of life that has influenced our literature, art, and culture in powerful ways. There's a quiet dignity to small-town America that dates back to the earliest European settlements. Some things never change.
16. The Heroic Male Lead
From John Wayne to Clint Eastwood, the heroic, swashbuckling male movie lead both reflected and shaped the uniquely American conception of masculinity—and served as the prototype of the quintessential American Man.
From John Wayne to Clint Eastwood, the heroic, swashbuckling male movie lead both reflected and shaped the uniquely American conception of masculinity—and served as the prototype of the quintessential American Man.
17. National Parks
The American novelist Wallace Stegner called our national park system "the best idea we ever had."
We've had a lot of great ideas in our 248 years together as a country. But it's tough to argue that the national parks aren't up there near the top.
The American novelist Wallace Stegner called our national park system "the best idea we ever had."
We've had a lot of great ideas in our 248 years together as a country. But it's tough to argue that the national parks aren't up there near the top.
18. The Western Frontier
"American democracy was born of no theorist's dream; it was not carried in...the Mayflower to Plymouth. It came out of the American forest, and it gained new strength each time it touched a new frontier." - Frederick Jackson Turner
"American democracy was born of no theorist's dream; it was not carried in...the Mayflower to Plymouth. It came out of the American forest, and it gained new strength each time it touched a new frontier." - Frederick Jackson Turner
19. Norman Rockwell
Norman Rockwell was perhaps the most American of all the American artists. He was deeply in love with America; and America was deeply in love with him.
If you want to understand the American way of life, there is no better visual artist in our history.
Norman Rockwell was perhaps the most American of all the American artists. He was deeply in love with America; and America was deeply in love with him.
If you want to understand the American way of life, there is no better visual artist in our history.
20. High School Prom
Other countries have debutante balls or "formals," but high school prom—the attire, the "promposal," the after-parties—is an American creation and tradition.
Other countries have debutante balls or "formals," but high school prom—the attire, the "promposal," the after-parties—is an American creation and tradition.
21. Interstate Highways
So many of the things we love about America—the road trips, the national parks, the great West—are tied to our interstate highways.
In a sense, they make us one nation and people, connecting us to one another—and to the land we live in together.
So many of the things we love about America—the road trips, the national parks, the great West—are tied to our interstate highways.
In a sense, they make us one nation and people, connecting us to one another—and to the land we live in together.
22. AM Talk Radio
Turn on any car radio and you're treated to a wide range of American opinions—on sports, politics, faith, etc. Some may have moved online. But if you go to any construction site or car shop in America, chances are they’re still listening the old-fashioned way.
Turn on any car radio and you're treated to a wide range of American opinions—on sports, politics, faith, etc. Some may have moved online. But if you go to any construction site or car shop in America, chances are they’re still listening the old-fashioned way.
23. American Breakfast
In much of the West, breakfast is a pitiful affair: A dainty little plate of pastries, maybe a poached egg.
America does it right: Eggs—scrambled or fried—bacon, toast, hash browns, pancakes, orange juice, coffee, etc.
(We'll add the next 27 below...)
In much of the West, breakfast is a pitiful affair: A dainty little plate of pastries, maybe a poached egg.
America does it right: Eggs—scrambled or fried—bacon, toast, hash browns, pancakes, orange juice, coffee, etc.
(We'll add the next 27 below...)
24. American Phrases
There are hundreds of American sayings, phrases and idioms that most Americans don't even know are unique to us. "This side of the Mississippi," "Plead the fifth," "Give it your best shot," "Knock it out of the park," "Beating a dead horse," etc.
There are hundreds of American sayings, phrases and idioms that most Americans don't even know are unique to us. "This side of the Mississippi," "Plead the fifth," "Give it your best shot," "Knock it out of the park," "Beating a dead horse," etc.
25. Museums
We're not just talking about the big, famous American museums—although those are great too. In America, every little town has its own local museum, curated by an old local with an encyclopedic knowledge of his or her home's history.
We're not just talking about the big, famous American museums—although those are great too. In America, every little town has its own local museum, curated by an old local with an encyclopedic knowledge of his or her home's history.
26. Wilderness
From the untamed vastness of the West, to the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, to the gloomy fog of the rocky coasts at the easternmost edge of the great American continent, America is one of the last few developed countries you can truly get lost in.
From the untamed vastness of the West, to the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, to the gloomy fog of the rocky coasts at the easternmost edge of the great American continent, America is one of the last few developed countries you can truly get lost in.
27. Texas
Every state in the Union has its own unique character and charms. But no other state has as distinctive or famous an identity as Texas. Texas is American, of course—essentially American—but it's also something akin to its own nation, in and of itself.
Every state in the Union has its own unique character and charms. But no other state has as distinctive or famous an identity as Texas. Texas is American, of course—essentially American—but it's also something akin to its own nation, in and of itself.
28. Roadside Gas Stations
At least two other things we named—road trips and highways—wouldn't be what they are without the wild, magical, and occasionally bizarre (but mostly in an awesome way) world of American gas stations.
At least two other things we named—road trips and highways—wouldn't be what they are without the wild, magical, and occasionally bizarre (but mostly in an awesome way) world of American gas stations.
29. Over-The-Top, Chauvinistic, In-Your-Face Patriotism
And you'll be sorry that you messed with
The U S of A
'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass
It's the American way
And you'll be sorry that you messed with
The U S of A
'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass
It's the American way
30. Sports Culture
In the rest of the West, there’s one major sport that everyone rallies around: Soccer. (Cricket and rugby are a far second place). In America, we have football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. All four play huge roles in our shared identity and folkways.
In the rest of the West, there’s one major sport that everyone rallies around: Soccer. (Cricket and rugby are a far second place). In America, we have football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. All four play huge roles in our shared identity and folkways.
31. Home Runs
We had to give this its own spot. There are many magical moments in American sports, but nothing has the same mythology as the home run. Every American above a certain age can tell you exactly where they were during certain famous homers.
We had to give this its own spot. There are many magical moments in American sports, but nothing has the same mythology as the home run. Every American above a certain age can tell you exactly where they were during certain famous homers.
32. The West Coast
Vast beaches, impenetrable forests, towering mountains, high deserts, and perhaps the most famous regional cultures in modern world history.
Vast beaches, impenetrable forests, towering mountains, high deserts, and perhaps the most famous regional cultures in modern world history.
33. The East Coast
Idyllic colonial-era towns, cities that are the beating heart of world, and regions where the early and most formative periods of American history are quite literally written into in the landscape.
Idyllic colonial-era towns, cities that are the beating heart of world, and regions where the early and most formative periods of American history are quite literally written into in the landscape.
34. American Music
Jazz, Motown, Rock N’ Roll, Hip Hop—these are distinctly American art forms. There are entire genres of music that have taken the world by storm that could only have ever been made here, in America, by Americans.
Jazz, Motown, Rock N’ Roll, Hip Hop—these are distinctly American art forms. There are entire genres of music that have taken the world by storm that could only have ever been made here, in America, by Americans.
35. Great American Cities
Boston. New York. Miami. Chicago. Nashville. Los Angeles. Entire worlds are contained in each and every one of these places. America's great cities contain more dynamism, creativity, and potential than any other place in human history.
Boston. New York. Miami. Chicago. Nashville. Los Angeles. Entire worlds are contained in each and every one of these places. America's great cities contain more dynamism, creativity, and potential than any other place in human history.
36. Astronauts
Maybe children in other countries grow up wanting to be astronauts, too. But ours went to the moon first—everyone else's is just a cheap imitation.
Maybe children in other countries grow up wanting to be astronauts, too. But ours went to the moon first—everyone else's is just a cheap imitation.
37. Cheeseburgers
Anyone who has spent time in Europe knows that they still haven’t figured out the art of the burger. There are some foods, we admit, that the Europeans do better than us. But when it comes to burgers, America remains the undefeated heavyweight champ.
Anyone who has spent time in Europe knows that they still haven’t figured out the art of the burger. There are some foods, we admit, that the Europeans do better than us. But when it comes to burgers, America remains the undefeated heavyweight champ.
38. Front Porches
...or back porches. Just porches in general. Another quintessentially American institution that shows up time and time again, in everything from our movies to our books to our art—even our philosophy.
...or back porches. Just porches in general. Another quintessentially American institution that shows up time and time again, in everything from our movies to our books to our art—even our philosophy.
39. Huge American Flags
Everything's bigger (and better) in America.
Everything's bigger (and better) in America.
40. Boating
Our country is filled with lakes, reservoirs and (of course) oceans on either side. Almost as soon as Americans got here, we started figuring out creative ways to have fun on them.
Our country is filled with lakes, reservoirs and (of course) oceans on either side. Almost as soon as Americans got here, we started figuring out creative ways to have fun on them.
41. Optimism
This may strike some people as odd, given how pessimistic so many people are—for good reason—about the state of our country. But if you travel the world, you might be surprised: There’s still a can-do attitude that distinguishes Americans from any other people.
This may strike some people as odd, given how pessimistic so many people are—for good reason—about the state of our country. But if you travel the world, you might be surprised: There’s still a can-do attitude that distinguishes Americans from any other people.
42. The Backroads
America's secret wonders lie at the end of a wilderness road. There are hidden worlds here, in your own country, waiting to be discovered.
America's secret wonders lie at the end of a wilderness road. There are hidden worlds here, in your own country, waiting to be discovered.
43. Main Street
This is where America happens.
This is where America happens.
44. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yet another glorious American invention. (And yet another one we do better than anybody else). Invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield—owner of Toll House Inn—in Whitman, Massachusetts in 1938.
Yet another glorious American invention. (And yet another one we do better than anybody else). Invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield—owner of Toll House Inn—in Whitman, Massachusetts in 1938.
45. American Indians
The first inhabitants of North America have always occupied an outsized place in the American imagination—from our sports logos and teams to traditions like Thanksgiving.
The first inhabitants of North America have always occupied an outsized place in the American imagination—from our sports logos and teams to traditions like Thanksgiving.
46. Free Refills
Yet another place where America just does it better than anybody else.
We think @rcbl described it best:
Yet another place where America just does it better than anybody else.
We think @rcbl described it best:
47. A White Christmas
Okay, this might be one thing where some other countries have something similar. But in countries like Australia, Christmas happens in the summer. Nothing against Australians, but we think that's barbaric and wrong. We'll take the snow and hot chocolate.
Okay, this might be one thing where some other countries have something similar. But in countries like Australia, Christmas happens in the summer. Nothing against Australians, but we think that's barbaric and wrong. We'll take the snow and hot chocolate.
48. Regional Accents
New York (New Yoawk)
Boston (Bahstan)
Nashville (Nayushville)
Minnesota (Minnesoohta)
New York (New Yoawk)
Boston (Bahstan)
Nashville (Nayushville)
Minnesota (Minnesoohta)
49. Milkshakes
Milkshakes.
Milkshakes.
50. American Ingenuity.
America built the modern world. Even that which we didn't invent, we perfected. (Watch our video on this below).
If you made it all the way through, you're a patriot.
And if you like our content, give us a follow: @America_2100
America built the modern world. Even that which we didn't invent, we perfected. (Watch our video on this below).
If you made it all the way through, you're a patriot.
And if you like our content, give us a follow: @America_2100
https://x.com/America_2100/status/1795495902661984405
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