1. Promposals
High school students asking each other to prom used to be a simple “Will you go with me?” Now, “promposals” can involve elaborate signs, choreographed dances, or even flash mobs. Social media has amplified the trend, making it feel like a performance for an audience. Some see it as cute; others think it’s unnecessary pressure on teenagers.
The debate isn’t just about effort—it’s also about cost and expectations. Students sometimes spend hundreds on decorations or props, which can leave others feeling left out if they can’t afford the same. Teachers and parents occasionally weigh in, wondering if it overshadows the actual event. The result is a yearly cycle of over-the-top creativity and mild controversy.
2. Daylight Saving Time
Every March and November, Americans adjust their clocks forward or backward an hour—and then argue about whether it’s worth it. The idea began during World War I to conserve energy, but studies have since questioned whether it actually saves electricity. Some states want to make it permanent, others want to abolish it entirely, and Congress hasn’t agreed on a national policy. Even Americans can’t agree if they’re “gaining” or “losing” sleep.
The confusion ramps up because not all states observe it—Hawaii and most of Arizona opt out. That means someone in Arizona might have the same time as California in the winter but match New Mexico in the summer. Add in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, which also skip it, and you have a scheduling headache. Americans love debating it almost as much as they love complaining about being tired after the change.
3. The Electoral College
The system for electing the U.S. president isn’t a straightforward popular vote, and even many Americans have trouble explaining it. Instead, each state gets a certain number of electoral votes, and those votes—not the nationwide total—decide the winner. This means someone can win the popular vote but lose the presidency, which has happened multiple times. People on both sides of the aisle question whether it’s still fair in a modern democracy.
The original idea was to balance influence between small and large states, but the way votes are distributed today makes some states far more politically important than others. Swing states like Florida or Pennsylvania get flooded with campaign attention, while others barely see a candidate. Critics say it gives disproportionate power to rural voters, while defenders say it prevents big cities from dominating. No one seems happy with it when their side loses.
4. Black Friday Shopping
The day after Thanksgiving, some Americans wake up before dawn—or skip sleep entirely—to line up for massive sales. Retailers advertise doorbuster deals that can draw crowds so big they’ve occasionally led to stampedes. For some, it’s a fun tradition to kick off the holiday season; for others, it’s a chaotic display of consumerism at its worst. Online shopping has taken some of the edge off, but in-person frenzy still exists.
What makes it contentious is that many stores now open on Thanksgiving Day itself, sparking debates over whether it ruins the holiday. Workers often have to choose between family time and earning holiday pay. Some shoppers boycott in protest, while others happily take advantage of the early deals. Either way, it’s a love-it-or-hate-it tradition that refuses to die.
5. The Pledge of Allegiance in Schools
In many public schools, students start their day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance while facing the flag. It’s meant to foster patriotism, but the practice has drawn criticism for feeling forced. Legally, students can opt out, but not all schools make that clear. The “under God” phrase, added in 1954, is especially controversial in debates about separation of church and state.
Supporters see it as a harmless tradition and a reminder of national unity. Opponents argue it pressures children into making a political or religious statement they may not understand or agree with. Court cases over the pledge have gone to the Supreme Court more than once. Even among Americans, opinions range from “essential” to “outdated.”
6. The Role of Thanksgiving Foods
Ask ten Americans what belongs on a Thanksgiving table, and you’ll get ten different answers. Turkey is the centerpiece for most, but regional differences are huge—cornbread stuffing in the South, oyster dressing in coastal states, or tamales in Texas. Disagreements can turn into lighthearted family feuds, especially over cranberry sauce from a can versus homemade. And don’t even bring up whether sweet potatoes should have marshmallows.
The holiday itself is celebrated as a day of gratitude, but its history is complicated, tied to colonial settlement and Native American displacement. Some families incorporate education or acknowledgement of that history into the meal, while others stick strictly to the food and football. The blending of tradition and reinterpretation keeps it in flux. That’s why Thanksgiving can look wildly different from one household to the next.
7. Tipping Culture
In the U.S., tipping isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected, and often at 15–20% or more. This is because federal law allows restaurants to pay servers a lower “tipped minimum wage” under the assumption that tips make up the difference. Many visitors find it confusing, and plenty of Americans resent feeling like they have to calculate percentages at the end of every meal. There’s endless debate over whether tips should be optional or built into menu prices.
The awkwardness comes when people don’t know when or how much to tip—should you tip for takeout? A haircut? A coffee? Point-of-sale systems now prompt customers to leave tips for almost everything, which has sparked “tip fatigue.” Some restaurants have tried “no-tipping” models, but many reverted after pushback from staff and customers. It’s a conversation that never quite gets resolved.
8. College Sports Obsession
In the U.S., college sports—especially football and basketball—draw massive crowds and generate millions in revenue. Some universities have stadiums bigger than those for professional teams. Fans paint their faces, travel cross-country, and build traditions around tailgating. For many, it’s a cherished community ritual.
But others find it strange that amateur athletics can be such a national focus. Critics point out that athletes often aren’t paid directly, even though their performance brings in money for schools and TV networks. The recent introduction of “Name, Image, Likeness” deals for players has added fuel to the debate. Love it or hate it, college sports are a uniquely American spectacle.
9. Homecoming Week
Homecoming started as a way for colleges to welcome back alumni, but now even high schools throw multi-day events. There’s often a football game, a dance, themed dress-up days, and even parades. Some towns treat it like a mini holiday, shutting down streets for the festivities. Others see it as a strange, overly elaborate tradition for something that’s not a major holiday.
The confusion partly comes from the word itself—many people assume “homecoming” is about returning students, but most attendees are current students. It’s also heavily tied to sports culture, which not everyone enjoys. Still, it’s a bonding event for many communities. Whether it’s endearing or baffling depends on who you ask.
10. Open-Container Laws
In most U.S. states, it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces like sidewalks or parks. But the rules vary so widely that even Americans get mixed up. New Orleans’ French Quarter and parts of Las Vegas allow it, making them exceptions tourists love. Step outside those zones, though, and you can get fined.
The inconsistency creates confusion for people traveling between states or even cities. Some argue these laws encourage private drinking and reduce public disturbances. Others think they’re outdated and unfairly target certain groups. The patchwork of regulations keeps the debate alive.
11. The Super Bowl as a Cultural Event
The Super Bowl isn’t just a football game—it’s a national spectacle. Millions watch for the halftime show, the commercials, or just the excuse to eat too many chicken wings. For some, it’s as important as any holiday. For others, it’s baffling why a single game gets that much attention.
The divide comes from how differently people engage with it. Sports fans treat it like the ultimate championship, while non-fans may only care about the music or food. Companies spend millions on ads, making them part of the entertainment. It’s both a unifying and polarizing event.
12. Regional BBQ Styles
Barbecue in the U.S. isn’t one thing—it’s a collection of fiercely defended regional styles. Kansas City loves sweet, tomato-based sauces, Texas prefers dry rubs and beef, while Carolina barbecue often features vinegar or mustard. Ask a pitmaster which is best, and you might start a friendly (or not-so-friendly) argument. Even the definition of “barbecue” can vary—some mean slow-smoked meat, others mean anything cooked on a grill.
These differences go beyond flavor into cultural pride. Festivals, competitions, and TV shows spotlight the rivalries. Some people travel just to sample different styles and judge for themselves. It’s delicious, but definitely divisive.
13. Pumpkin Spice Season
Every fall, pumpkin spice products take over coffee shops, grocery stores, and social media. It started with the pumpkin spice latte, but now there’s pumpkin spice everything—from cereal to dog treats. Fans see it as a cozy, seasonal tradition that signals the start of autumn. Critics call it overhyped marketing.
The funny part is that most “pumpkin spice” products don’t actually contain pumpkin—just cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. That hasn’t stopped the flavor from becoming a billion-dollar industry. Some people count down the days until it returns, while others roll their eyes. Either way, it’s here to stay.
This post 13 American Traditions So Confusing Even Americans Don’t Agree on Them was first published on American Charm.
