American Anomalies: 12 Things You Can (Legally) Do in the U.S. But Nowhere Else
Americans brag about the freedoms that they have in their country. It is quite astonishing to see what they are allowed to do, which in most countries would be banned. The other countries may not be restricting freedom but may be putting up logical laws. In the U.S., freedom is what the country was founded upon, and here are twelve things that you can do legally that are banned in a lot of the world.
1. Owning Exotic Pets
It is true that in America, you are allowed to own exotic pets. At one point in life, the famous boxer Mike Tyson owned three Bengal Tigers. Then, many people may own pythons, snakes, or even monkeys. The list goes on for exotic pets being owned in the U.S.A. Many countries in the world ban the ownership of exotic pets, like many countries in the Middle East. In the U.K., you need a special license to have an exotic pet.
2. Corporal Punishment in Schools
Is spanking in schools allowed? Many states in the U.S.A. still allow it. The schools probably do not do that, but it is permitted. Most of the world frowns upon these types of rules.
3. Child Labor Laws While Farming
In agriculture, children are allowed to be hired at the age of 12 as long as the work is not hazardous. In most other employment, a child must be 14 years old. The children are allowed to work an unlimited number of hours in agriculture. In most other jobs, there is a limit on hours in a day and a week. Many countries have limits on child labor.
4. Carrying Concealed Weapons
Many states in the U.S.A. allow the concealment of weapons, which differentiates it from many other countries. The fact that you are allowed to conceal weapons could be a reason for the amount of crime related to guns, but in other countries, there are many strict laws about gun ownership.
5. Drive Thru Liquor Stores
If you search the internet for countries with drive-thru liquor stores, you will find the U.S.A. and Australia. Many countries have state-run stores that have certain opening and closing times. You will find some of these regulations in certain parts of the states. Often, they are called Blue Laws, like no alcohol sales on Saturday.
6. Weird Baby Names
Sometimes, you see celebrities name their child differently. That is not so bad, but you may come across some athletes with the weirdest names and think, “what were their parents thinking?” In the U.S.A., it is perfectly fine to name your kid “Ha-Ha” or “Kool Aid”, but in many countries, specific names are banned. Denmark has a list of 18,000 girl names and 15,000 boy names. Many countries will not allow you just to write whatever name you want; you must have an approved name.
7. Being Fired For No Good Reason
In 49 of the 50 states in America, there is something called “At-will” employment. That means the employer has the right to fire their employees for no good reason. In Montana, they must have a valid reason to fire their employees. In most countries, employees have more rights, allowing them to keep their positions unless there is a valid reason for termination.
8. Turning Right on a Red Light
Have you ever driven a car in another country? Laws are different, and in some countries, drivers drive on the opposite side of the road. One thing that is quite different is turning on red lights. In most countries, turning right (or left in Australia and New Zealand) on a red light is illegal. So make sure you know some of the laws before driving to another country.
9. Food Dyes
Did you know that some food dyes are banned in other countries but not in the U.S.? It is true. One of the big food coloring dyes is Red #40, which is banned in many countries in Europe. They are considered harmful additives. The US FDA could regulate food colors, but many foods like Fruit Loops still have it in them, so it is banned from Europe.
10. Ketchup in School Cafeterias
School cafeterias may be where you would not realize that things are banned. In the U.S.A., you can pick up your food tray, some French Fries, and Ketchup. Some countries, like France, have banned Ketchup from their schools. In 2011, France banned Ketchup in schools unless it was with fries. This was to help preserve their cuisine. You would probably not find much Ketchup in Parisian cafes anyway.
11. Bounty Hunters
When someone is arrested, they will have a bond paid to get them out. If the person does not attend court, the bondsman can hire a bounty hunter to find them. They do not need to follow the same rules as law enforcement. These bounty hunters were prevalent worldwide but have been largely outlawed by every major country except the U.S.A.
12. Chewing Gum
You would think chewing gum would be something everyone allowed. That would be wrong. Chewing Gum has been banned in Singapore since 1992. The city is very clean due to its harsh laws, and people like it. So be careful where you chew gum. You never know if there is a law against it.
Myths Busted: 15 Legal Actions You Thought Were Illegal
Have you ever wondered if what you are doing is legal or not? It may come as a surprise, but numerous laws in different states make you wonder about the legality of specific actions. The items on this list are all legal but have certain parts that make them legal in certain states.
Myths Busted: 15 Legal Actions You Thought Were Illegal
13 Major Regrets People Have After Moving to Florida
Florida is a unique place for many who live there or think about living there. You have the beautiful beaches, the sunshine that goes on and on for endless days, and the tropical citrus fruit. Then you have everything else that may make you question whether it was such a great idea to move to the Sunshine State after all.
13 Major Regrets People Have After Moving to Florida
Tipping Is Out of Control! 18 Times You Should Not Tip
Tipping etiquette can be complicated. Especially since tipping has expanded fast, too. Where you only needed to top waiters, bartenders, and hairdressers a couple of years back, you’re expected to tip in a lot more establishments now. A recent study by WalletHub found that 3 in 4 Americans thinks tipping got out of control. 64% of Americans express that tipping should be something you give what you want instead of something that’s expected. However, in certain places, you don’t have to fret over it.
