American chain restaurants remain popular due to their familiarity, nostalgic value, and consistent experience, which emotionally connect with customers and help them withstand economic and industry challenges, with brands leveraging social media and pop culture to reinforce their appeal.
The article criticizes the unruly and toxic behavior of US fans at the Ryder Cup, linking it to broader issues in American culture of loudness and hostility, and highlights the event's poor response to misconduct, reflecting a societal decline in public decorum.
The article criticizes Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav for his recent decisions to split the company into two entities, effectively undoing the merger that combined WarnerMedia and Discovery. It argues that Zaslav's focus on divesting from traditional media assets and his apparent lack of innovative ideas are detrimental to American culture, highlighting his controversial handling of properties like HBO Max, sports rights, and news outlets like CNN.
An anthropologist's cross-country journey reveals deep social and cultural divides in America, highlighting the importance of neighborliness and collective solidarity to bridge these gaps amid rising suspicion and xenophobia.
In 2024, podcasting significantly influenced American culture, with key moments highlighting its integration with digital video and its role in political and social discourse. Notable events included a controversial AI-generated comedy special, allegations against Neil Gaiman, JJ Redick's transition from podcasting to coaching, and Donald Trump's strategic use of podcasts to engage young voters. The medium's impact was further underscored by high-profile interviews, such as Kamala Harris on "Call Her Daddy," and Katt Williams's explosive appearance on "Club Shay Shay."
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is beloved for its rich tradition, marking the start of the holiday season with its iconic floats, performances, and balloons. It brings families together, creating a sense of nostalgia and community, and is a staple of American culture and holiday celebrations.
The new documentary 'Beatles '64,' produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by David Tedeschi, explores the Beatles' transformative impact on American culture during their 1964 U.S. tour. The film, featuring restored footage by the Maysles brothers, highlights the band's influence on gender norms and fan culture, portraying the fervor of Beatlemania and the empowerment of their fans. Premiering on Disney+ on November 29, the documentary includes insights from notable figures like Paul McCartney and Smokey Robinson, celebrating the Beatles' enduring legacy.
The author shares their personal dislike for hot dogs, despite their popularity in American culture, especially during Memorial Day cookouts. They recount childhood trauma and social pressures that contributed to their aversion, and even after a recent taste test, they remain unimpressed. The piece highlights the feeling of being an outlier in a society that loves hot dogs.
The Ford Bronco, initially designed for outdoor enthusiasts, became an iconic symbol in American culture after O.J. Simpson's infamous slow-speed chase in 1994. The vehicle, associated with the former football star's attempt to evade arrest for the murder of his ex-wife and her friend, is now displayed in a Tennessee crime museum. The chase, watched by millions, contributed to the Bronco's cultural significance, although the model was already facing decline due to competition from family-friendly SUVs. The museum's marketing director notes the enduring mystery and fascination surrounding the event, as it remains a shared memory for many Americans.
Fox News has introduced a new American Culture Quiz that tests knowledge of American bands, films, and pop culture. The quiz consists of eight questions and is available every Monday. Participants can access the quiz through the Fox News website and are encouraged to return weekly for new quizzes.
The 2024 Whitney Biennial, titled "Even Better Than the Real Thing," showcases a shift towards conceptual art focused on bodies in flux, departing from explicit political statements. The exhibition features sleek, clean, and largely colorless works, including sculptures, paintings, and sound pieces that evoke alternate corporeal states without directly representing them. The show deliberately frustrates and refuses to conform, with a deliberate focus on Black and trans artists. While lacking explicit references to global strife, the exhibition presents a diverse range of art that challenges traditional notions of American culture and history.
After the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victory celebration, a shooting occurred at the subsequent parade, resulting in one fatality and 22 injuries. The incident highlighted the collision of disparate elements of American culture and the pervasiveness of mass shootings in the United States, even at events like parades. The shooting served as a grim reminder of the lack of safety in public spaces and the regularity of such tragic events in the country.
The article offers a satirical perspective on America's cultural right, drawing parallels to Jonathan Swift's famous satirical works. It presents a thought-provoking societal critique through a Swiftian lens, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within American culture and politics.
A recent Twitter drama between the US and UK sparked a discussion about American things that puzzle British people, including using grades to describe age, sweet potato casserole, microwaving water for tea, calling it "math" instead of "maths," and the friendliness of Americans. The list also includes confusion about American habits such as toasting marshmallows, the use of "xx" in messages, and the way Americans tell non-Americans what specific state they're from.
American scientist Michelle Francl has stirred controversy by suggesting that a pinch of salt can improve the taste of a cup of tea in her new book "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea." This advice has sparked outrage among British tea-lovers, with the U.S. Embassy in London humorously intervening to reassure that adding salt to tea is not official U.S. policy. Francl's book delves into the chemical compounds in tea and offers tips on brewing a better cup, including using a pre-warmed pot, agitating the tea bag vigorously, and adding milk after the tea.