As North America has a massive media industry, from movies to television, the rest of the world is often left passively absorbing American culture through our media consumption. But, sometimes after watching a movie set in a high school, we’re left wondering if that is an accurate representation of reality.

If you’re American, you might not even think that some of these things are strange. But for the rest of the world, it is kind of weird to think that the TV shows we watch might actually be showing real elements of your lives.

And let’s note, all these questions are just about little everyday things--don’t even get us started on the questions we have about your politics! 

1. Is it the same this as hot chocolate?

Do Americans actually call it 'hot cocoa'

— Elle #BLM (@Eleanormpl) June 17, 2020

2. Question:

do americans really say “question” before they ask a question or is that just in movies?🗿

— leaving📌 (@qtkyoo) June 10, 2020

3. I mean they're okay...

Do Americans actually get excited about fireplaces or is that just TV?

— The Limp Fairy (@Limp_Fairy) July 26, 2020

4. Very strange

do americans actually call their friends parents like “mrs ____” etc ?? or is that a thing only in movies because i just call my friends parents by their first names

— EVIE ∆ (@shcbangsthedrum) May 7, 2020

5. I hope they do it looks like fun

so do americans actually decorate their lockers?? or is that just in movies

— 𝖔𝖗𝖑𝖆⁷🌸 fᴇᴠᴇʀ ⧖ (@lovetrivialove) June 15, 2020

6. This is lame

wait do americans actually call people losers and use the word lame to describe things?? like unironically?? pls tell me that’s just a movie thing

— hannah (@professorhuIk) July 28, 2020

7. What does it teach you?

Do Americans actually do a rope climb during PE or gym ?

— BLACK LIVES MATTER (@Kaylee_Crystal) July 29, 2020

8. I'm glad some parts of movies are accurate

Do Americans actually say words like jerk and douche or is it just in films 😂

— mol (@molgibbs) July 29, 2020

9. Do Americans seriously dip pizza?

do americans really eat pizza with ranch

— sara 📌 RUBY DAY 🎉 (@TANGYRO) June 23, 2020

10. Constantly?

do americans really call themselves with their last names constantly or is it just an american tv show thing

— love, sarah 🍋 (@KeptinOnZeBridg) May 12, 2020

11. I mean I guess the jam counteracts the chewiness of the peanut butter?

do americans actually eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or is that just some inside joke u all have??

— Izzi Taylor (@izzi_taylor) May 12, 2020

12. Yeah what the hell do these things do?

Do Americans actually have garbage disposal things in their kitchens that rip everything up

— •..×➒ Kina ♥️ (@Kina_Matata) May 5, 2020

13. Do they lock?

Do Americans actually have those mailboxes on the end of their driveways that just open completely? Do people not steal the mail from them??

— nicole (@maydaybaerade) April 10, 2020

14. It's basically just peanut butter then?

Do Americans really put peanut butter on celery or are you pulling my leg?

— Delirious Sicknasty (@dsicknasty) June 15, 2020

15. This seems like it would be stressful

do americans really do that prom queen thing ?

— folklore kaja (@melo1ore) April 30, 2020

16. Is lab partner synonymous with "person you sit next to"?

Do Americans really have lab partners if so what do they do with them

— anosh (@omarsgiggles) April 17, 2020

17. Can't decide if this makes it easier or harder?

wait do americans seriously have whole tests that are multiple choice??? is that a thing??

— matilda ☂︎ TUA SPOILERS!!! (@kraken_seance) July 17, 2020

18. Ew... I mean aside from anything else it'd be hot

Do Americans actually eat bacon with their fingers or is that just on films and telly?

— Megan Merrett (@megomerrett) July 2, 2020

19. This would just be way too awkward!!!

do americans actually slow dance at school dances or is that just in the movies

— ruth (@karlakissez) June 10, 2020

20. Guys, please, just take them off

Guys do Americans actually walk in the house with shoes?

— L.A.B (@max_lus) July 28, 2020

21. THIS IS SO MESSED UP

do americans actually stand up and salute to a flag every day at school ...

— alf (@alfadamson) July 21, 2020

22. WHY

do americans actually have school mascots or is that just a tv thing??????

— cam ☄︎ SPIN OFF (@dreamdoie) July 19, 2020

23. Gross

do americans really say booger and barf

— amber (•ө•)♡ (@floatign) July 17, 2020

24. Do they just think kids won't come back???

Do Americans really need hall passes???? 😳😳😳 You don't just go?

— whorevina (@whorevina) July 18, 2020

25. In conclusion: really, America? Are y'all okay?

Fellow non-Americans, please leave any additional questions in the comments!

And, Americans, please put us out of our misery and tell us the truth!

via GIPHY