It is so refreshing to hear someone saying positive things about the USA, instead of people complaining about taxes, tips, portion size, bathroom stall gaps, etc.
I always find it funny how Europeans spout being more liberal and progressive and open minded yet they are so ignorant to think bathroom stall gaps actually are an issue or something 🤷🏻♂️
taxes are horrible, but everything else makes up for it tbh taxes we have to pay: income tax, payroll tax, property tax, consumption tax, tariff, capitation, fees/tolls, effective taxes, and theres a few more. but because we pay those we have strongest military, the rights we have, our justice system, and more
Very underappreciated fact by people outside of the US and one of the reasons I really dislike PPP (purchasing power parity). The cost of renting a tiny NYC apartment is much higher than the mortgage payment on a nice roomy house in the Midwest. Move out a little further, but in reasonable driving range, and space is even cheaper. And groceries cost a lot more in the LA are or NYC.
@@recoil53 it's higher than rent or mortgage in the rest of NY. The house prices in NY are mostly $100k to $300k, a 3800sq ft house in NY sells for $230k today.
yup, where im at in NC, it costs about 250/month for a 1200 ft^2 building plus utilities. Then in lets say NY city, cost is about 3000/month for a tiny apartment you can maybe fit 10 people in. its crazy
This woman is lucky. We, as American born, American raised are struggling with income and the price of living. If it wasn't for family I would be homeless
The biggest problem living in America is being able to afford somewhere to live and live comfortable. I've noticed there's not much showing of the homeless problem in this country. I'm 67 years old and when I was young if you were homeless you were just considered a bum and just didn't want to work. Nowadays if your homeless, it's because real estate and rental property is blown out of proportion because high paying jobs are scarce.
My father told my mother that she could charge whatever she wanted, but the bill had to be paid off every month. I live by that advice, and pay my card off every month. You need to be disciplined with your budget.
"Home is where the heart is." The majority of Americans work hard for what they got and what they want, she is correct, you need to sacrifice your "young person's freedom to do nothing but, socialize all day and night" and buckle down, get to work on personal goals, to achieve your goals of "the American dream".
I totally agree with her. American dream worked for me. Even though I was underpaid my entire life, I still saved every year. Drove used, but dependable cars. Avoided expensive vacations and addictions. Stayed away from debt. While working one or two jobs, I built a series of small, but profitable companies on the side. Am now comfortably retired with successful children. Bit by bit, I built a little slice of heaven here on Earth.
The cost of living in America varies greatly from region to region and whether you live in a rural or urban area. For instance, a house that costs $250,000 in Indiana will cost you around $1,000,000 for a comparable house in California.
Always remember…”the American Dream” is different for everyone. Not everyone wants a big house, tons of money and multiple cars. Many Americans are content with a smaller home big enough for their family on a small piece of ground we call “heaven”. And high paying jobs also means on a deeper level and on many levels, that you give up certain values, principles and freedoms. And many Americans do not make tons of money and have to save many years to be able to purchase a home. It can be a lifetime endeavor.
The term " American Drean " was coined in 1931 by author James Truslow Adams. The basic principal is that anyone has the same oppurtunity to rise in wealth amd status. that a waitor can one day own a resturant. that you can start as a factory floor worker to one day own their own factory. having said all that my favorite quote is by comedian Geroge Carlin and he said " You know why they call it the American Dream dont ya, because you have to be asleep to believe it ".
I agree about Amazon. As a homebound disabled old lady I am dependent on online buying. Amazon is so easy to deal with, and I am actually very grateful for that.
I live in a smaller town and the closest city is over 1 hour away. I have really appreciated online shopping!!! Saves a lot of time, gas and wear and tear on my car!!! I honestly don't know how I would buy nice clothes if it weren't for online stores!!!
It's so easy to get jaded about all the negative things in America. So refreshing to see a different perspective that is so positive. Thank you! Your positive energy is infectious. Love it! ❤ blessings to you and family.
If you haven't seen any videos about Buffalo, NY please look up videos on it, because there are videos of the snowstorms that they recently had. I'm talking 5.5 feet of snow from one storm and they just got hit again by another big snowstorm and it's not officially winter here yet. I live about 4 hours southeast from there and haven't seen much snow so far. I love your videos about America. I hope that you can at least visit here. You will absolutely love it here 💯!
Cost of living depends on the state and city. West coast states have higher gasoline and housing cost, for example. Everything is relative, some places cost more some places cost less.
East coast states have higher gasoline,housing cost,cost of living too. Plus,colder weather also,I once lived in Philly,had a massive blizzard that shut-down the entire city for 2 weeks.Gotta include Philly's high crime rate too,once summer arrived I joined the army to get outta there. LOL.
The more I have experienced, the more I believe it is fine for people to keep their ancestral culture as long as they assimilate to being American First.
That seems weird. I would love to move to Scotland, where my ancestors were from. If I did, I would still be American. I wouldn't call myself Scottish, as if I was born there.
Whatever the hell that means. There’s no such thing as being “American” -German settlers in Wisconsin are american as Creole Cajun people in New Orleans as are Spanish of Florida and Mexicans of New Mexico.
@@Knightowl1980 That’s just ignorant man. An American is a citizen of the United States of America. Saying an American citizen isn’t an American is wild. I get where you’re coming from though, bc there’s many definitions for nationality and ethnicity that we can use to refer to people. I just think you’re wrong
@ I didn’t say they’re not citizens I said there’s no such thing as really being culturally American. You’re not obligated to be so any one thing that considers you American. What does assimilating to America even mean ?
Working ethics are very different in US. As a single parent of 2, I struggled working 40 hours a week. I had 2 weeks vacation per year, but would “sell back” 1 week vacation to my boss (get paid the extra weeks pay for not taking a week). I got a different job and would work a 60 hour week, most of the time and then was able to buy a home.
I love this video and her perspective. These are the things that you need to consider when You are debating whether or not to move here. I would also add healthcare and education. It's so nice to hear a Video that doesn't cover how much ice we use, why we call it football, tipping, Plate size in restaurants, free refills You get my point
You should be afraid of credit cards. Debt is evil. Once you get in debt it's like trying to swim upstream in a waterfall getting out of debt. And they have no mercy. Some debt is necessary, like a mortgage. Keep your debts to a minimum. Delay gratification, save up, use the debit card. You end up with more when you don't play the SPEND NOW game.
i live in la california and work in film and tv.born here.i work 60 hours a week. 35 years. it’s good money but it takes a toll on you. You have no family time. You just work you a lot of good friends, but it’s hard to keep up because you’re not home but the healthcare and the benefits and then setting up your long-term pension it will pay off, but it’s a nightmare. I just spent 14 hours a day working nights in the desert, freezing my butt off and then you can barely stay awake to drive home, which is about an hour from my shooting location.
The American Dream means something different to Americans. To us, the traditional sense is to own a home and be able to live safely and comfortably. To immigrants it means just having an opportunity to thrive. I’m painting in very wide strokes, of course.
In the U.S. Go to school..do your best..keep positive! ..Be able to take a corrective direction! Work hard and learn about your trade/profession. If you get married STAY MARRIED! Be sure you are with the correct one! Keep the debt low and prepare early for retirement!!!! Save! Life is better if you prepare! Listen to your parents and learn from them!
There's a gentleman that lives in Austin Texas, he is from Cairo. He was a financial advisor I believe, anyway he just one day decide to go to Texas not knowing anything about it, went to Austin and tried American barbecue. Fell completely in love with it. Went back to Egypt and was trying to recreate it, but didn't have a lot of success so he did the next best thing and moved to America with just a little bit of money. Went to cooking school over there, and started learning from pitmasters on how to smoke barbecue the correct way. A decade later and now he sells Egyptian influenced smoked barbecue in Austin Texas and he contributes that to the American dream and saying that if you want it you have to work for it. It's not going to be given to you. If you want to be successful in the United States of America you have to work for it. The American dream is alive and well but only if you want it. KG BBQ, that's his food truck in Austin. You should look up his story, it's very motivational.
So correct,you have to work for whatever you want.I did 11 yrs & 6 months as a civilian contracter over-seas ( Iraq,Qatar,Kuwaitt & Afghanistan ) first as a mercenary,then logistics. Been back in the states for 2 yrs now,I work at my local VA hospitol and was shocked at how entitled some people are. Lots of men are lazy too,they wine and moan about an 8 hr work shift,then complain every day about their lives,yet do nothing to improve it. Some men are SIMPS and their wives/girlfriends have to take charge of their house-holds,relationships,etc,etc,.and also push these men to do more of-EVERYTHING. These men say their women are nags,etc,etc,.they're pathetic at best. LOL. Could go on,but,won't.
Use to be a true statement, but not true anymore. I have worked hard all my life and I am barely getting by. Never could get a job that paid much and had to work overtime most of my life and I still have nothing. Some people get all the breaks while others don't. So working hard doesn't matter for a lot of people. And those who come from wealthy families have no idea what it is like to come from a poor family. Yes some people arise from the ashes, but most don't because they are not giving the opportunity.
Without using credit cards to build up your score, the chances of a home loan, particularly under reasonable terms; are very low. It is so expected, that we have a thing called 'secured credit card' where you put a deposit with the bank and they hold it for a term and issue you credit card to use (and pay monthly) as a normal credit card in order to establish credit worthiness.
It depends on how you do it- I have never had a credit card, but I do have a mortgage- I went though a mortgage program that required me to work at the same job for two years and keep my bank records to show how I saved up for the down payment by working. It wasn't easy, because I was working in a kind of abusive and dangerous factory that made trailer hitches, but it was possible.
Gen x. I don't use credit. Just save money and spend currencies. Currencies loose value. Money is a store of value. I don't have debt besides utility and tax bills.
We are a multi-ethnic society and we don’t want a multi-cultural society, no matter where we come from we are Americans. One reason the flag is so important, it reminds us that we are one. The USA is not so much a place as it is an idea.
No, many of us realize the value of a multi-cultural society, which we are. Living in one part of the country is culturally different than living in another. One city is culturally different than another, and we are better for it.
@@BardWannabe You had different habitudes per city with the same culture. A multi-cultural society is a low-trust society. That means criminality, conflict and infighting. Like it or not, human nature is going to come out and they'll want their culture to be the dominant one and they'll clash with each other. A melting pot that assimilates multiple cultures into one is better for it, multiple cultures competing for dominance are not. You are the problem you claim you want to fight. Funny innit?
@BardWannabe No. We are not multicultural. We are supposed to be a melting pot. People who come here may retain their culture but they also must become Americanized. Multiculturalism kills a country's unity. Out of many, one. If we are not united, it will weaken us as a nation. Many European countries that embraced multiculturalism in the past have now, admitted what a huge mistake it was and are fighting to eliminate that problem.
Actually a lot of consumer product prices are scaled to the average income levels around the world. For example a flagship smartphone is gonna run you between $800 and 1200 in America. But in more poverished countries, there's no way that people could afford that, so they'll be cheaper there than in more wealthy countries.
Every one wants better for thier kids? Hence the quote. "Hard times create strong men, Strong men create good times, Good times create weak men, Weak men create hard times." It's a never ending cycle. Look at history?
Sorry, but that's insane on the surface of it. I don't know of anyone that thinks the generation that endured the Great Depression as children then as they came of age had to go off and fight WW2 had it better or easier. That generation faced serious existential challenges. 90% of what we complain about they wouldn't.
@Anon54387 well, I hear young people always complaining they can't afford their "dream house." Well, I never thought of owning a "dream house" (mcmansion) I bought what was in my budget and made it into a home!!! I never complained about having a solid roof over my head.
I don't think I had it better when my dad grew up in a small house with kerosene lanterns in the canyons? Mom told me of how every week, a guy would come thru town, and show a movie on the side of a building for the town. They all sat outside to watch. She graduated 1955. I have NO idea what year, what generation you grew up in? But it wasn't very long ago that people lived like this. When I grew up, I mowed yards, I sold greeting cards door to door. My family were custodians of the bank. During High School, I would get up early for band practice, go to school, then go to football practice, then go home, eat, and we would, as a family go clean the bank. I would get home, have to do homework, then get up next morning to do it all again? I have NO idea what world you live in? I still had time for my friends. Just the way it was? No big deal.
I bought my first car when I was 15. A 1973 Dodge Charger. I didn't want my parents to know, but bank made me get a co-signer. I couldn't drive it till I was 16.
As a born American, it would be obvious for me to love America. Which I do. But only because I’ve traveled the world and I’ve seen all the wonderful people that move here, such incredible, perseverance, and suffering they’ve had in their home countries and they are now here Doing a wonderful job. I find that immigrants are sometimes the most vocal and insistent pat that I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately the country bumps here love America because of racism and I love America because of the exact opposite of racism. Funny you can have 180° different perspectives and end up with some of the same ideals.
When you look at immigration stats, the US has more immigrants living in it than the next three countries... combined. So yeah, a lot of people from other countries still find this a desirable place to live.
You used to be able to start as a server and make your way up as long as you worked hard. But it's much harder now. An example would be you would rent an apartment to save for a home. Most jobs used to provide that possibility. But now rent is so high you can't save the money for a home. Things aren't as possible as some people believe, even for those willing to work hard.
Different accents are so common in the US that I don’t even register it anymore. At work I have Indian, Chinese, Korean, Polish, British, Scottish, German, Mexican, Swedish, Cuban, Puertorrican, etc. coworkers. My neighborhood (suburb) very diverse as well. My kids baseball teams were made up of white, black, and hispanic kids. We even had a kid from Scotland and one from Germany whose family moved to the states for work. It was fun.
_The United States of America_ has been and is now the _Land of Opportunity._ If you are willing to work for it, you can do just about anything. All your limitations are self imposed.
@nautifella: Evidently, you have not lived with many limitations [that are not all are self-imposed]. Your comment is very shallow and short-sighted! Not ALL limitations are fixable.
@@DarkGiratinaGirl666 Is there something in the US that doesn't exist as a limitation elsewhere? Or a limitation that can be overcome elsewhere but not in the US? What is your point and why is not being self-limiting an issue for you? Disabilities and the like are more easily overcome here. Or, are you're talking social ills, like the big R? Please clarify, because it doesn't track as stated.
Short of Native Americans, everybody's descendants came here from other countries. My great-grandparents came from Europe at the turn of the 19th century and worked the anthracite coal mines in Scranton. Then farming for a generation or two and then college for most of the descendants. Most of us in America are European mutts. German, Irish, English, Russian, Spanish, Italian you name it. we're a mixed bag of the whole world. It's really our strength. No limitation of original ideas or different ways to try and do something.
Great to hear good facts about our country. if you come here legely and work at it ,,,you can do very well. Do not move to an expensive city . Texas is my home.
most of us are immigrants. my great-grandfather came here from northern Italy on my mom's side. My great-grandmother was a Blackfoot native American on my fathers side. we were very regular working class people. i worked very hard and bought my first house at 25. it wasn't a TV home that is not realistic, some thing that I loved. my point is that you can!
It's not just people who don't want to work. We have a lot of useless people in this country who can't even achieve mediocrity without help... To prove my point, and this isn't a joke, there is a stat for illiterate medical student, and it isn't 0%.
Unless you come from a wealthy family it is dead for the poor. To me it is dead and I have worked hard my whole life just for mediocre wages and now can barely keep up because of inflation. The cost of housing, food, Healthcare is ridiculous to afford with the wages the wealthy want to pay people.
@@markdossett9100 the “dream” isn’t some communist utopia where you don’t have to work for your stuff. No. The American dream is a guarantee for freedom of choice and opportunity. It is not some sort of expectation for wealth. It is necessary that, in order to achieve the dream, you must have faith and hope and perseverance in your mindset. Don’t just act like you can’t do anything. If you tell yourself you can’t, then you can’t.
@@markdossett9100 as the son of a single mother who worked 3 jobs until she could start her own business, and grandson of an old bus driver who retired to open his own store.. the American dream is most certainly alive and well. And no, not just for the wealthy.
Not sure if it would interest you or how it would play out in a video, but I think people would love to see what you think of American Football. I used to play soccer, but never really got super into watching it like some Europeans do, but after I started spending more time with friends who were fans I got a lot more interested and invested in it. If you do watch Definitely watch a KC Chief's game, I may be a bit biased since they're my home team but they're also currently the top team and watching them play is energizing, seeing them pull off the impossible and make a huge comeback or crazy passes is very thrilling.
When you do visit, you should maybe do like a little road trip of the Southeast side of the US. So maybe from like Eastern VA where you can eat some good seafood by the Chesapeake Bay. Then you can end up in Georgia or Florida by the end of the trip and eat some lobster and BBQ. That vlog would be insane haha.
24:25 Oh, the joys of good neighbors! They don't exist everywhere, but if you have them, your life is so much better! I drive my 92-year-old. old neighbor to the doctor, the grocery, and church. She drove me to the hospital for chemotherapy a couple of years ago. The neighbor across the street helped when a neighbor had a bad fall. The neighbor on the corner keeps an eye on the houses whenever anyone is away. The neighbor with the snowblower does the sidewalk for the entire street! People know who belongs to the neighborhood, so strangers checking out the houses would be noticed. When Mia's house caught on fire, neighbors were there offering shelter till they could find a place to stay, and when they returned, everyone welcomed them home. Even the dogs of the neighborhood know the people there. My sister's dog from Michigan has become good friends with the dogs up the street. I love my neighbors, and I hope they stay for a good long time.
"The American Dream" isn't a single thing. For me, it's providing a cozy home that's a safe refuge for my husband and kids. It's being able give my kids amazing experiences by taking family vacations to the national parks (with an occasional trip to Disney). It's a comfortable retirement account and paid for cars. We've worked hard to obtain it, but we also live below our means to fund those experiences/memories with our kids. I've never wanted a McMansion with the latest fashions, just a modest home with plenty to eat and tons and tons of memories.
The American dream of old times is not easily attainable and not all will reach it in their lifetime no matter how hard they work. I believe in believing the true American dream can come back and the truly corrupt and greedy that are in charge will get called to the carpet. American life for the majority is extremely hard and stressful. I'm not sure I'd trade it though for the place of top 10%. I'd quickly get kicked out of the club. At the same time it seems all countries have similar problems.
Just recall that you don’t “just move” to the States. It’s a huge process and to do it LEGALLY is extremely complicated and expensive. Also, please note that there are many very poor Americans, even here in California.
Thanks, Captain Obvious. I don't think any of us realized any of what you just said. "Poor people? In California? No way, man!" -me before I read your comment.
@@emilymorris5988 Illegals often work "under the table" (illegally) and avoid paying taxes that way. Everybody else pays taxes. Yet illegals often bring their whole families; grandparents get Social Security benefits without having paid anything into the system and kids crowd into American schools, many of them don't know the first words of English. That is why we have had enough.
@@emilymorris5988 Illegals (which I call “invaders”) often work “under the table” (illegally) and avoid paying taxes that way. Everybody else pays. The thing is, illegals often bring their whole family. Grandparents enjoy Social Security benefits without having paid a cent into the system and children crowd public schools, often not knowing the first word of English. THAT is why we have had enough.
I have been using a credit card for over 30 years. I put everything on it. I never use cash. I don’t pay interest either for I pay it off every single month. My thinking is, I don’t use my credit card if I can’t pay it off at the end of the month. I never use cash. It works well for me.
credit cards are the best thing for online shopping. if the number is stolen you can contest it, if its your debit card you can not get the money back.
Depends on youur bank. My bank has a debit card that they treat as a credit card. I have the same protections with it that I do with a credit card. It's a bit of a hassle if the data gets stolen, but it only takes a phone call to start the process of stopping fraud.
How Americans react to legal immigrants varies greatly from area to area. In some places will take offense to people not speaking English. In the neighborhood where I grew up it was normal to hear 4-6 different languages spoken every trip to the grocery store. But there are places where people may give you a hard time if you and your wife are speaking to each other in Portuguese. Simply saying “we are tourists” should appease most people.
I work with a Korean girl, her mother lives in Hawaii. She became so used to American food that she wouldn't try anything. I made her onigiri, used seto fumi to season it. She loved it. Cooked her some Tonkatsu and gave her side of curry yakimeshi. She loved it too.
I use my credit card to earn airline miles, but I pay it off immediately. My rule for credit card use: treat it like a debit card; if there's no money in the account (and budget) to pay for it right now, then don't buy it.
That what I have always done. I don't ever use my bank debit card for anything unless I need cash. I use my CC for nearly everything so I can get the rewards. I pay it off every month. It's on autopay, so I must stay in my budget.
My American dream never happened. I ran a family business from 1987 to 2023. Every time we started getting ahead, something would happen politically to derail us. Ended up with no savings because of price hikes caused by those policies.We couldn’t get a loan from the bank for anything. I’m now disabled because I had to work so much. Since my husband passedI live on social security, which is inadequate. Was forced to close my business early, move away from my children and from my home. Now the incoming administration is threatening to take that, (social security), from me.( I paid into the system starting at age 14, 50 years ago). There is a real chance that if that happens I could end up homeless, on the street. If the other candidate had won, I would not have had that threat hanging over my head. My American dream never happened; I feel ripped off 😢 I worked hard, raised my children, paid my taxes, and I have nothing financially. I’m only 64. My American dreams are dead
I'm sorry you think that political influence was that detrimental on your business, but taking away social security is the right move. But unfortunately Trump isn't going to do that.
@@SSJRapter it was the policies of those politicians which influenced my chances at any one time. I’m not blaming one party or the other. I’m just saying that they affected our family negatively enough times to hamstring our efforts.
Real quick because there are only 39 comments as of this second; Tomato soup and grilled cheese. Put mayo inside the bread and soft butter on the outside. Try gouda cheese with your cheddar. Heat up slowly and flip often so it turns golden evenly. Too hot/too long on one side and you get burnt. - I know this isn't the right video but after 1,000 + comments on the grilled cheese, you'll never find my comment. - As for the American Dream, it really depends. You work long hours and get little time and if you're lucky, your work helps out with the medical insurance. Love your videos and enthusiasm. Thank you for not posting videos about bashing Americans and hating the country... there are a lot of those. Your videos make my day - keep it up!
It used to be if you worked hard you'd make it. I know people that have worked their ass off and are still close to homeless. Jobs? Raise? 90% don't have that. Batchelor parties the groom is crying, literally CRYING that his family will never have their own home. It's pretty well dead.
Just like anywhere else, its mostly a product of where and what youre born into and the opportunities youre presented. Smaller towns have less opportunities but are much more affordable. So much of life is what you make it no matter where you live. Its about your mindset.
Use to be, but not anymore unless you are born into a wealthy family. Just because things maybe less expensive the wages are very low so it's hard to make ends meet
WHEN I GO TO FLORIDA I NEVER SAW CUBAN FOOD PROBABLY BECAUSE THAT'S MOSTLY IN MIAMI. WE GO TO SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS AND STEAK HOUSES AND DINERS FOR TRADITIONAL AMERICAN FOOD ❤
In my opinion, the American Dream is not intended for Americans, but for people looking to immigrate to America. It's the dream that they can come here and live/provide for themselves and their families in ways that they can't back home. Whether it's religious freedom, a better economy, or peace. It is very much alive.
One benefit of having a credit card with "extras" is that you can get "extras" just for using it. I use a credit card for almost every purchase, and I get airline miles for free trips or discounted trips. For just buying groceries and paying it off every month. You aren't made to pay interest until a month later, so it's free goodies. One tip my parents gave me when I moved away for college was to get one (specific name I won't share) credit card. Only use it for emergencies, or for what you know you can pay back at the end of the month. Now that I'm *cough over 50, I've been a "valued customer" of that credit card for over 30 years. That type of loyalty, plus the extras, make a credit card a must-have. But yes, if you can't or don't pay it every month, you can get into moderate debt really quickly.
No it is not. Live here, born here. Will never have a home, you just work and will never have a home/house though work every day. The movies are not reality. Then afraid to say that. You can’t work your way up, I couldn’t even get a serving job when I was young because I had no experience. There are a lot of good things but it is not easy. I am not a young generation. Don’t even think this American dream thing still exists. Many people can not ever even dream to own a home. It is not like generations ago like people talk about worked the way up.
Anyone who comes to America legally, obeys the laws, is kind, friendly, and intelligent and functional will do extremely well in America. It’s a real shame that 50% of Americans fail to meet these criteria.
Never be ashamed of having an Android based phone. Android is an awesome and powerful OS, and far more powerful and adaptable than the iOS. Android was developed based on a Linux kernel, which not only makes it very capable, but also very secure. On the other hand iOS is only secure, because apple is extremely strict and controlling about what you can do with their devices, while making you pay extra, just for their name. Android users are individuals, iOS users are obedient lemmings that do as they are told ("1984," anyone).
The American Dream has traditionally been focused around the hard work of individuals and the ability to harvest the fruits of their labor. Those who say the American Dream is dead have forgotten or disregarded the "hard work" part in building their expectations of what America can do for them. "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country" - President John F. Kennedy
Not correct. The American dream was the idea EVERYONE that worked hard, no matter what you did, could afford a very good life. The mailman and the construction worker, garbage man, servers and waiters, fast food cashiers and convenient store stockers, they all lived the American dream. They owned property, vehicles and raised huge families. That is dead. The average Joe has no chance to live the American dream these days but just to get by. I have everything I want myself, but I work 70+ hours a week to have it. That is a crime against American ideals. Things are not all just about “hard work” My father and grandfathers worked so hard his they completely destroyed their bodies and were still dirt poor their ENTIRE life. That is not the American dream and it’s disrespectful as hell for you to say that people just have forgot about hard work. If you want to lecture the zoomer that won’t work then by all means do so, but the people who claimed the American dream is dead is out fathers and grandfathers, and they certainly worked hard.
The climate diversity means America can grow all kinds of things year round. Also, we import fruits and vegetables from Mexico, which, overall, has a warm climate for growing year round.
I can see what she is saying. I recently started sdudying japanese language and culture. I cooked tonkatsu and curry yakimeshi. One of my sons got disgusted as soon as he saw it and said he only eats American food, while he's filling out his passport to go to the Netherlands
It's not as easy as it used to be, that's for sure. But there are still good chances here to greatly improve your life. There's still much more mobility here than in Europe. And WAY more than in other places.
Cold ask snowy Michigan is the 2nd most agriculturally diverse state. I like fish tacos. Food in season is cheaper here. I say it a lot. Currencies loose value. Money is a store of value. Up north with less people, it seems more people are happy to see other people. I love the fat holidays and deer and bear camps up north.
Yeah I don’t advice for you go live in California, don’t get me wrong California is beautiful state but politicians otherwise is so bad that until now we have to deal with it. IT’s SUCKS to live in that state.
It has changed over generations. Take for example, The Simpsons. When the show started it was normal for a person like Homer Simpson to work a single blue-collar job 40 hrs a week, and make enough money to afford a 4-bedroom home, have 3 kids, stay at home wife, 2 cars, and live comfortably. It's a much bigger struggle today.
My parents also had the three bites rule. The premise for this is: the first bite the child will refuse to like - they already said they didn't want it, the second bite, they are now thinking about it and on the third bite they can make a decision as to whether like it or not, without a lot ofembarassmwnt.
21:17 Not only can you return items, you can have stores hold a limited number of items for 24 hours in case you are looking for something but may find something that works better.
I grew up on US Navy bases. Everyone came from somewhere and there were a high percentage of people who were from other countries. My sibling was born in the Phillipine Islands. My first language was Tagalog. In the US, where you "come from" is important and a means of opening a conversation. There are so many people proud of where they, or their ancestors, came from. There are clubs for people from different countries. It's funny. My grandparents, 3 out of 4 of them, were immigrants themselves. The 4th one was from a family who had been in the US for 2 generations. I'm very proud of how their/my extended families chose to come to the US, the things they faced and how they succeeded in their different ways. Cities have theatres, museums, zoos, movie theaters, theme parks, and other things that are easier when things can be centralized. The US did start with a bunch of European immigrants, which ones depends on which part of the country you're talking about. The original 13 colonies were mostly English, Dutch, French, and German. The Louisianna Purchase added Spanish and French colonies to the US. Canada was mostly "settled" by English and French settlers. Irish, Scots and broader Eurpoean settlers came over as wars, famines, and disease forced them to make decisons to move - if they had to start over someplace new, and they could afford a ticket to the US, they came over and joined the young country. The US is a melting pot of cultures, languages, accents, and people. You have to understand where we all came from - generally "not here" (with noted exceptions) - and we are all trying to do the best we can to be the best people (in all ways) that we can. We're a young country and we make mistakes. We're also generous, accepting, and pretty casual. There are the occasioanl problems when cultures collide in a bad way, but we have the term "culture clash" and do our best to try to understand and work with everyone involved. My spouse's family spans English and Irish settlers, two tribes of Native Americans, black (unknown origination), Russian trappers, and Vietnamese. My family is mostly Norwegian, Scots Irish, "Bohemian" Czechoslavakian, and Prussian. It makes for fun mixes of traditional family recipes and holiday traditions. If your family is Chinese American, you might have a tradition of spaghetti and Italian dishes for Thanksgiving. Or maybe you have a chance to celebrate with your neighbors who are Catholic/Judeo-Christians who celebrate Hanukkah and invite you over one night. It's all good. Respect yourself, respect your neighbors, do your thing. As long as you keep an open mind and are willing to try, most people are excited to share their experiences with you. That's really the "American Dream". Okay, owning your own car, with a house and white picket fence, 2.5 children, and a good job you enjoy are part of that "dream", but we know everyone dreams a little differently.
It’s very true. My parents were dirt poor when their parents immigrated to the United States. They literally walked to school barefooted. They both had many siblings and the clothes were all hand me downs. They both worked hard and lived good lives. Their kids are doing well, as well as their grandchildren. They taught that hard work and having good values pays off. I can’t tell you how much I miss them. Love you mom, dad! ✝️
yes, i believe in the american dream. i am living it...i am retired..i invested well. i can live the rest of my life very good. that was my dream. only in america can you have individual goals...then work at it and wow,,the money comes in fast and furious. the american dream is alive and well.
You were blessed so be thankful a lot of us were not after 70 years of working away my life I still don't have anything. Yet people like you look down on people like me.
There's a reason why people in the past could afford a home and we can't. Im 40 years old and I've been working hard my whole life. I cant afford to buy a house and likely never will.
I’m also 40 and will probably never afford a house, but my husband and I are perfectly content in our rented apartment and that’s living the American Dream. Don’t let home ownership be the ultimate goal, as long as you’re happy and healthy.
We not only have multi-cultural, but multi-racial. I'm 1/2 Mexican, 1/4 Irish and 1/4 Cherokee Indian. We blend and embrace cultures and so much more. BTW we all love your accent because we are so used to so different accents.
It is so refreshing to hear someone saying positive things about the USA, instead of people complaining about taxes, tips, portion size, bathroom stall gaps, etc.
I always find it funny how Europeans spout being more liberal and progressive and open minded yet they are so ignorant to think bathroom stall gaps actually are an issue or something 🤷🏻♂️
The bathroom stall gap takes are bizarre to me. Its like they spend too much time in a public restroom.
@@DianeCasanova for being so progressive, Europeans sure are silly about using the bathroom in public lol
Health insurance is the real thing to complain about.
taxes are horrible, but everything else makes up for it tbh
taxes we have to pay: income tax, payroll tax, property tax, consumption tax, tariff, capitation, fees/tolls, effective taxes, and theres a few more.
but because we pay those we have strongest military, the rights we have, our justice system, and more
The cost of living in the USA not only varies by state but also by City.
Very underappreciated fact by people outside of the US and one of the reasons I really dislike PPP (purchasing power parity).
The cost of renting a tiny NYC apartment is much higher than the mortgage payment on a nice roomy house in the Midwest. Move out a little further, but in reasonable driving range, and space is even cheaper.
And groceries cost a lot more in the LA are or NYC.
@@recoil53 it's higher than rent or mortgage in the rest of NY. The house prices in NY are mostly $100k to $300k, a 3800sq ft house in NY sells for $230k today.
I live in Oklahoma. My parents bought a house for $36,000. It's now worth over $400,000. This used to be the most affordable state I believe.
@@cp368productions2 NY State if you want to be more correct.
yup, where im at in NC, it costs about 250/month for a 1200 ft^2 building plus utilities. Then in lets say NY city, cost is about 3000/month for a tiny apartment you can maybe fit 10 people in. its crazy
This woman is lucky. We, as American born, American raised are struggling with income and the price of living. If it wasn't for family I would be homeless
The biggest problem living in America is being able to afford somewhere to live and live comfortable. I've noticed there's not much showing of the homeless problem in this country. I'm 67 years old and when I was young if you were homeless you were just considered a bum and just didn't want to work. Nowadays if your homeless, it's because real estate and rental property is blown out of proportion because high paying jobs are scarce.
My father told my mother that she could charge whatever she wanted, but the bill had to be paid off every month. I live by that advice, and pay my card off every month. You need to be disciplined with your budget.
Anyone willing to work can live adequately in the U.S
"Home is where the heart is." The majority of Americans work hard for what they got and what they want, she is correct, you need to sacrifice your "young person's freedom to do nothing but, socialize all day and night" and buckle down, get to work on personal goals, to achieve your goals of "the American dream".
I totally agree with her. American dream worked for me. Even though I was underpaid my entire life, I still saved every year. Drove used, but dependable cars. Avoided expensive vacations and addictions. Stayed away from debt. While working one or two jobs, I built a series of small, but profitable companies on the side. Am now comfortably retired with successful children. Bit by bit, I built a little slice of heaven here on Earth.
It's definitely possible. Too many people living beyond their means, spending money they don't have for things they don't need.
The cost of living in America varies greatly from region to region and whether you live in a rural or urban area. For instance, a house that costs $250,000 in Indiana will cost you around $1,000,000 for a comparable house in California.
$250,000 is a little low and way out of reach for most people. And in California is why they have so many homeless people living on the streets
Always remember…”the American Dream” is different for everyone. Not everyone wants a big house, tons of money and multiple cars. Many Americans are content with a smaller home big enough for their family on a small piece of ground we call “heaven”. And high paying jobs also means on a deeper level and on many levels, that you give up certain values, principles and freedoms.
And many Americans do not make tons of money and have to save many years to be able to purchase a home. It can be a lifetime endeavor.
Love the content Andre. We would be honored to have you as one of our countryman.
Oh ty.
The term " American Drean " was coined in 1931 by author James Truslow Adams. The basic principal is that anyone has the same oppurtunity to rise in wealth amd status. that a waitor can one day own a resturant. that you can start as a factory floor worker to one day own their own factory.
having said all that my favorite quote is by comedian Geroge Carlin and he said " You know why they call it the American Dream dont ya, because you have to be asleep to believe it ".
The US being seen as the land of opportunity has always been directly associated with the 'American Dream' in my mind.
I agree about Amazon. As a homebound disabled old lady I am dependent on online buying. Amazon is so easy to deal with, and I am actually very grateful for that.
I live in a smaller town and the closest city is over 1 hour away. I have really appreciated online shopping!!! Saves a lot of time, gas and wear and tear on my car!!! I honestly don't know how I would buy nice clothes if it weren't for online stores!!!
@OkiePeg411
Agreed!!
It's so easy to get jaded about all the negative things in America. So refreshing to see a different perspective that is so positive. Thank you! Your positive energy is infectious. Love it! ❤ blessings to you and family.
If you haven't seen any videos about Buffalo, NY please look up videos on it, because there are videos of the snowstorms that they recently had. I'm talking 5.5 feet of snow from one storm and they just got hit again by another big snowstorm and it's not officially winter here yet. I live about 4 hours southeast from there and haven't seen much snow so far. I love your videos about America. I hope that you can at least visit here. You will absolutely love it here 💯!
Cost of living depends on the state and city. West coast states have higher gasoline and housing cost, for example. Everything is relative, some places cost more some places cost less.
East coast states have higher gasoline,housing cost,cost of living too. Plus,colder weather also,I once lived in Philly,had a massive blizzard that shut-down the entire city for 2 weeks.Gotta include Philly's high crime rate too,once summer arrived I joined the army to get outta there. LOL.
Part of the community attitude comes from the early years of expansion when you had just a few neighbors over many miles and help went both ways
The more I have experienced, the more I believe it is fine for people to keep their ancestral culture as long as they assimilate to being American First.
That seems weird. I would love to move to Scotland, where my ancestors were from. If I did, I would still be American. I wouldn't call myself Scottish, as if I was born there.
@@dianajemison105 if you got a citizenship then you’d be Scottish. Period.
Whatever the hell that means.
There’s no such thing as being “American”
-German settlers in Wisconsin are american as Creole Cajun people in New Orleans as are Spanish of Florida and Mexicans of New Mexico.
@@Knightowl1980 That’s just ignorant man. An American is a citizen of the United States of America. Saying an American citizen isn’t an American is wild.
I get where you’re coming from though, bc there’s many definitions for nationality and ethnicity that we can use to refer to people. I just think you’re wrong
@ I didn’t say they’re not citizens I said there’s no such thing as really being culturally American. You’re not obligated to be so any one thing that considers you American.
What does assimilating to America even mean ?
Re cost of living, recall that our taxes vary wildly by location.
Working ethics are very different in US. As a single parent of 2, I struggled working 40 hours a week. I had 2 weeks vacation per year, but would “sell back” 1 week vacation to my boss (get paid the extra weeks pay for not taking a week). I got a different job and would work a 60 hour week, most of the time and then was able to buy a home.
Andre, I love the cooking episodes. The joy that you show us as you try the new foods is heart warming.
I love this video and her perspective. These are the things that you need to consider when You are debating whether or not to move here. I would also add healthcare and education. It's so nice to hear a Video that doesn't cover how much ice we use, why we call it football, tipping, Plate size in restaurants, free refills You get my point
You should be afraid of credit cards. Debt is evil.
Once you get in debt it's like trying to swim upstream in a waterfall getting out of debt. And they have no mercy.
Some debt is necessary, like a mortgage. Keep your debts to a minimum. Delay gratification, save up, use the debit card.
You end up with more when you don't play the SPEND NOW game.
Easy way to remember :Disney Land is near Los Angeles(LA). Disney World is in Orlando (or) Land=LA , World = OR
i live in la california and work in film and tv.born here.i work 60 hours a week. 35 years. it’s good money but it takes a toll on you. You have no family time. You just work you a lot of good friends, but it’s hard to keep up because you’re not home but the healthcare and the benefits and then setting up your long-term pension it will pay off, but it’s a nightmare. I just spent 14 hours a day working nights in the desert, freezing my butt off and then you can barely stay awake to drive home, which is about an hour from my shooting location.
Emigrate, Andre. Legally, of course.
Andre has said numerous times that he only wants to visit America but he doesn't want to move to America because he loves Portugal.
@@msp9810 Well I hope he does the true westaboo thing and go all across the country.
The American Dream means something different to Americans. To us, the traditional sense is to own a home and be able to live safely and comfortably. To immigrants it means just having an opportunity to thrive. I’m painting in very wide strokes, of course.
Ever think about having your friends, family over to try the dishes you've made here recently?
do that, and please let us know if they enjoyed as much as you did
@Mary-x6p1z I, uh, ment him. I'm American so that wouldn't work lol
@@BrokenxMorals i ment Andre and his family and friends. sorry for the confusion
@@BrokenxMorals i was talking about andre..sorry for the confusion
In the U.S. Go to school..do your best..keep positive! ..Be able to take a corrective direction! Work hard and learn about your trade/profession. If you get married STAY MARRIED! Be sure you are with the correct one! Keep the debt low and prepare early for retirement!!!! Save! Life is better if you prepare! Listen to your parents and learn from them!
There's a gentleman that lives in Austin Texas, he is from Cairo. He was a financial advisor I believe, anyway he just one day decide to go to Texas not knowing anything about it, went to Austin and tried American barbecue. Fell completely in love with it. Went back to Egypt and was trying to recreate it, but didn't have a lot of success so he did the next best thing and moved to America with just a little bit of money. Went to cooking school over there, and started learning from pitmasters on how to smoke barbecue the correct way. A decade later and now he sells Egyptian influenced smoked barbecue in Austin Texas and he contributes that to the American dream and saying that if you want it you have to work for it. It's not going to be given to you. If you want to be successful in the United States of America you have to work for it. The American dream is alive and well but only if you want it. KG BBQ, that's his food truck in Austin. You should look up his story, it's very motivational.
So correct,you have to work for whatever you want.I did 11 yrs & 6 months as a civilian contracter over-seas ( Iraq,Qatar,Kuwaitt & Afghanistan ) first as a mercenary,then logistics. Been back in the states for 2 yrs now,I work at my local VA hospitol and was shocked at how entitled some people are. Lots of men are lazy too,they wine and moan about an 8 hr work shift,then complain every day about their lives,yet do nothing to improve it. Some men are SIMPS and their wives/girlfriends have to take charge of their house-holds,relationships,etc,etc,.and also push these men to do more of-EVERYTHING. These men say their women are nags,etc,etc,.they're pathetic at best. LOL. Could go on,but,won't.
Use to be a true statement, but not true anymore. I have worked hard all my life and I am barely getting by. Never could get a job that paid much and had to work overtime most of my life and I still have nothing. Some people get all the breaks while others don't. So working hard doesn't matter for a lot of people. And those who come from wealthy families have no idea what it is like to come from a poor family. Yes some people arise from the ashes, but most don't because they are not giving the opportunity.
Without using credit cards to build up your score, the chances of a home loan, particularly under reasonable terms; are very low. It is so expected, that we have a thing called 'secured credit card' where you put a deposit with the bank and they hold it for a term and issue you credit card to use (and pay monthly) as a normal credit card in order to establish credit worthiness.
It depends on how you do it- I have never had a credit card, but I do have a mortgage- I went though a mortgage program that required me to work at the same job for two years and keep my bank records to show how I saved up for the down payment by working. It wasn't easy, because I was working in a kind of abusive and dangerous factory that made trailer hitches, but it was possible.
Gen x. I don't use credit. Just save money and spend currencies. Currencies loose value. Money is a store of value. I don't have debt besides utility and tax bills.
We are a multi-ethnic society and we don’t want a multi-cultural society, no matter where we come from we are Americans. One reason the flag is so important, it reminds us that we are one. The USA is not so much a place as it is an idea.
No, many of us realize the value of a multi-cultural society, which we are. Living in one part of the country is culturally different than living in another. One city is culturally different than another, and we are better for it.
@@BardWannabe You had different habitudes per city with the same culture. A multi-cultural society is a low-trust society. That means criminality, conflict and infighting. Like it or not, human nature is going to come out and they'll want their culture to be the dominant one and they'll clash with each other.
A melting pot that assimilates multiple cultures into one is better for it, multiple cultures competing for dominance are not.
You are the problem you claim you want to fight. Funny innit?
@BardWannabe
No. We are not multicultural. We are supposed to be a melting pot. People who come here may retain their culture but they also must become Americanized. Multiculturalism kills a country's unity. Out of many, one. If we are not united, it will weaken us as a nation. Many European countries that embraced multiculturalism in the past have now, admitted what a huge mistake it was and are fighting to eliminate that problem.
Actually a lot of consumer product prices are scaled to the average income levels around the world. For example a flagship smartphone is gonna run you between $800 and 1200 in America. But in more poverished countries, there's no way that people could afford that, so they'll be cheaper there than in more wealthy countries.
I think every generation believes that the generations older than themselves had it better/easier.
Every one wants better for thier kids? Hence the quote. "Hard times create strong men, Strong men create good times, Good times create weak men, Weak men create hard times."
It's a never ending cycle. Look at history?
Sorry, but that's insane on the surface of it. I don't know of anyone that thinks the generation that endured the Great Depression as children then as they came of age had to go off and fight WW2 had it better or easier. That generation faced serious existential challenges. 90% of what we complain about they wouldn't.
@Anon54387 well, I hear young people always complaining they can't afford their "dream house."
Well, I never thought of owning a "dream house" (mcmansion) I bought what was in my budget and made it into a home!!! I never complained about having a solid roof over my head.
I don't think I had it better when my dad grew up in a small house with kerosene lanterns in the canyons? Mom told me of how every week, a guy would come thru town, and show a
movie on the side of a building for the town. They all sat outside to watch. She graduated 1955. I have NO idea what year, what generation you grew up in? But it wasn't
very long ago that people lived like this. When I grew up, I mowed yards, I sold greeting cards door to door. My family were custodians of the bank. During High School,
I would get up early for band practice, go to school, then go to football practice, then go home, eat, and we would, as a family go clean the bank. I would get home, have to do
homework, then get up next morning to do it all again? I have NO idea what world you live in? I still had time for my friends. Just the way it was? No big deal.
I bought my first car when I was 15. A 1973 Dodge Charger. I didn't want my parents to know, but bank made me get a co-signer. I couldn't drive it till I was 16.
As a born American, it would be obvious for me to love America. Which I do. But only because I’ve traveled the world and I’ve seen all the wonderful people that move here, such incredible, perseverance, and suffering they’ve had in their home countries and they are now here Doing a wonderful job. I find that immigrants are sometimes the most vocal and insistent pat that I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately the country bumps here love America because of racism and I love America because of the exact opposite of racism. Funny you can have 180° different perspectives and end up with some of the same ideals.
When you look at immigration stats, the US has more immigrants living in it than the next three countries... combined. So yeah, a lot of people from other countries still find this a desirable place to live.
The American dream is buying a house and live a peaceful life. Some would argue that getting out of debt is now the American dream
You used to be able to start as a server and make your way up as long as you worked hard. But it's much harder now. An example would be you would rent an apartment to save for a home. Most jobs used to provide that possibility. But now rent is so high you can't save the money for a home. Things aren't as possible as some people believe, even for those willing to work hard.
It’s not dead, it’s just super expensive! You need to earn at least $200k to live comfortably.
Different accents are so common in the US that I don’t even register it anymore. At work I have Indian, Chinese, Korean, Polish, British, Scottish, German, Mexican, Swedish, Cuban, Puertorrican, etc. coworkers. My neighborhood (suburb) very diverse as well. My kids baseball teams were made up of white, black, and hispanic kids. We even had a kid from Scotland and one from Germany whose family moved to the states for work. It was fun.
_The United States of America_ has been and is now the _Land of Opportunity._ If you are willing to work for it, you can do just about anything. All your limitations are self imposed.
@nautifella: Evidently, you have not lived with many limitations [that are not all are self-imposed]. Your comment is very shallow and short-sighted! Not ALL limitations are fixable.
@@DarkGiratinaGirl666
Is there something in the US that doesn't exist as a limitation elsewhere?
Or a limitation that can be overcome elsewhere but not in the US?
What is your point and why is not being self-limiting an issue for you?
Disabilities and the like are more easily overcome here. Or, are you're talking social ills, like the big R?
Please clarify, because it doesn't track as stated.
Not anymore. Yes that use to be true but even bother parents working plus maxed out credit cards to do as your parents did is not working anymore.
in Florida where I live we do eat alligator tail which tastes like chicken
USA is not a movie people
Short of Native Americans, everybody's descendants came here from other countries. My great-grandparents came from Europe at the turn of the 19th century and worked the anthracite coal mines in Scranton. Then farming for a generation or two and then college for most of the descendants. Most of us in America are European mutts. German, Irish, English, Russian, Spanish, Italian you name it. we're a mixed bag of the whole world. It's really our strength. No limitation of original ideas or different ways to try and do something.
My family is diverse. My neighborhood is diverse. It is a falsehood that Americans are not diverse.
Great to hear good facts about our country. if you come here legely and work at it ,,,you can do very well. Do not move to an expensive city . Texas is my home.
most of us are immigrants. my great-grandfather came here from northern Italy on my mom's side. My great-grandmother was a Blackfoot native American on my fathers side. we were very regular working class people. i worked very hard and bought my first house at 25. it wasn't a TV home that is not realistic, some thing that I loved. my point is that you can!
The dream is only dead for those that don't want to work for it.
It's not just people who don't want to work. We have a lot of useless people in this country who can't even achieve mediocrity without help...
To prove my point, and this isn't a joke, there is a stat for illiterate medical student, and it isn't 0%.
Unless you come from a wealthy family it is dead for the poor. To me it is dead and I have worked hard my whole life just for mediocre wages and now can barely keep up because of inflation. The cost of housing, food, Healthcare is ridiculous to afford with the wages the wealthy want to pay people.
@@markdossett9100 the “dream” isn’t some communist utopia where you don’t have to work for your stuff. No. The American dream is a guarantee for freedom of choice and opportunity. It is not some sort of expectation for wealth. It is necessary that, in order to achieve the dream, you must have faith and hope and perseverance in your mindset. Don’t just act like you can’t do anything. If you tell yourself you can’t, then you can’t.
@@markdossett9100 as the son of a single mother who worked 3 jobs until she could start her own business, and grandson of an old bus driver who retired to open his own store.. the American dream is most certainly alive and well. And no, not just for the wealthy.
You don't need to come, just keep cooking our foods and giving them to your family. Your love all starts with you, then you have to spread it.
wow what a great video thank you!!
Not sure if it would interest you or how it would play out in a video, but I think people would love to see what you think of American Football. I used to play soccer, but never really got super into watching it like some Europeans do, but after I started spending more time with friends who were fans I got a lot more interested and invested in it. If you do watch Definitely watch a KC Chief's game, I may be a bit biased since they're my home team but they're also currently the top team and watching them play is energizing, seeing them pull off the impossible and make a huge comeback or crazy passes is very thrilling.
When you do visit, you should maybe do like a little road trip of the Southeast side of the US. So maybe from like Eastern VA where you can eat some good seafood by the Chesapeake Bay. Then you can end up in Georgia or Florida by the end of the trip and eat some lobster and BBQ. That vlog would be insane haha.
24:25 Oh, the joys of good neighbors! They don't exist everywhere, but if you have them, your life is so much better! I drive my 92-year-old. old neighbor to the doctor, the grocery, and church. She drove me to the hospital for chemotherapy a couple of years ago. The neighbor across the street helped when a neighbor had a bad fall. The neighbor on the corner keeps an eye on the houses whenever anyone is away. The neighbor with the snowblower does the sidewalk for the entire street! People know who belongs to the neighborhood, so strangers checking out the houses would be noticed. When Mia's house caught on fire, neighbors were there offering shelter till they could find a place to stay, and when they returned, everyone welcomed them home. Even the dogs of the neighborhood know the people there. My sister's dog from Michigan has become good friends with the dogs up the street. I love my neighbors, and I hope they stay for a good long time.
"The American Dream" isn't a single thing. For me, it's providing a cozy home that's a safe refuge for my husband and kids. It's being able give my kids amazing experiences by taking family vacations to the national parks (with an occasional trip to Disney). It's a comfortable retirement account and paid for cars. We've worked hard to obtain it, but we also live below our means to fund those experiences/memories with our kids. I've never wanted a McMansion with the latest fashions, just a modest home with plenty to eat and tons and tons of memories.
As they say, it's better to give than to receive. :)
Oooh,fried gator with frog legs 🥲🥲🥲😋😋😋😋
The American dream of old times is not easily attainable and not all will reach it in their lifetime no matter how hard they work. I believe in believing the true American dream can come back and the truly corrupt and greedy that are in charge will get called to the carpet. American life for the majority is extremely hard and stressful. I'm not sure I'd trade it though for the place of top 10%. I'd quickly get kicked out of the club. At the same time it seems all countries have similar problems.
Just recall that you don’t “just move” to the States. It’s a huge process and to do it LEGALLY is extremely complicated and expensive. Also, please note that there are many very poor Americans, even here in California.
Andre is not looking to move here. He loves his own country even more than he loves the US.
Thanks, Captain Obvious.
I don't think any of us realized any of what you just said.
"Poor people? In California?
No way, man!"
-me before I read your comment.
I have been told that immigrants to the USA do not have to pay taxes. That is why so many do not become citizens. I don’t know if this is true or not.
@@emilymorris5988 Illegals often work "under the table" (illegally) and avoid paying taxes that way. Everybody else pays taxes. Yet illegals often bring their whole families; grandparents get Social Security benefits without having paid anything into the system and kids crowd into American schools, many of them don't know the first words of English. That is why we have had enough.
@@emilymorris5988 Illegals (which I call “invaders”) often work “under the table” (illegally) and avoid paying taxes that way. Everybody else pays. The thing is, illegals often bring their whole family. Grandparents enjoy Social Security benefits without having paid a cent into the system and children crowd public schools, often not knowing the first word of English.
THAT is why we have had enough.
She shops at Sephora and talks about Broadway shows. I’m sure she doesn’t live check to check lol
I have been using a credit card for over 30 years. I put everything on it. I never use cash. I don’t pay interest either for I pay it off every single month. My thinking is, I don’t use my credit card if I can’t pay it off at the end of the month. I never use cash. It works well for me.
credit cards are the best thing for online shopping. if the number is stolen you can contest it, if its your debit card you can not get the money back.
Depends on youur bank. My bank has a debit card that they treat as a credit card. I have the same protections with it that I do with a credit card.
It's a bit of a hassle if the data gets stolen, but it only takes a phone call to start the process of stopping fraud.
Most people in the United States are from Europe with European ancestry. 😊
When you visit the States, let me know if you want to see East Tennessee. I'll gladly be your tour guide!
How Americans react to legal immigrants varies greatly from area to area. In some places will take offense to people not speaking English. In the neighborhood where I grew up it was normal to hear 4-6 different languages spoken every trip to the grocery store.
But there are places where people may give you a hard time if you and your wife are speaking to each other in Portuguese. Simply saying “we are tourists” should appease most people.
I work with a Korean girl, her mother lives in Hawaii. She became so used to American food that she wouldn't try anything. I made her onigiri, used seto fumi to season it. She loved it. Cooked her some Tonkatsu and gave her side of curry yakimeshi. She loved it too.
I use my credit card to earn airline miles, but I pay it off immediately. My rule for credit card use: treat it like a debit card; if there's no money in the account (and budget) to pay for it right now, then don't buy it.
That what I have always done. I don't ever use my bank debit card for anything unless I need cash. I use my CC for nearly everything so I can get the rewards. I pay it off every month. It's on autopay, so I must stay in my budget.
My American dream never happened. I ran a family business from 1987 to 2023. Every time we started getting ahead, something would happen politically to derail us. Ended up with no savings because of price hikes caused by those policies.We couldn’t get a loan from the bank for anything.
I’m now disabled because I had to work so much. Since my husband passedI live on social security, which is inadequate. Was forced to close my business early, move away from my children and from my home. Now the incoming administration is threatening to take that, (social security), from me.( I paid into the system starting at age 14, 50 years ago).
There is a real chance that if that happens I could end up homeless, on the street. If the other candidate had won, I would not have had that threat hanging over my head.
My American dream never happened; I feel ripped off 😢 I worked hard, raised my children, paid my taxes, and I have nothing financially. I’m only 64. My American dreams are dead
I'm sorry you think that political influence was that detrimental on your business, but taking away social security is the right move. But unfortunately Trump isn't going to do that.
@@SSJRapter it was the policies of those politicians which influenced my chances at any one time. I’m not blaming one party or the other. I’m just saying that they affected our family negatively enough times to hamstring our efforts.
Real quick because there are only 39 comments as of this second; Tomato soup and grilled cheese. Put mayo inside the bread and soft butter on the outside. Try gouda cheese with your cheddar. Heat up slowly and flip often so it turns golden evenly. Too hot/too long on one side and you get burnt. - I know this isn't the right video but after 1,000 + comments on the grilled cheese, you'll never find my comment. - As for the American Dream, it really depends. You work long hours and get little time and if you're lucky, your work helps out with the medical insurance.
Love your videos and enthusiasm. Thank you for not posting videos about bashing Americans and hating the country... there are a lot of those. Your videos make my day - keep it up!
Diversity as a goal is overrated, though it does give you more choices in restaurants.
wealthy europeans who are able to move to america of course are going to be fine. they already have money.
Exactly. She didn’t get here by swimming across the Rio Grande. Was probably wealthy in Romania and now upper middle class in Florida.
It used to be if you worked hard you'd make it. I know people that have worked their ass off and are still close to homeless. Jobs? Raise? 90% don't have that. Batchelor parties the groom is crying, literally CRYING that his family will never have their own home. It's pretty well dead.
Just like anywhere else, its mostly a product of where and what youre born into and the opportunities youre presented. Smaller towns have less opportunities but are much more affordable. So much of life is what you make it no matter where you live. Its about your mindset.
Use to be, but not anymore unless you are born into a wealthy family. Just because things maybe less expensive the wages are very low so it's hard to make ends meet
WHEN I GO TO FLORIDA I NEVER SAW CUBAN FOOD PROBABLY BECAUSE THAT'S MOSTLY IN MIAMI. WE GO TO SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS AND STEAK HOUSES AND DINERS FOR TRADITIONAL AMERICAN FOOD ❤
André... very important!!! When you travel to the US, use a CREDIT CARD!!! Either a Visa or Mastercard. Not your debit card!!!
Why?
In my opinion, the American Dream is not intended for Americans, but for people looking to immigrate to America. It's the dream that they can come here and live/provide for themselves and their families in ways that they can't back home. Whether it's religious freedom, a better economy, or peace. It is very much alive.
One benefit of having a credit card with "extras" is that you can get "extras" just for using it. I use a credit card for almost every purchase, and I get airline miles for free trips or discounted trips. For just buying groceries and paying it off every month. You aren't made to pay interest until a month later, so it's free goodies. One tip my parents gave me when I moved away for college was to get one (specific name I won't share) credit card. Only use it for emergencies, or for what you know you can pay back at the end of the month. Now that I'm *cough over 50, I've been a "valued customer" of that credit card for over 30 years. That type of loyalty, plus the extras, make a credit card a must-have. But yes, if you can't or don't pay it every month, you can get into moderate debt really quickly.
You would be loved and appreciated if you come here legally 🙏🏻
No it is not. Live here, born here. Will never have a home, you just work and will never have a home/house though work every day. The movies are not reality. Then afraid to say that. You can’t work your way up, I couldn’t even get a serving job when I was young because I had no experience. There are a lot of good things but it is not easy. I am not a young generation. Don’t even think this American dream thing still exists. Many people can not ever even dream to own a home. It is not like generations ago like people talk about worked the way up.
Anyone who comes to America legally, obeys the laws, is kind, friendly, and intelligent and functional will do extremely well in America. It’s a real shame that 50% of Americans fail to meet these criteria.
Andre we would be happy to have you we don’t care about your accent. We care about what you can offer to our country. Really
Never be ashamed of having an Android based phone. Android is an awesome and powerful OS, and far more powerful and adaptable than the iOS. Android was developed based on a Linux kernel, which not only makes it very capable, but also very secure. On the other hand iOS is only secure, because apple is extremely strict and controlling about what you can do with their devices, while making you pay extra, just for their name. Android users are individuals, iOS users are obedient lemmings that do as they are told ("1984," anyone).
The American Dream has traditionally been focused around the hard work of individuals and the ability to harvest the fruits of their labor. Those who say the American Dream is dead have forgotten or disregarded the "hard work" part in building their expectations of what America can do for them.
"Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country"
- President John F. Kennedy
Not correct. The American dream was the idea EVERYONE that worked hard, no matter what you did, could afford a very good life. The mailman and the construction worker, garbage man, servers and waiters, fast food cashiers and convenient store stockers, they all lived the American dream. They owned property, vehicles and raised huge families. That is dead. The average Joe has no chance to live the American dream these days but just to get by. I have everything I want myself, but I work 70+ hours a week to have it. That is a crime against American ideals. Things are not all just about “hard work”
My father and grandfathers worked so hard his they completely destroyed their bodies and were still dirt poor their ENTIRE life. That is not the American dream and it’s disrespectful as hell for you to say that people just have forgot about hard work. If you want to lecture the zoomer that won’t work then by all means do so, but the people who claimed the American dream is dead is out fathers and grandfathers, and they certainly worked hard.
The climate diversity means America can grow all kinds of things year round. Also, we import fruits and vegetables from Mexico, which, overall, has a warm climate for growing year round.
Returns are everywhere, but most stores require your receipt as proof of purchase.
I can see what she is saying. I recently started sdudying japanese language and culture. I cooked tonkatsu and curry yakimeshi. One of my sons got disgusted as soon as he saw it and said he only eats American food, while he's filling out his passport to go to the Netherlands
It's not as easy as it used to be, that's for sure. But there are still good chances here to greatly improve your life. There's still much more mobility here than in Europe. And WAY more than in other places.
Cold ask snowy Michigan is the 2nd most agriculturally diverse state. I like fish tacos. Food in season is cheaper here. I say it a lot. Currencies loose value. Money is a store of value. Up north with less people, it seems more people are happy to see other people. I love the fat holidays and deer and bear camps up north.
Yeah I don’t advice for you go live in California, don’t get me wrong California is beautiful state but politicians otherwise is so bad that until now we have to deal with it. IT’s SUCKS to live in that state.
It has changed over generations. Take for example, The Simpsons. When the show started it was normal for a person like Homer Simpson to work a single blue-collar job 40 hrs a week, and make enough money to afford a 4-bedroom home, have 3 kids, stay at home wife, 2 cars, and live comfortably. It's a much bigger struggle today.
I haven't felt good about my country since 2015. It all went down from there. 😓
You can always leave
@@brendab.8473I would but can't afford to leave.
Maybe your personal life has been a disappointment, and that sucks, but this country overall is great. We have a lot to be thankful for.
My parents also had the three bites rule. The premise for this is: the first bite the child will refuse to like - they already said they didn't want it, the second bite, they are now thinking about it and on the third bite they can make a decision as to whether like it or not, without a lot ofembarassmwnt.
Seafood and American food is popular in Florida 😊
21:17 Not only can you return items, you can have stores hold a limited number of items for 24 hours in case you are looking for something but may find something that works better.
That is changing
I grew up on US Navy bases. Everyone came from somewhere and there were a high percentage of people who were from other countries. My sibling was born in the Phillipine Islands. My first language was Tagalog.
In the US, where you "come from" is important and a means of opening a conversation. There are so many people proud of where they, or their ancestors, came from. There are clubs for people from different countries. It's funny.
My grandparents, 3 out of 4 of them, were immigrants themselves. The 4th one was from a family who had been in the US for 2 generations. I'm very proud of how their/my extended families chose to come to the US, the things they faced and how they succeeded in their different ways.
Cities have theatres, museums, zoos, movie theaters, theme parks, and other things that are easier when things can be centralized.
The US did start with a bunch of European immigrants, which ones depends on which part of the country you're talking about. The original 13 colonies were mostly English, Dutch, French, and German. The Louisianna Purchase added Spanish and French colonies to the US. Canada was mostly "settled" by English and French settlers. Irish, Scots and broader Eurpoean settlers came over as wars, famines, and disease forced them to make decisons to move - if they had to start over someplace new, and they could afford a ticket to the US, they came over and joined the young country.
The US is a melting pot of cultures, languages, accents, and people. You have to understand where we all came from - generally "not here" (with noted exceptions) - and we are all trying to do the best we can to be the best people (in all ways) that we can. We're a young country and we make mistakes. We're also generous, accepting, and pretty casual. There are the occasioanl problems when cultures collide in a bad way, but we have the term "culture clash" and do our best to try to understand and work with everyone involved.
My spouse's family spans English and Irish settlers, two tribes of Native Americans, black (unknown origination), Russian trappers, and Vietnamese. My family is mostly Norwegian, Scots Irish, "Bohemian" Czechoslavakian, and Prussian. It makes for fun mixes of traditional family recipes and holiday traditions.
If your family is Chinese American, you might have a tradition of spaghetti and Italian dishes for Thanksgiving. Or maybe you have a chance to celebrate with your neighbors who are Catholic/Judeo-Christians who celebrate Hanukkah and invite you over one night.
It's all good. Respect yourself, respect your neighbors, do your thing. As long as you keep an open mind and are willing to try, most people are excited to share their experiences with you. That's really the "American Dream". Okay, owning your own car, with a house and white picket fence, 2.5 children, and a good job you enjoy are part of that "dream", but we know everyone dreams a little differently.
Make home made eggnog you’ll eather love it or hate it
What makes America 🇺🇸 is our constitutional freedom of civil liberties. We want immigrants who are proud to be American citizens for patriotism.
It’s very true. My parents were dirt poor when their parents immigrated to the United States. They literally walked to school barefooted. They both had many siblings and the clothes were all hand me downs. They both worked hard and lived good lives. Their kids are doing well, as well as their grandchildren. They taught that hard work and having good values pays off. I can’t tell you how much I miss them. Love you mom, dad! ✝️
My grandfather got shipped off to his uncle's farm because his dad couldn't afford to feed all 9 children.
yes, i believe in the american dream. i am living it...i am retired..i invested well. i can live the rest of my life very good. that was my dream. only in america can you have individual goals...then work at it and wow,,the money comes in fast and furious. the american dream is alive and well.
You were blessed so be thankful a lot of us were not after 70 years of working away my life I still don't have anything. Yet people like you look down on people like me.
There's a reason why people in the past could afford a home and we can't. Im 40 years old and I've been working hard my whole life. I cant afford to buy a house and likely never will.
I’m also 40 and will probably never afford a house, but my husband and I are perfectly content in our rented apartment and that’s living the American Dream. Don’t let home ownership be the ultimate goal, as long as you’re happy and healthy.
The movie you asked about where the guy yell Up Yours , thats from the movie Independence Day with Will Smith. Great great movie.
We not only have multi-cultural, but multi-racial. I'm 1/2 Mexican, 1/4 Irish and 1/4 Cherokee Indian. We blend and embrace cultures and so much more. BTW we all love your accent because we are so used to so different accents.