What Do Europeans Think About American Life? | NYT Opinion

We asked young, ordinary Europeans to take a look at U.S. policies on everything from food to guns. As they discover facts about America, they’re not impressed.

Sometimes it’s useful to get an outside perspective. In the Video Op-Ed above, Europeans are shocked to learn that the American government does not guarantee social protections that citizens in other advanced economies take for granted.

Their reactions reflect how European governments prioritize citizen welfare, offering national assurances like universal health care and affordable education. Americans have grown accustomed to the exorbitant costs of basic human services, the absence of parental leave protection and the unregulated presence of chemicals in food — things that would “cause riots” in Europe.

It’s true that the United States grapples with a larger and more diverse population than that of any European country. But with the resources of the world’s largest economy and as keepers of the American dream, can’t policymakers find solutions?

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[Obsidianen]

"In Germany we dont wave flags." Yes, our european neighbours get nervous when we do that.

[MetroidMother]

In Germany it would be illegal not to call an ambulance.

[wfcoaker]

"What surprises me is that people aren't rioting in the streets." Dude, what's even more astounding is they are actually proud of it!

[didnt_ask_for_handle]

As an european I'd like to see the reverse. Americans reacting to ridiculous things here. It'd be interesting to see what we don't think about

[sebastianstoltze]

When she said “hmm cancer brownies” i was 💀

[reddead]

Why should you be charged for healthcare? It’s not like you choose to be sick. That’s terrible

[friskecrisps]

“I’m surprised there isn’t riots”

Well when you look at the police and military forces you can kind of understand why

[Domihork]

"European countries guarantee 14 weeks of maternal leave, some even cover paternal"... In Czechia you get maternal leave, which is 28 weeks (including 6-8 weeks before the expected delivery) and then you have parental leave (which can be taken by the mother or the father or they can even take turns) that lasts 2-4 years. And it always blows me away that elsewhere instead of years, they only count it in weeks...

[neatodd]

I want to see the reverse video - Americans' opinions of us Europeans.

[erutten]

"How come people are not rioting?"... best question in this video.

[captainconway]

For some reason, The fact that the one guy only paid 18 euros per semester shocked me more than the people saying college was free... I have no idea why. As a University student in America my tuition per semester is around ~$20K, I am extremely lucky I only have to pay a fraction of that, but only because I got good grades and had connections with my university. A lot of my friends still pay upwards of 10K per semester, before factoring in room and board.

[noajurcevic]

I come from Europe and this is not really an exchange of opinions but rather a showcase of American failure.

[shamekiawalker]

“Honestly, that’s disgusting for a first world nation.”

[lyledeyounges]

_"America is the greatest country in the world!"_

- America

[dellcoc]

As an American that has spent half of my life overseas, I can vouch for all of this.

[Nick-oxlo]

Europeans - "I Feel Bad For You."


Americans - "I Don't Think About You At All."

[alixd]

„In Germany we don‘t wave flags“ I felt that.

[pokefrosch]

When the guy in the end says: "In Germany we don´t wave flags."

Thats the most german thing ever.

[tbatallen]

How Americans are still persuaded to vote against policies that would make them safer, their environment less polluted, a healthcare safety net for whatever life has in-store and an improve work-life balance is beyond me.

[andymaciver]

I like how we don't hear any of the negative parts about Europe and the positives of America.