In a country as advanced as the United States, it’s easy to brush over the everyday privileges that significantly enhance people’s quality of life. Here’s a deeper look at 18 things the average American might take for granted and why they’re often overlooked.
Clean Drinking Water
Without realizing it, Americans often take for granted the fact that they have clean, drinkable water readily available in their homes and public spaces. This water is safe and regulated by health standards, a luxury in comparison to other countries in which clean water is scarce and hard to come by.
24/7 Electricity
Electricity is another thing that Americans often take for granted. A constant, reliable power supply is available at homes and businesses throughout the country, powering all aspects of modern life. In the rare instance of a power outage, we often don’t know what to do with ourselves.
Access to the Internet
Younger generations of Americans can hardly remember a time when widespread and high-speed internet access was not constantly available. While some parts of the world have limited or no access to the internet, we find it essential for communication, information, and entertainment—people are lost without it. Unfortunately, this means that it’s often taken for granted.
Freedom of Speech
As Americans, our freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment. This allows for open expression and debate. As stated by the American Civil Liberties Union, “The government does not have the right to forbid us from saying what we like and writing what we like.” This is not the case everywhere, and yet it is often underappreciated considering that some other countries have to deal with censorship.
Public Libraries
Having free access to books, resources, and the internet is a luxury often overlooked by the average American. The U.S. provides several cultural and educational hubs for its citizens, encouraging education and entertainment for all. This isn’t the case everywhere.
Emergency Services
Americans are fortunate to be able to contact and expect a quick response from emergency first responders, like the police, fire, and other medical services. The 911 system is easily accessible for immediate assistance, something that is often taken for granted until it is needed in a crisis.
Public Education
The United States offers and encourages free K-12 education, available to all children. The school system provides fundamental literacy and mathematical knowledge, important for future career opportunities. In contrast with nations where education is not a guaranteed right, free public schooling is a luxury often overlooked.
Public Parks and Recreation Areas
There is an abundance of free, maintained public spaces in America, designed for leisure and relaxation. Public parks and recreation areas give people access to nature and a place to perform outdoor activities. Unfortunately, these public resources are often taken for granted.
Consumer Protections
There are plenty of laws and regulations in place to protect and aid consumers. The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection is in place to prevent “unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices.” In contrast to countries with far fewer consumer protections, Americans have got it good—even though they may not always remember to appreciate it.
Variety in Supermarkets
Citizens of the United States have access to an enormous 63,328 grocery stores, according to DriveResearch. Each of these stores or supermarkets has a wide, endless range of food products available to purchase, including international cuisines and products. Most Americans are so used to this availability that they take it for granted, forgetting that some countries have limited access to food
National Security
Compared to many other, less fortunate countries, the USA is considered relatively safe from foreign attacks. Citizens are blessed with a strong military and advanced defense systems, so much so that the average American never has to fear for their safety, which is not the case for everyone in the world.
Infrastructure and Public Transportation
The majority of Americans have access to well-developed roads, bridges, and public transit systems. These systems are essential for people’s daily commutes and travel but are often taken for granted—at least until disruptions occur and they realize they’d be lost without them.
Waste Management Systems
The United States has efficient trash and recycling services, keeping communities across the country clean and healthy. However, this municipal service is often underappreciated and taken for granted by people who don’t play their part or who have come to expect it.
Postal and Delivery Services
Americans have access to nationwide postal and delivery services, a reliable network connecting people and businesses, helping them to send mail and packages. The service has been around since 1775 but is often taken for granted in the era of digital communication.
Employment Rights
According to the Ethical Trading Initiative, countries such as Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Yemen have no labor laws or protections. In contrast, citizens of the United States are protected by the minimum wage and safe working conditions, which are essential for worker welfare and quality of life. These rights are often overlooked.
Air Quality Regulations
The United States has regulations to control pollution and maintain the nation’s air quality, in stark contrast to some countries that are facing severe air pollution. These efforts and regulations often go unnoticed by the average citizen until air quality issues arise.
Cultural Diversity
Americans often take for granted the melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions that make up the country. The diversity of the population enriches society with differing perspectives, cuisines, and entertainment. This is sometimes taken for granted in the everyday American experience.
Freedom of Religion
The right to practice any religion, or none at all, is a cornerstone of American democracy, yet it’s a freedom not afforded to everyone worldwide. Some countries strongly favor one religion and aren’t so tolerant of different beliefs. Unfortunately, many Americans take their religious freedom for granted.
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