11 Undeniable Ways America is Superior to Their British Cousins

Before the Thirteen Colonies got tired of my British ancestors being involved in their affairs, they had firm control over their greatest colonial territory. However, the War of Independence followed, and both cultures went their separate ways. According to a popular online forum, here are several ways America is superior to Britain.

1. Air Conditioning

Woman in sofa enjoying AC — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Being a non-resident Brit, I return each summer to spend a month or two with family, enjoying Britain’s pleasant countryside and villages before returning to my full-time location. I am still awed by how unprepared we Brits are for hot weather, with July and August especially uncomfortable. Americans struggle with this absence of air conditioning when they visit during those ironic British heat waves.

2. Mexican Food

Mexican Chicken Tinga — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Although you can find almost authentic Mexican food made by real Mexicans in London, smaller cities will have some Caucasian versions. Small townsfolk may have never even tried a corn taco — this is no exaggeration. Some Americans return from the British Isles craving their Taco Tuesday fix; other than Taco Bell, they will have struggled to get it across the Pond.

3. Theme Parks

Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While visiting Disney World loses its appeal each year I go around the sun, I would still rather visit Orlando than Alton Towers. The United Kingdom has many theme parks, though they don’t have the variation (nor the reliable weather) you lucky Americans have in your theme parks. Once, I saw a theme park ride that was an old man pushing people in a wheelbarrow. I am joking, of course.

4. Fun

Laughing young guy pointing others — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Having lived on both sides of the Atlantic, I agree with many other Brits that Americans want to have fun. You people have made informal activities into an art form — even your food. In Britain, we don’t say, “I know this cheeseburger is good, but how do we take it to the next level? Let’s try every variation we can because why the heck not?” In Britain: “Two slices of cheese? Good grief — I think I need to sit down.”

5. Road Trips

Couples enjoying the view from RV — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Driving in the United Kingdom can be joyous if others are not in your way. The Scottish Highlands are one region where automotive wanderlust is possible, though everywhere else is a charade involving multiple traffic lights, roundabouts, and grumpy service stops in bad weather. Give me picnic spots with free barbecues and RV parking any day.

6. National Sporting Events

While America’s biggest sporting event is celebrated like some hypersonic gladiatorial event, we Brits prefer the soccer World Cup. The biggest difference is in the half-time entertainment, where Americans put the Brits to shame. While our cross-Pond cousins get the Super Bowl ads, followed by an epic musical celebration, we get reports that a British record for kettles being boiled to make half-time tea has just been broken.

7. National Parks

Glacier National Park, Montana — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Here is a contentious issue; it is hard to argue with America’s national park supremacy, but Britain’s national parks exist. However, ours are the size of Oprah Winfrey’s back garden, while America’s are the size of a nation. Moreover, $80 a year for access to every American national park is great value. However, I will counter with the United Kingdom’s Right to Roam policy, wherein private landowners must allow access according to old rights of way bylaws.

8. Barbecue

Man doing barbecue — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

To be fair, America’s barbecue is better than everyone’s. However, compared to the United Kingdom’s pitiful BBQ game, the USA wins hands down. It helps that our American cousins’ early settlers invented the barbecue, which only improved over the years. My experience of most British barbecues is overcast weather, undercooked yet burnt chicken, and burgers that could double as hockey pucks. Suffice it to say I am a fan of American barbecue food.

9. City Navigation

Man using car navigation — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

I will pray now for any American planning on visiting London with a rental car, as you have no idea what awaits you. As pretty as some British cities are, they are designed based on old, medieval cities, making navigation almost impossible without technological support. However, America’s modern square block arrangements make for more stress-free transit in her metropolises.

10. College Sports

American football game — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Something I love about Americans is their loyalty to their college football or basketball team and the subsequent spectacle that ensues on game day. Such passion, effort, and dedication are admirable for a country whose only notable college sports event is an elitist boat race between Oxford and Cambridge. Moreover, American universities and their professional sports degrees are a thing of sheer beauty for a sports fan like me.

11. Sandwiches

British sandwiches are truly rubbish compared to a New York bagel or a hot Cuban. If you have ever driven across Britain, spending money in motorway service stations, you will find bland, thin sandwiches with baffling fillings. Egg and cress salad on spongy brown bread, anyone? No? How about just plain cheese, then? Yes, we rarely push the boat out on sandwiches, which is ironic, considering we invented them. Score, America.