If You’re Feeling Embarrassed About Being An American Right Now, Reading This Might Actually Help

“Every now and then, I’m reminded that being an American isn’t always as shameful as I feel it is.”

Posted on Apr 13, 2026

by Krista TorresBuzzFeed Staff

As a Senior Writer and Content Creator for BuzzFeed and Tasty, I specialize in lifestyle reporting, viral human-interest stories, and travel/food media.

Post asking if there's any system the US excels in, amid critiques of healthcare, politics, and culture, seeking genuine discussion

Summary of the comments: Users discuss feeling pride in American aspects despite current governmental issues, appreciating the thread's positive outlook

A social media comment discussing the difficulty of retrofitting old European buildings for accessibility compared to other nations

Social media post: "Top comment said it – we treat people with disabilities better than anyone else does. Still room for improvement tho."

Social media post stating the user has visited 8 or 9 national parks and found them fantastic

Comment says, "Black American culture that the entire world copies," with 478 likes and 5 comments

Social media post criticizing the government despite America's talented people in Hollywood, space, and tech

Social media post praising diverse and lively celebrations across U.S. states, highlighting events in New York and New Jersey

Social media post about effective air-conditioning in buildings, attracting 880 likes and 2 comments

Social media post about never owning a house without central air, a garage, and a finished basement

Text post by darthlux expressing appreciation for the diverse landscapes in the U.S., from Utah's desert to Oregon's mountains

A social media post praising Americans for using window screens, noting their effectiveness and wishing they were standard in more countries

Social media post by user eubanks.kathleen about the free public access to beaches in California

A comment discussing the advantages of Fahrenheit over Celsius for conveying weather conditions, with a focus on ease of understanding temperature differences

Comment about American barbecue impressing visitors

A user reflects on broad education in the US compared to Sweden and the UK, noting a new appreciation for studying diverse subjects like history and math

Text post about the ease of starting a small business in the US, followed by criticism about systemic challenges

Comment on return policies compares easy returns in one place to difficulties in Brazil

Comment discusses innovation in tech, finance, and engineering, highlighting numerous colleges and a can-do culture in a country out-inventing others

Comment praising the US for excellent youth and amateur sports infrastructure, noting baseball, softball, and football

Social media comment praising American music genres like blues, country, hip hop, and jazz

Post discusses a hospital experience with modern amenities and high costs, contrasting U.S. healthcare with other countries' healthcare systems

Text from a social media post about being friendlier to strangers than people in other countries, mentioning actions like opening doors and making eye contact

Social media post stating, "America's achievements in space are unrivalled," with 127 likes, 2 comments, and 1 share

Instagram post by user "unequivocally_amy" with the text: "We're better at not smoking."

Post discusses the quality, cost, and access issues of healthcare in the US, highlighting strengths in surgery and cancer treatment for those who can afford it

Social media post discussing excellent postal and health care systems, but criticizes the lack of access to health care

Comment questioning birthright citizenship, noting the issue that one can be born in a country and not have citizenship there

Summary of a social media post listing societal needs, including accessibility, infrastructure, clean air, water, and inclusion of minorities

Comment praising the impressive nature of weed dispensaries, even from someone who doesn't typically use such products

A post praises Coca Cola, junk food, NYC cabs, and movie popcorn, while comparing NYC cabs to clean German ones. They value natural beauty in beaches and forests

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