America is a nation built with traditions, some of which may seem peculiar to outsiders, but these customs are deeply ingrained in American culture. For example, the tradition of Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast.1
However, some traditions have become more harmful than heartwarming. They perpetuate stereotypes, cause unnecessary harm, or simply don’t make sense in modern society.
Here are 15 American traditions that may have overstayed their welcome.
1. Thanksgiving Turkey Pardons
Every year, the President of the United States “pardons” a turkey, sparing it from becoming Thanksgiving dinner. While meant to be a lighthearted tradition, it’s a bizarre spectacle that makes light of the very real power of presidential pardons.
In reality, the turkeys often die soon after due to health issues from being overfed.
The tradition is said to date back to Abraham Lincoln, but it only became an official yearly ritual in 1989 under George H.W. Bush. There’s no deeper meaning behind it – it’s simply a strange photo op that has somehow become an entrenched part of the holiday.
At best, it’s a silly distraction; at worst, it trivializes the serious issue of animal welfare and factory farming.
2. Daylight Savings Time Changes
Twice a year, Americans dutifully change their clocks an hour forward or backward for daylight savings time. But what was once implemented as an energy-saving measure has become an annoying and arguably harmful tradition.
Studies have linked the disruptive time changes to increased rates of car accidents(ref), workplace injuries, and strokes(ref) in the days following the switch.
Many experts argue that daylight savings time should be abolished altogether or that we should at least stick to one time year-round. Several states have already passed laws aiming to do so.
In an age where energy usage is vastly different than when DST was introduced over a century ago, continuing this tradition makes little sense.
3. Tipping Culture
America’s tipping culture has gotten out of control. While tipping was originally meant to reward exceptional service, it’s now expected for everything from coffee shop orders to take-out food.
Critics argue that it allows employers to underpay workers and puts the onus on customers to compensate.
Many service workers rely on tips to make a living wage, but this often leads to income instability, discrimination, and even harassment from customers. Some restaurants are moving away from tipping in favor of paying higher wages, but the practice remains stubbornly ingrained.
It’s time to reevaluate our relationship with tipping and consider alternative models.
4. Black Friday Shopping Frenzies
The day after Thanksgiving has become synonymous with frenzied crowds rushing into stores in search of steep discounts. But what started as an unofficial start to the holiday shopping season has morphed into a chaotic and sometimes dangerous tradition.
In recent years, Black Friday sales have crept earlier and earlier, with some stores opening on Thanksgiving Day itself. This not only disrupts time meant to be spent with family but puts retail workers under immense pressure during the holidays.
With the rise of online shopping, the mad dash for in-store deals feels increasingly unnecessary and out-of-touch.
5. Groundhog Day
Every February 2nd, Americans wait with bated breath to see if a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow, supposedly predicting if winter will last another six weeks. It’s a silly superstition that has no basis in actual science or weather forecasting.
The tradition originated with German settlers in Pennsylvania and is rooted in ancient Celtic celebrations of the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox.
But in modern times, it’s little more than a quirky media spectacle and an excuse for the town of Punxsutawney to throw a festival. It’s harmless fun, but let’s not pretend it has any real predictive power.
6. Gender Reveal Parties
A relatively new tradition, gender reveal parties have quickly become a cultural phenomenon. Parents-to-be announce the sex of their unborn child in increasingly elaborate ways, from colored cake to confetti explosions to even pyrotechnics.
However, the tradition has come under fire for reinforcing gender stereotypes. And a Pew Research Center report reveals that one in five American adults knows someone who uses gender-neutral pronouns. Meanwhile, another study shows that 41% of Gen-Z respondents identify as gender neutral.
Some of these stunts have even caused injury, property damage, and wildfires. It may be time to rethink how we welcome babies and let go of this over-the-top trend.
7. Columbus Day Celebrations
Many Americans still get a day off work or school to commemorate Christopher Columbus “discovering” the Americas. However, this version of history ignores the fact that indigenous people had been living there for thousands of years and that Columbus’ arrival marked the beginning of their colonization and genocide.
A growing number of states and cities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor Native American history and culture instead. It’s time for this to become the norm.
Continuing to venerate Columbus is disrespectful to indigenous communities and perpetuates a whitewashed version of American history.
8. Overpriced Funerals
The average cost of a funeral in the US is over $7,000, a major financial burden for grieving families. Much of this goes to markup on caskets, embalming, and other add-ons pushed by the funeral industry.
Cheaper options like direct cremation are often not presented.
Funerals are an important ritual, but the idea that you need to have an elaborate, expensive ceremony to properly honor a loved one is misguided. There are many meaningful ways to say goodbye that don’t put families in debt.
As more people opt for simpler or green burials, it may help shift cultural attitudes.
9. Overcommercialized Holidays
Holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day have become so commercialized that their original meanings often get lost. Stores start putting out holiday decorations months in advance, and there’s immense pressure to buy the perfect gifts or have the most elaborate celebrations.
This consumerism not only detracts from what should be a time of togetherness and reflection, but it’s also extremely wasteful. Americans spend billions on holiday purchases yearly, much of which ends up in landfills.
Scaling back the materialism and focusing on the deeper purpose behind these holidays could benefit both our wallets and our well-being.
10. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo has become an excuse for Americans to throw Mexican-themed parties, drink margaritas, and wear sombreros. However, most people don’t know the actual history behind the holiday, which commemorates Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla.
The way it’s celebrated in the US often veers into cultural appropriation and stereotyping. It’s great to appreciate Mexican culture, but doing so respectfully means learning about the significance of the holiday and not reducing it to a drinking event.
There are better ways to honor our neighbors than with offensive costumes and decorations.
11. Tailgating & Binge Drinking
Tailgating before sporting events is a time-honored American tradition, but it often goes hand-in-hand with excessive drinking. Binge drinking is normalized as part of the fan experience despite the many risks it poses to health and safety.
Studies have found higher rates of DUIs, assaults, and other alcohol-related incidents on game days.(ref) While sharing food and camaraderie with fellow fans can be fun, it shouldn’t be dependent on getting drunk.
Sporting events could do more to provide alternative activities and limit alcohol consumption for the sake of public health.
12. Prom Excess
Prom has become a cultural rite of passage, but the pressure to have the “perfect” prom experience has gotten out of hand. Between expensive dresses and tuxes, limos, professional photos, and after-parties, costs can quickly add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
This puts a huge financial strain on families and excludes teens who can’t afford it. It also creates unrealistic expectations and disappointment if the night doesn’t live up to the fairy-tale hype.
Scaling back the excess and focusing on creating an inclusive, fun event for all students should be the priority.
American traditions are a reflection of the nation’s complex history and diverse cultural influences. While some traditions bring joy and a sense of belonging, others may no longer align with modern values and sensibilities.
As society evolves, it’s important to critically examine these customs and ask ourselves if they still serve a meaningful purpose.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
