What Sweden REALLY Thinks of America

[@InvincibleSummer7]

"Some say it's a developing country with a Gucci belt" What an introduction 😂😂😂

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Did my best to make people spit out their Bud Light in shock 😀

[@InvincibleSummer7]

@@ThreeStarVagabond 9am here in the U.S so sadly I only had my Starbucks ice coffee to spit out 😄

[@ChristofferOrrmalmUtsi]

​@@ThreeStarVagabond Why budweiser beer? Ohh I guess you must have completely ducked the backlashes and controversities with that brand.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@ChristofferOrrmalmUtsi Well if I was aiming to avoid all kinds of controversies I should have skipped recording this video :)

[@ragulper]

I'm a Swede and I approve of this message.

[@dr7246]

Many Americans find these things about the US strange and worrying as well

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha well said... It's such a big place that there are people of all kinds I guess

[@lunkanfilmar]

Oh yeah - you nailed it! på ren engelska! Mycket bra och underhållande video 👌 Måste dela denna video med mina amerikanska vänner!

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha do it! De kommer säkert grymta över en del av punkterna iaf...

[@uptowngirl734]

My grandparents came from Sweden, and I have an inkling on some aspects of Swedish culture. Here is an explanation of one of your criticisms. One of the reasons Americans now thank our military is because after the Vietnam War, returning soldiers were vilified, spit on, and called murderers. They were simply soldiers carrying out American military policy. Many were wounded in battle and saw their comrades die, yet they returned home to this. At the time of Desert Storm, people began trying to compensate for past treatment of our military personnel. And it is not a bad thing to thank a soldier. He or she may sacrifice their life someday.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Oh! That's a really good explanation! Thank you - that makes perfect sense now. I don't think I've ever seen it explained anywhere, but that's really good to know.

[@lulu.chains.88]

It's so interesting to know what other countries think of this place. The whole religious obsession in the US is really weird and disturbing to me, which is saying a lot coming from a Hispanic. I thought Latin America was ultra religious but we've got nothing on the US. Especially these days with the current political climate. I love that hat btw 😆 Did you get any notable comments on it?

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I get the feeling that religion is more about identity or something over there - it's like it's part of the culture, and not just...well, religion. I'll try to not comment too much on it even if I'm not a fan myself :D And no unfortunately not! I did get some people who talked to me in general, but most people who saw the hat just glared at me.

[@acnva]

I was born in Australia to British parents, was raised in America, became a naturalized American citizen, served in the US military and lived there for over 50 years. I'm currently living in Örebro, Sweden and don't want to go back, but due to lack of employment here, it looks like I may have to soon. There are so many things broken in the US that will never be fixed by a 2-party system, especially when, as you say, they obnoxiously believe that they're already the greatest. I mean, they really do believe that. 🤦🏻‍♂

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Too bad about the employment situation - it's always sad to have to move if one doesn't want to. There are many things broken, absolutely, but it's still a very nice country with a lot of positives. I just wish that there wasn't so much indoctrinated patriotism in many people, and an unwillingness to discuss pros and cons.

[@luvstarkei]

A very lagom perspective of the U.S., I'd say! Great video as always ^-^

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha I do try! Thank you 😊

[@Floorman7285]

Absolutely well said!!! Even I myself as American citizen. I still love my country 😊 the USA 🇺🇸 and I still love Sweden 🇸🇪 😊

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Thank you! And there are excellent things about both countries of course - it's always a mixed bag of good and bad :D

[@gilliankirby]

Fairly similar thoughts from Australians too I'd say. Possibly many other countries as well.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Maybe I should have made the video about what the world thinks of the US :D

[@niallmacdonald2710]

As someone who lived in the US for 10 years, and now living in Sweden for the last 6, I can agree with most of what you say here.

[@dreadzepplin1278]

I'm glad you got to visit my beautiful California.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

It really was wonderful to see - I had a great time 😀

[@Bush_76]

As an American currently in Stockholm - glad I don’t own a Gucci belt 😂😂😂

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I'm sure you're an exceptional exception to any complaints we normally have about Americans 😄

[@Bush_76]

@@ThreeStarVagabond I don’t feel like a tree towering over people like I do back home and you are all (generally speaking) introverted extroverts. I could get used to this 😎

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@Bush_76 We are pretty nice once you get past the exterior! And then we suck again in the layer beneath that. But if you get past that, then we're actually awesome :D

[@ArchieArpeggio]

I don´t think that most of the people in Nordic countries would ever want to move in US. Like you mentionet some of the social problems and expencive heath care. I think that those two factors keeps most of Europeans away from US. When i was teenage 30 years ago, i sure dreamed about US. But when i´ve got older and realized the everyday problems in US. I didn´t tought that i would ever move there. Also we have here much better quality food than US. Good public transport, free schools (at least in Finland) and lots of more good things that are never going to be in the US. It is just too capitalistic place.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I think that's a pretty good summary of how many people think actually! The US absolutely appeals to young people, and then when you get older and/or get a family, other things start to matter.

[@ArchieArpeggio]

@@ThreeStarVagabond I had serious toughts to move either to somewhere US or Stockholm as i were little over 20. But then i met my ex-wife and that changed alot of thing. And now that i have kids things are way different. But after that they are adults, i propably sell everything and move Moldova. One of the cheapest places in Europe where life is still very simple.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@ArchieArpeggio I've never been to Moldova but I'd really like to go there - maybe next year. And I'd love to explore the Balkan a bit more as well, like Montenegro and Bosnia and other places I haven't been

[@uptowngirl734]

You admit that you haven't been to America, yet you have ideas we would call stereotypes. You haven't seen for yourself. And even visiting the US, it is a BIG country. I have lived in California, New Jersey, and Ohio. They are all very different with different customs, cultures, and laws. Plus, we have hundreds of different nationalities in our population--all impacting our culture in a variety of ways. I would love to go into a discussion of American history to explain some of our customs but have already talked too long. But I must defend our food--my Grandma made some pretty nasty Swedish fish dishes! Food isn't better--just different.

[@ArchieArpeggio]

@@uptowngirl734 No, those are not stereotypes. Those are common know problems in whole US. Ofcourse there is some differences in some laws in different states just like here in different countries in Europe. Still the social care , health care, life work balance and many other things sucks in whole US. Capitalism has screwed things up for big time. And i wasn´t saing that the people or culture would be the problems. It is the government, politics and corporation power that ruins US. What comes from food, we deffenetly have better quality in Europe. We don´t have GMOs, most of the pesticide, no hormones for animals and no unnecessary antibiotics for the animals. We don´t feed soy or corn to the animals, becouse it is not proper food for animals. There is just so much different problems that has made these issues why Europeans wouldn´t like to move there ever. And even that i never wisited in the States, i have many relatives and friends that have lived in the States. Every single one has come back becouse things doesn´t function there. If you get sick, get into accident or lose job, then yu are lituraly screwed. You can´t survive there without good job and health.

[@soyxarai6369]

interesting video, as always :-)

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Thank you 😀

[@juniperdog5523]

As a Canadian this is really funny to hear. Canada has a hate love hate relationship with the US.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha kinda like Sweden and the US as well I guess. And I do hear that Canada and Sweden are a bit alike after all

[@juniperdog5523]

@@ThreeStarVagabond Well, sort of, but Sweden is lucky to not be attached physically and economically to the US. The United States could roll over in the middle of the night, squash us, and not even notice. Very similar to how a former president of Mexico expressed it….”Poor Mexico…so far from God, so close to the United States”

[@olasundahl6130]

The Nordic countries and Canada have many things in common. Canada is very highly respected here in general and a lot of people have good things to say. The French speaking part is a bit less unknown, maybe because of the language barrier

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@olasundahl6130 Yeah I would personally find it a bit difficult to get to know the French speaking parts. But then again...France is pretty easy to get around, so I'm sure it'd be fine!

[@zilfversurfer2157]

As a Swede i think this video sums up what most swedes think about the US.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Happy to hear that I didn't miss the mark too much!

[@ChristopherGronlund]

I'd say this is a very fair and balanced assessment of the U.S. (And we don't get a lot of fair and balanced commentaries, here.) 😂 There IS so much to love about the U.S. Sadly, a lot to also dislike. I know any place is like that, but I've sadly seen friends leave Texas because they have been threatened with physical violence for simply existing. That's my biggest complaint: how quick to violence we are. Like you, I'm fine with people owning guns, but gun culture in the U.S. has given way to so many problems. (Elementary school kids shouldn't have to go through active shooter drills, which reminds me...I have to go through my active shooter training at work this month [even though I'm remote]...)

[@peterbockholm3176]

If I were American I'd apply for political asylum in Sweden. America is a country broken beyond repair.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Oof! Now that's a little bit mean towards them I'd say. There's always awesome people and...less awesome people...in every place! Even if the system could use some improvement.

[@swedishguyonyoutube4684]

0:40 As a native Swede who's been to the US several times, no. No, Sweden is not "so similar to the US in so many ways"'. And that's not just my opinion. The WVS shows our cultural differences quite clearly.

[@user-zh5ej5fn5i]

"The Swedish welfare system and free healthcare is something Swedes take for granted, so the American system seems a bit... odd in comparison." It's okay, you can call our system barbaric, we know it is. Well, those of us who don't have their heads in a smelly and dark place.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha, oh I'm sure that it's a great system for the people with a lot of money. I hear many people praise the US healthcare - but I imagine those aren't the common people...

[@gmm5550]

The tv series breaking bad don't fly in countrys with a welfare system because of the thought of lacking money for healthcare is strange =) (its was a damn good series thou)

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@gmm5550 Totally agree! I mean I can watch fantasy series as well without getting hung up on the lack of realism so... 😊

[@gmm5550]

@@ThreeStarVagabond And sci-fi..i just say Farscape and Firefly series are the best..and walks away..haha

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Of course! But more Firefly than Farscape for me personally

[@EricMagazu]

Three Star, since you've driven in both countries, you know Swedes meticulously follow the speed limits, even when there isn't a speed camera. However in the USA many go at least 10 mph over the limit.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha I think it's 50-50 with people who speed and drive slow in Sweden. It was more like 80-20 in the US. I was extremely careful to not drive too fast in the beginning because I didn't want to run into unfriendly cops - but I soon started following everyone else over there.

[@waynewooten5844]

As an American, I agree.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

A bit unexpected, but cheers for that!

[@chrissilkwood5439]

I just got back from Stockholm. Almost every picture I took had a Swedish flag in the background.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha, that's a fair point! And I think some homeowners make use of their flagpoles too. But it's still nothing compared to the US.

[@katinkaridde-coffey6493]

As a swede who lived and worked in the US for 10 years I can see that point. How ever, swedes use the flag for holidays, birthdays on the boat, at the summer house,and by official gov and city buildings, hotels etc Usually contrary to the US, you dont see flags on clothes, home decor, at schools and in the classroom, at the police station, fire station, municipal buildings etc. Sure if it is a sports competition between countries or a royal birthday you can see flags being waved and even on clothing. You were also in Stockholm, the biggest tourist spot and in the summer… There will be more flags there than in other places.

[@christianwarg9014]

🤣

[@Jordynfire]

@@katinkaridde-coffey6493we just love our country we are sorry but not sorry

[@jillholly6445]

Wow - looks an amazing trip to California. Is that San Francisco, Yosemite, San Diego?

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Yes indeed! I think I added some clips from Las Vegas and Los Angeles as well. And Santa Barbara too. Haha, I got around quite a bit during those three weeks.

[@pkharper3525]

Great comparison between the two countries, but there is so much more to look at, for one there sizes and population. I know this is going to be a controversial topic, guns, the reason for guns is apart of the constitution, the right to bare arms was written so the people could over throw the government if it became tyrannical. When you take away or want to take away the rights of law abiding citizens for the actions of a few that’s where people get upset. Do we ban alcohol because of drunk drivers that kill people in accidents? Religion is a choice I know many people that are very religious and also quite a few that are atheist, you are who you are and that’s ok. I was born in Canada with socialized medicine and I am now a American citizen, the difference between the two systems is amazing and after dealing with both of them I’d rather have the US one. You were right we can learn something from each other, no country is perfect. Great video and stay safe till next time ☮️

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Fair enough! I think there's plenty of room for nuances and different takes on each of these topics. The only concern I have is regarding the weapons point - I believe that it's gone too far in the direction of viewing weapons and violence as symbols instead of tools to overthrow tyrants. And it seems to be more about projecting threats of violence onto others, than about defense. But that's just my couple of cents! 😊

[@WhadifuzAlottanois]

America seems appealing... But I will not set my foot there. And in 20 years will probably noone else, unless it is business.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I think there are some great things about America...and many not-so-great things. But it's a bit like that with all places really

[@YammyFzr]

It's like many countries. The people are on the whole great. It's the systems that suck.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Well put! Yeah I totally agree really - at least when it comes to most people :)

[@ciprianpopa1503]

Except some things though. Americans really think they are god chosen. It's a mind set that sets them apart.

[@user-kz5cw2gj3w]

i lived in Sweden for 4 years and I don't think the U.S. is the best country. In fact, its not by a lot of objective standards and international comparisons. But, I found it laughable when Swedes would tall me about America, when none I knew had ever been here. The U.S. is a vast, diverse country, California alone is the size of Sweden but a fraction of the size of the country. No way to generalize it because it varies by region and specific location.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Yeah, it's the same thing as when Americans start talking about "Europe". I've been to eight of the US states so far, and they're all more similar than dissimilar to me - because they share a lot more in common than they have different. It's a vast and diverse country, but so is every big country (e.g China, Indonesia, or even the larger European ones).

[@user-kz5cw2gj3w]

@@ThreeStarVagabond i want out of the US. I should add that I was in Sverige in the late '60's, married a Swede and had a Swedish son. So I still pay attention to Sweden and what's going on. Tack ska du har!

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@user-kz5cw2gj3w Oh that's interesting! I don't really have any perspective of how Sweden has changed since the 60s - so that's got to be really fascinating to see. I hope you got a good experience over here!

[@user-kz5cw2gj3w]

I was 20 and from California so I had difficulty with long, dark winters. But there many good things about Sverige then; and the people I knew were some of the best I've ever met in my life.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@user-kz5cw2gj3w Many people who've lived here their entire lives still have problems with the darkness. It really is one of the worst things about the country in my view. But happy to hear that there were nice upsides too!

[@darrenterry6277]

Miro, spot on as ever, and exactly as my swedish friends feel. Now, about your sunburnt nose😮...your poor nose has been burned a few times huh.....when are you going to get sunscreen? The next time I'm in Stockholm I'm bringing you some ok😂....bug hug Darren 😘

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I promise to wear sunscreen the next time I go somewhere hot! Haha it was 27 degrees in Finland this weekend and I was a bit worried about burning my nose again. I would have been SO roasted in the comments if I did it again now.... 😅

[@marna_li]

Swedes usually don't like bragging about stuff among themselves, but they very good at bragging about their moral superiority when someone from abroad is praising them for it. When it comes to socialized health care, their role in international diplomacy, and foreign aid. But one thing that Swedes imported from the US was political polarization. It is still not as bad due to our system. But anyway, in a country where people are supposed to agree and make compromises this doesn't look that great. Especially when it comes to healthcare, education and so. In the end, they pretty much just pretend to disagree so that they can steal their opponents politics, whether left or right.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I agree... I've felt extremely disillusioned with Swedish politics lately - but I also suspect that some of it might be that I'm getting older and more jaded. But just as Sweden imports ideas from the US, I think that the US will continue to evolve as well. Nothing (or very little) is static in a country after all.

[@pad9x]

nice hat bro hahaha

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Thanks man! Haha I love it even if it's a bit ugly

[@fontrich]

You should visit Canada, I would love to see that

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I've been to Toronto and Calgary but that was unfortunately before I started filming. Would be awesome to return and see a bit more 😀

[@juniperdog5523]

@@ThreeStarVagabond Go to Newfoundland, or the north!

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@juniperdog5523 I'd love to go there! I could have a look at L'Anse aux Meadows (even if I can't pronounce it) and marvel at what could have been :D

[@christopherx7428]

As far as the health care system, it is really the US that is the odd one out. Anywhere in Europe you have public health care. That the laws differ in different states in the US does not surprise anyone with at least a rudimentary knowledge of the fact that the US is a federal state. So is Germany and there too the laws differ between the various states though not as much so it may not be as well known.

[@sarahtaylor3950]

Like you, I think it's OK 👍 to be proud of where you come from. The parts that were bad you can obviously learn from, and try not to repeat. As far as natural beauty, there is beauty everywhere, but if I had to choose between visiting Sweden 🇸🇪 or America🇺🇸, Sweden would definitely get my choice as the wildlife I think is not quite so violent or poisonous 🐊🐍🕷

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha that's a good point! We just have very few bears and wolverines and stuff like that. The most poisonous animals are wasps and things like that 😊

[@ohboyitscoffee]

Because 50 semi independent states under one federal government. Each state can have their own laws, as long as they don't go over federal law.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Very strange concept for people who are used to smaller sovereign countries. Maybe one of the most unique things about the US actually!

[@ohboyitscoffee]

@@ThreeStarVagabond it was strange for my wife who is from sweden. but we do have many things here she appreciates

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I can imagine. There really is a lot of good stuff over there 😊

[@starvictory7079]

​@@ThreeStarVagabondSpaniens regioner har mer självständighet än de olika staterna i USA.

[@deestewart6782]

copy

[@freewill8218]

Trump,han med örat 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Jordynfire]

How is it funny?

[@OddballGaming140]

Hey you had abosultely right to opinion under the 1st Amendment to talk about American flags flying all over. Well patriotism is how this country was formed after beating the british. THat is also why people thank me for my service in the army or my brothers and sister that serves in the armed forces. But we do thank other people that put there lives on the line for communities like police and firefighters. But yeah I forgot how the cascades are beautiful. You go to Michigan or Minnesota and visit the beautiful Great Lakes, catch a freighter or two

[@gmm5550]

Funny enough America isn't even in top 20 worldwide in personal freedom or financial freedom or even democracy ....all the nordic country's are in top 10 in worldwide indexes there

[@Cybercenturycentaur]

How is your nose?

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Quite well done. Maybe a bit overcooked

[@etrigueros]

In my opinion, religion played an important and positive role in building European values, but most societies eventually forget and dismissed how they became what they are.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

That's a good point - religion and education was tightly connected for a long time after all. But the world is different today, and I don't think we should give religion praise for things it doesn't do any longer. However, I guess that it's still a great source of comfort and community for people, and that's still something good for them.

[@etrigueros]

@@ThreeStarVagabond You are right. For example, the US is a religious country and charity is strongly linked to religion. The US is the country that donates more aid to the world per capita, than any other country, so I'll say, it brings comfort to many beyond its borders. In the case of the homeless, they have a choice. Aid is available to them but many suffer from mental illness and drug addiction and typically won't follow the rules to receive that. Good video.

[@starvictory7079]

​@@etrigueros it is the richest country in the world. So, a rich person gives the most...

[@etrigueros]

@@starvictory7079 No, it is not the richest country in the world but it has a huge amount of charities. Maybe because religion.

[@HanzBergman]

@@starvictory7079 Maybe so but even if it is it can`t offer its citizens anything of much value like hand outs with out asking anything in return like countries like Norway can due to natural resources.

[@persjofors2586]

I live and have run companies in the US for 30 years (and still do) and previously ran companies in the UK and Switzerland. But I grew up in Sweden. The one thing missing from the video is that the US has this "can-do" attitude. Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it and work hard. I've had a few Swedish business partners and resellers over the years, and I see the opposite. Everything is a problem. Few want to work hard and do what must be done. Instead, at 5pm, the computer is turned off, or the tool is dropped. Mid-sentence. I also find the Swedes think they are entitled. They think they should be respected and their products should be successful just because they are "Swedish." Does not work like that. Certainly, in the US, nobody cares. The US is a shit country, but, so far, it is that can-do attitude that keeps me here.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

That's interesting! I hear a lot about the American can-do attitude, and it seems obvious that they produce amazing things over there. But at the same time, every time I've worked with Americans I get a feeling that they're playing office politics and are more concerned about showing themselves in a good light, rather than actually making good products. But I have a limited sample in a limited set of industries - so I'm sure there's a lot more to it than what I've seen.

[@ragulper]

I worked in the US for a while and noted how inefficient the work culture was. With no employment security, people refused to share information to make it harder to get fired. They didn't dare to take their own decisions and instead took everything to the boss to play safe. And if they got a better offer they were gone in two weeks with years of knowledge lost. It was truly dysfunctional.

[@persjofors2586]

@@ragulper You are right. The work culture here is, in many cases, fear-driven. (It was not in the companies I've run, as work culture always comes from the top.) Individuals sometimes make decisions to keep their backs covered, not necessarily for the benefit of the company.

[@HanzBergman]

@@ragulper American employers are very ignorant & rude to employees & I`m so glad I don`t live in the US & having to put up with that sh*t.

[@thedryparn1279]

Of course you will have a "can do" culture when job security is not an option. You can have starving kids without any safety net in a blink of an eye

[@evaconnors4652]

Sweden has only ten million people

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Very good, you get a gold star!

[@freewill8218]

Murica have 200.000.000 idiots. Yttrandefrihet.

[@freewill8218]

Muricas go home.