'American' Things That Aren't American at All

"Made in the USA." "Born in the United States." "I'm proud to call myself an American." If the United States has one advantage, it is its sense of national pride. From American football to Charlie Brown to the Empire State Building, America has a plethora of images that evoke patriotism, particularly for such a young country. And, of course, the United States has accomplished many excellent things. However, not everything Americans associate with the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave is actually American. Many of the ideas and technologies that are seen as "American" originate outside of the country's boundaries, much like the melting pot that is the people. Here are a few examples: