An American woman living in the UK has shared four British things that ‘felt illegal’ to her – but actually aren’t.
Kristen Campbell moved to the UK six years ago and regularly shares her thoughts on the differences between the UK and US with her followers online.
The 36-year-old recently shared how some things in the UK felt ‘illegal’ to her as they’re so different in the US, including gambling, crossing the street, and alcohol being consumed on TV.
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“Why are there gambling stores on every corner, like there are coffee shops?,” Kristen, who is originally from Florida, US but now lives in London, told Whats The Jam.
“Number two is just crossing the street whenever you want.
“I’ve been here for over six years and I still feel unnatural, like I’m doing something wrong almost every time that I cross the street.
“It’s just ingrained in me as an American, I don’t know why.”
Crossing the street outside of marked crossroads is considered ‘jaywalking’ in the US and people are often fined if caught doing so.
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Kristen added: “Number three is drinking on TV.
“I know the culture here is strong for the social life of drinking alcohol, but the professionalism and the drinking just so casually on TV for so many things just really surprised me.”
The cardiac sonographer added: “To follow up with another thing for number four, that has to do with what they broadcast on TV – and that is nudity.
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“There is a show called Naked Attraction and you just need to look it up for yourself if you’re curious.
“How are they getting away with that?
“I know that it’s on past 10pm, but this is on just regular cable.”
Kristen added: “It wasn’t that I genuinely believed these things were illegal; rather, it reflects how different certain aspects of life in the UK can feel when viewed through a typical American lens.
“In the United States, gambling has historically been far more restricted, often limited to specific locations such as tribal lands, although regulations have evolved in recent years.
“Seeing how widely accessible it is in the UK felt unfamiliar.
“Similarly, the presence of nudity on cable television was surprising, and, to some extent, still is.
“While I understand it is regulated by watershed hours, it feels comparatively more accessible than what I was accustomed to in the US, particularly programs such as Naked Attraction.”
Kristen said she was “astonished” at the response her video got, having racked up 191,000 views and more than 10,000 likes.
She added: “It has resonated with a wide audience, particularly those who have experienced working across different countries.
“While some viewers were surprised by the contrasts, the overall reaction has encouraged meaningful discussion about cultural differences.”
Users were quick to flock to the comments section to share their thoughts on the video.
One person said: “Yeah jaywalking isn’t a thing here.”
Jamie wrote: “Hold on a second you guys have VEGAS!!!?”
Olivia added: “We actually have a lot of regulation around advertising alcohol.
“But yes, we are very relaxed about it compared to other places.”
Another person wrote: “We are a chill nation really.”
Paul added: “Fascinating list.”
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