"Embrace the Unexpected: Exploring the Modern American Dream Abroad"
All over TikTok, influencers are shedding light on their exciting journeys overseas, showcasing a refreshed perspective of the American dream. From cultural shock stories to everyday life adventures, these American TikTokers have left the familiarity of the United States and ventured into the unknown.
Embracing the Change in Europe
Kacie Rose Burns, an American TikToker based in Italy, shares her culture shock moments in a viral TikTok video, which has garnered 19.8 million views and numerous comments spanning from disbelief to support. Her charming footage captures her battles with Italian customs, and one particular comment strikes a chord: "I think the American dream is to leave America."
By relocating to Florence with her Italian beau, Kacie Rose shares her new experiences and insights with her 1 million TikTok followers. Her successful content journey has awakened a sense of wanderlust in numerous American TikTok users and even inspired an influx of fellow influencers striving to share their own escapades.
The American in Foreign Lands
Over the past few years, TikTok has introduced us to a new generation of expatriates who embrace and document the wonders of foreign lands. From Quentin Pettiford's explorations of Norwegian cuisine to Elizabeth Staub’s fascination with the lives of American influencers abroad, these TikTokers leave us in awe of their experiences and the diverse cultures they now call home.
Regardless of whether these influencers share their stories about living in the UK, France, or Norway, their content connects with a broad audience, inspiring viewers with tales of adventure and cultural immersion.
Exploring Small Wonders
American TikTokers often find inspiration in the smallest details of their host countries. Take Quentin Pettiford's social media success for example. After moving to Norway, he marveled at the differences between Norwegian and American grocery stores, quickly recognizing a goldmine of cultural nuances. Pettiford's viral TikTok video discussing these intricacies quickly gained him thousands in followers, sparking a series of videos about purely everyday experiences in his new homeland.
The Allure of Pop Culture
The American dream has long captivated the public's imagination in Europe, and content creators like Kacie Rose Burns and Fatima play into these tropes. Inspired by popular TV shows like "Emily in Paris," these American TikTokers liken their experiences to romanticized versions of their host countries, sparking relatability and encouragement among their followers.
Expressing the Real-world Experience
Yet, as Fatima and Kacie Rose both acknowledge, the reality of living abroad contrasts substantially with the rosy images packaged in popular films and TV shows. Both influencers share insights into gender and race issues, difficulties in adapting to their new environments, and the importance of embracing the challenges that come with international transfers.
The Evolution of a Social Media Phenomenon
The allure of American dreamers overseas imperatives an analysis of the influencer market phenomenon in TikTok. As more Americans venture outside of their borders, content creation becomes a source of cultural exploration and shared experience while simultaneously providing them with a reliable source of income.
The Mystique of Living Abroad: The Inspiration for a Generational Trauma Healer
Elizabeth Staub, a social media user and trauma healer, discusses the fascination of viewing American influencers from abroad. She notes that these videos feel like "a simple daydream" or an "escape," yet they represent an achievable reality. The simple yet captivating nature of these videos sparks a profound emotional response in viewers like Staub, as they witness these influencers living out romanticized versions of their own dreams.
Breaking Down the Barriers: Global Connections on TikTok
TikTok's international boom is just one example of the rising trend in digital platforms forging stronger global connections. As platforms like TikTok and RedNote foster collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue, we can expect to see an ever-growing and more diverse community of content creators exploring the world's beauty and complexity.
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As American TikTokers venture abroad, some are finding a radically different perspective on the traditional American dream.
- Cost of Living and Education:
- Germany: The cost of living and education in Germany is significantly lower than in the United States for a number of items, such as daycare (only $1,856 per year) and baby formula ($6 versus $25 in the U.S.) [1].
- Safety and Social Systems:
- Not only are the costs lower, but Aly, an American mom living in Germany, also highlights the sense of safety and efficiency of its social system. She has even found that the country's approach to family support has been more effective for her and her children [1].
- Cultural and Historical Perspectives:
- American history and its interpretation of the American dream is often different for Germans, and Aly sheds light on this distinction. She talks about how German students learn about U.S. propaganda, including propaganda surrounding U.S. exceptionalism, and the romanticized vision of the American dream [1].
- Global Connections and Perspectives:
- The movement to RedNote, a Chinese social media app, by American TikTok users following the app's ban in the United States underscores the desire for global connectivity and interaction. The shift to RedNote shows a rejection of geographical barriers, as users seek global platforms where they can avoid being segmented by geographical regions [2].
- Impact on American TikTok Users:
- American TikTok users living abroad share insights into life abroad, challenging the traditional American dream narrative and offering a more nuanced understanding of life outside the United States.
- American TikTok users following influencers living abroad may be influenced by these experiences, broadening their own perspectives and context for the American dream.
