A TikTok user named Avery Arnett recently shared her frustrations with life in the United States after returning from a two-week trip to Europe, specifically highlighting a lack of accessible community spaces, Daily Dot reports. Her video, which has gained nearly 92,000 likes, focuses on how much happier she felt while traveling abroad compared to her daily life in Texas.
Arnett points to the concept of “third spaces” as the primary culprit for this disconnect. Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined this term in his 1989 book, The Great Good Place, to describe environments outside of the home and the workplace where people can gather and socialize.
Arnett argues that these spots are essentially nonexistent in America. She noted that during her European travels, she could easily walk to cafes, restaurants, and bars. The contrast with her home in Texas is stark.
Arnett criticized the lack of walkability in her community
She noted that residents are forced to drive for even the most basic daily activities. She also expressed frustration that many Texas towns feel identical due to the prevalence of major retail chains and repetitive road layouts. “There are no third spaces in America,” Arnett said. She believes that the current design of our communities has led us to a point where “I think we’ve lost the plot.”
@avery_arnett2 I think i just need to move #texas #europeansummer #europetravel #3rdspaces #americans
♬ original sound – 𝓐very 𝓐rnett˚˖𓍢ִ໋🦢˚
Her comments sparked a wide-ranging debate among viewers about the state of American life. Many commenters agreed with her, noting that younger people often lack places to hang out that do not require an admission fee or a purchase.
Some people even joked that they end up at stores like TJ Maxx just to find some form of entertainment. Others brought up the heavy reliance on cars and a perceived decline in community connection, which is often exacerbated by the rising costs of food and beverages.
Not everyone agreed with Arnett, however. Some viewers pushed back against the comparison, arguing that Europe is a continent made up of many countries with diverse cultures, while the United States is a single country with its own unique shared culture. Others suggested that Arnett’s experience might be more reflective of suburban Texas life rather than the country as a whole.
A commenter from Hoboken, New Jersey, pointed out that their city provides plenty of parks and destinations within walking distance. Another person mentioned that beaches in Southern California serve as excellent examples of free third spaces.
There were also viewers who pointed out that European life is not necessarily more affordable for those earning local wages in those countries. Despite these counterpoints, Arnett remains focused on the issue of accessibility. She is currently considering opening her own cafe or bar to help build the kind of gathering spot she feels is missing from her local area.
