Redditors in “Am I The Asshole” (AITA) respond with their guidance and judgements, abbreviated as:
“YTA” = You’re The Asshole
“NTA” = Not the Asshole
“ESH” = Everyone Sucks Here
“NAH” = No Assholes Here
Case Study 1:
AITA for Insulting my Roommates Cultural Heritage?
Context: A Sardinian-American woman tries on a traditional outfit sent by her grandmother for a family wedding photo, excited to participate in her cultural heritage from afar.
Conflict: Her roommate accuses her of cultural appropriation, mistaking the outfit for a stereotyped costume, leading to a heated argument in which insults were sent both ways.
Redittor Responses:
perpetuallypolite: NAH, she was trying to be politically correct not realizing you were wearing attire from YOUR culture. On the other hand, you were defending yourself because she didn’t know or realize that this was your heritage. You maybe could have been nicer in letting her know this but she made assumptions first. Apologies can be made on both sides.
big_griz_MT: NTA - but are you implying that Italy doesn't have a major history of colonialism?
Analysis: These Redditors acknowledge both parties' perspectives, framing the misunderstanding as rooted in assumptions rather than malice, while still holding both parties accountable. Many responses encouraged mutual apology to restore respect and clarity.
Case Study 2:
AITA because I don't want to share my Irish culture with my American classmates?
Context: A 16-year-old girl (originally from Dublin, Ireland) has recently moved to a small town in the U.S. and is struggling to adjust to life in the "Bible Belt," where she is subjected to stereotypical questions about Ireland, further complicated by a school assignment through which she feels targetted to share her culture with the class.
Conflict: The narrator refuses to participate in a classroom activity where she is expected to share aspects of Irish culture, feeling objectified and frustrated by her classmates’ and teacher’s assumptions. This leads to a clash with the teacher and a meeting with school authorities.
Redittor Response:
Newenglandredshirt: NTA. American teacher here. I am SO sorry that this has been your experience. During the sit-down, I recommend you tell the teacher/administrator exactly what you put here... that others have been unkind because of your heritage. And then apologize for being rude to the teacher. (Bear with me) Tell her that when she asked you to participate, all that other stuff was going through your head, and you want to be seen by your classmates as more than just "the Irish girl". Don't bring up the kid from Mexico [one other student who has recently migrated]. That isn't your goal here. Your goal is acceptance for who you are as a person, not to be seen as "The foreigner."
Analysis: This Redditor validates the narrator’s experience while encouraging open, respectful dialogue to transform cultural tension into mutual understanding.