Baby Showers

I think gift giving showers in general are tacky (burdening others with gift giving for a responsibility that isn't theirs (wedding/engagement/bridal/baby/etc...). Is this an American tradition? Where else does this occur? What are your thoughts? I have been to plenty now and I always feel obligated to purchase something beyond my means because it's on some registry for a close friend or family member and apparently there's etiquette that people take so seriously, I don't want to be disowned as a friend lol I would never dream of asking for things blatantly for myself or my SO. Help me see the light...