Sure, some things from the 1900s remain, such as mom, baseball, and apple pie. But what does it mean to be an American right now on the cusp of a major celebration?
We’re still mostly known for equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These are all a part of what could be called the American creed. For more than two centuries, that doctrine has attracted immigrants from across the world. People have given up everything they have ever known to just have a chance to make a better life for themselves and their children. And they came here to make it happen because they believe in what we have to offer: a chance.
Maybe we could best be compared to a tossed salad. Bits of flavor from around the world have been thrown in to create who we have become. We’re the world’s melting pot, and it has made us a diverse country. The blending has brought out the best in us. And at times the worst. But all the immigrants who have come here did so because they believed in what we stand for and what we have to offer.
Our immigrant ancestor brought their traditions, food, and styles. The Irish brought us St. Patrick’s Day. Mexicans gave us Cinco de Mayo. And Germans introduced us to Oktoberfest. If you think about it, it is a rare community that doesn’t have a Mexican or a Chinese restaurant.
Due to the number of Spanish-speaking people who have moved here, our government and businesses have had to adapt. Calls to a large organization will give you an option to hear instructions in Spanish or English. Spanish words and phrases are often a part of our daily conversation, such as “time to vamos” or “audios.”
People I’ve met from England, Canada, and Mexico while on vacation have often described the United States in glowing terms. They use words such as freedom, optimism, and confidence. The negative usually focuses on our politics and how we only know English.
I like how historian Jon Meacham put it in his book, “The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels.” He points out that even when Americans intellectually know America isn’t the best, we still emotionally believe we are. Maybe that is the most American thing we do.
And Then Some …
I had a chance to have a brief conversation with a small boy wearing a Messi t-shirt about the upcoming World Cup Soccer tournament. The event will be spread out between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. I asked him if he was excited about the World Cup.
Not only was he excited, but he started to brief me on who he thinks will win. It will be either Brazil, Italy, or Germany. He also mentioned a famous player who has never won a World Cup he thinks should win. He even lamented with me that the United States doesn’t really stand a chance.
We were standing in line at a gas station counter. The conversation ended when the clerk said, “Next.” We waved goodbye. I hope I run into him after the tournament is over. I’d love to hear his thoughts.
