STILL WORTHY OF ADMIRATION

I haven’t watched much of the World Cup over the last several weeks. I am just not a sports guy in general and not a soccer fan in particular. 

But I do recognize the value in sports and in this case, I believe FIFA's tagline has proven true: soccer has brought the world together. 

And it has been of great benefit to the U.S. - as soccer fans from all over the world have converged on the U.S. for the games, they have gained a firsthand knowledge of this country.

It seems that a common result has been a greater appreciation of the greatness and uniqueness of this nation. 

Because I am not a sports guy, I knew nothing about the World Cup before the games started. I assumed it was one big game, like the Super Bowl. But I learned it’s every four years, like the Olympics, and that there are numerous games spread over several weeks and over multiple sports venues. 

And so, with soccer fans being as intense as they are, the World Cup has brought people from all over the world to the U.S. for several weeks. And these visitors have done lots of travel between venues, zig-zagging across the country by plane, bus, and car. 

And they are posting videos online about their experience of America and how surprised they are that it doesn’t match their expectations – formed through Hollywood and their own news media. I have really enjoyed watching these videos and, from what I can see, here is what surprises them the most: 

1) America is much safer than they expected. They expected to be dodging a lot of bullets. 

2) There are so many options available here. The number of brands of peanut butter alone leaves them speechless. And don't get them started on Buc-ees! 

3) They are impressed by the natural beauty. Some are stopping at national parks between games and discovering that Yosemite can give any European mountain range a run for its money.

4) They are caught off guard by the friendliness of average Americans on the street. I guess our movies don't often show people waving to each other or offering even strangers the friendliest of greetings on the street corner. 

5) Visitors also comment about American patriotism. And in the most positive terms! Of course, they are coming during our 250th anniversary, but they aren’t talking about the special events. They are commenting on how many homes have the American flag out front. And how even McDonalds will fly the flag in the parking lot – day after day, not just the 4th of July. And the consensus is that American patriotism is sincere, heartfelt, and natural.

It's been good for me to see this reaction from outsiders. In an era of intense political polarization, it's good to see that visitors recognize a positive core of unity.

And a country still worthy of admiration.