“The World Cup didn’t need America, but America needed the World Cup.”
That’s the view from one of many on social media acknowledging the international visitors here for the World Cup who, in their own posts about discovering the people and culture of the U.S., have reminded us of all that’s great about this country.
World Cup visitors have injected hosting cities with infectious enthusiasm, soaring spirits and camaraderie. Thanks to the Tartan Army’s takeover of Boston, we understand the power of the rallying cry “No Scotland, no party.”
We love these guys. Can we make all of Scotland a sister city?
And the feeling is apparently mutual. World Cup visitors from Scotland and other countries have expressed surprise and delight as they’ve toured different states.
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A Frenchman marveled at the size of Costco and the vast amount of goods for sale. Brits extolled Southern hospitality. Japanese visitors were startled that chips and salsa came free with their meal. So many new to our shores have been blown away by our food, from Texas brisket to ribs, hamburgers, to dipping fries in a milkshake. Ranch dressing has an international fan base now.
So many videos show visitors tucking into barbecue and discovering the joys of succulent meat and sublime sauce, blissed out by burritos and sausage sandwiches outside Fenway and much, much more.
But it’s not just our food.
When the Instagrammer Shaun Alexander appeared on Fox News and was asked what he liked best about America, he replied: “Absolutely the people. Whenever I’ve come here the people are so warm and generous. The people here across different states living in different parts of America, different beliefs, different politics, I’ve always met really kind and generous people here. That’s the one thing I always take away with me.”
He’s talking about us. And in a country where political divisions have been hyped into a frenzy, having people from outside point out the best of ourselves has been a refreshing wake-up call.
Joshua Cauldwell, a Brit who’s visited the U.S. for years, posted on Instagram: “People who aren’t American who have traveled to the World Cup are realizing they’ve been lied to. Before traveling to America, foreigners would just think America is just this place they would hear about on the news all the time, it’s a horrible place. But when you strip that back, like I’ve been doing for years, traveling America … you realize the beauty of America. The different cultures, how amazing the people are, and the World Cup has allowed people outside of America to see America through their own eyes, not through their country’s media’s eyes.”
Thanks to these visitors, we have a chance to see ourselves through fresh eyes as well.
The “us v. them” mentality suits political parties keen on firing up their base. Painting the opposition as the enemy of all that’s good in America may get votes, but it erodes the social fabric that ties us together. That is, until visitors from around the world hold up a mirror to who we really are.
It’s not just our breathtaking national parks, nor the vastly different landscapes, accents, cuisine and culture. It’s who we are as a people.
That transcends politics. America is “we the people,” and as the country approaches its 250th birthday, it’s a welcome reminder.
