Steve Schulwitz

During the World Cup, the American 250 and Fourth of July celebrations, people from around the globe have seen our country from a different viewpoint from what they were sold in their homeland by government officials and the media overseas.

The cool thing is, they liked what they saw.

People from across the world have descended to the United States for the World Cup soccer tournament and many feel as if they have been sold a false bill of goods when it comes to America, its citizens, lifestyle, and culture.

All it takes is a brief search on Youtube, Facebook, or X to see visitor’s testimony about the U.S.A., their experiences in it, and the shock on their faces when they get to experience what so many in the nation take for granted.

From marveling at the size of American vehicles, to being shocked that most homes and businesses have air conditioning, visitors from overseas absorbed as much of what the United States has to offer.

Many said they can’t wait to return, and some proclaimed that they intended to move to the U.S., so they can enjoy the same freedoms we enjoy every second, minute, and hour of the day.

The ones who were lucky enough to be on vacation for the tournament during the Fourth of July, were lucky enough to see what the L”land of the Ffree and Hhome of the Bbrave” means to most Americans and stood side by side with them to participate in the monumental anniversary.

People were struck by the number of American flags hanging on people’s homes and the red, white, and blue on their attire. Their jaws dropped when they saw the lengths people go to showcase their love for their country., and at the size of the firework displays that were happening around the nation over the holiday weekend.

Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco stores also overwhelmed the tourists, as did the variety of goods we have to choose from.

I wish I could gather all of you in one place for a marathon of videos so you can see for yourself the reaction of these guests.

Most commented that the American people were much more friendly and helpful than expected and most importantly, accepting of them.

I have watched hundreds of videos of people’s reaction to the United States and it is cool to be able to see my home, through the eyes of others. It reminded me that there isn’t another place in the world where I would rather live. I hit the lottery when I was born in the United States and so did you.

So many people today only see the warts our nation has and ignore all of the things that make America exceptional. Many of these people now head home, without the ranch dressing they fell in love with, and attempt to pick up where they left off before coming to America, but no doubt, they are going to view their countries differently and unavoidably compare them to the United States.

They will share stories, photos, videos, about their adventures in the U.S. and hopefully, that will help to defuse people’s negative and inaccurate views of the county and its residents.

These soccer fans have an opportunity to erase the “dirty American” stigma that was forced upon us and allow them to see the truth.

Also, it is an opportunity for us to rediscover ourselves, more closely examine how we feel about our country, and what life would be like if we were forced to live somewhere else.

It is time to quit taking our nation and all the good things it has to offer for granted and appreciate the things we have, that so many others would die for.