That's My America

What the World Cup Is Showing Us About America

I have lived in London for 17 years, and during that time I've learned how to assimilate with the British people.

I can make small talk about the weather. I know how to queue properly. And — after years of practice — I can even make a “proper” cup of tea.

But as soon as I speak, my accent reveals I wasn't born in England.

And when I tell people I was born and raised in the US, the responses are mixed. 

Even people who’ve never visited have a view of the country. And sadly, the images most people see today sharply contrast with our narrative of the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

They see us attacking allies like Canada, picking fights with Greenland, questioning who really belongs in our own country.

That is not the America I know — or the America I love.

Though I've chosen to live elsewhere for most of my adult life, I always look forward to going home. 

Each time I pass through US Immigration — in Charlotte, New York, or Chicago — there are two words I long to hear from the agent:

“Welcome home.”

"Home" isn't just the state where I grew up. It's the country where I'm fluent in the language and the culture.

On my most recent visit, I flew to Orlando and then made a three-hour drive to visit my mother in SW Florida. After two hours of driving, I pulled over in a parking lot to take a break and stretch my legs. 

Within minutes, a man in a truck pulled up to ask if I was okay. When I told him I was just taking a break, he smiled, waved, and wished me a safe trip.

The next morning, walking around my mother's neighborhood, every single person I passed — strangers, all of them — smiled and said hello.

That is the America I know. 

Americans, by and large, are kind. They're friendly. They help others. 

And when you live there, it’s easy to take that for granted.

That's why I'm loving the World Cup coverage from foreign visitors this summer. 

Seeing a small town in Kansas going out of its way to welcome the Algerian team. People who know nothing about a country learning about it – and approaching the team with curiosity and genuine hospitality.

Kansas welcomes Team Algeria

Students from the University of Kansas band welcomed the team by playing the Algerian National Anthem as they came on the pitch to train. And the crowd was full of locals and residents, some with Algerian ties, but many without.

They’ve simply come to welcome the visitors and make them feel at home.

That’s my America.

Scotland's Tartan Army march toward Fenway Park (Credit: Bob Dechiara-Imagn Images)

And look at how Boston and Providence, R.I. have embraced the visiting Tartan Army. We’ve seen joyful videos of Scottish and Americans singing and dancing at Fenway Park and bagpipers joining street musicians. 

The sense of welcome and community and friendship is evident – and it’s genuinely moving.

And the kindness and generosity goes both ways. 

In Providence, Scotland’s Tartan Army was so appreciative of the welcome (and more affordable accommodation than nearby Boston) that fans ended up donating nearly $30,000 back to local charities, including the children's hospital.

Scotland's Tartan Army donates $10,000 to Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence

And posts from visitors are reminding Americans of the simple pleasures of the country that they may take for granted: from our yellow school buses to late night dining at Waffle House, and the endless chips and salsa at Mexican restaurants.

Freddy is having the time of his life in the USA

After years of one-dimensional headlines, the world is being reminded that America is a big country — full of all kinds of scenery, cuisine, and people. 

And that the politicians and headlines dominating the news don't represent all of us.

The US men’s soccer team probably won't win the World Cup. 

But over the next few weeks, Americans have a shot at a bigger prize: showing the rest of the world—and each other—who we really are.

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Beth Collier loves writing, pop culture, and seeing this kind of JOY.

She also loves helping companies, leaders, and teams improve their communication (and creativity and leadership) through consulting, coaching, and workshops.

Her clients benefit from Beth’s global corporate experience, Midwestern practicality and enthusiasm, and an endless supply of pop culture references.

To find out how Beth can help you become a more confident, creative, and compelling leader – or improve communication in your company – visit www.beth-collier.com or drop her a line at beth@beth-collier.com

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