The Idea of America

Awhile back my mother asked how I felt when introducing myself to others as an American. It was a good question, one upon which I have previously reflected. She asked if I felt ashamed. I responded no, that I do not feel ashamed. However, I told her that unfortunately, the same pride felt when I'm within the States and claiming Utah as my home, is not there. This bothers me.

It does not require a degree in international relations to ascertain the reasons surrounding the world's negative perception of America at the moment. While the world rallied around the US in the wake of 9/11, America's foreign activities over the last several years have greatly tainted the image of the super power abroad. The vast majority of foreigners now have an unfavorable opinion of the United States. In a recent poll, the BBC noted that over half of Europe's population now views the United States as being a greater force for evil than for good in the world.

That right there is depressing and disturbing. It is why the words, "I'm from the US," do not carry the pride and conviction that I wish they could, and should carry.

Despite it all, it never ceases to amaze me how much European interest there is concerning the coming presidential elections. Nearly everyone I meet wants to know for which candidate I will be casting my vote. A few weeks ago, I was out and about with some friends and some random guy walked up and said, "hey, you from America?" I answered affirmatively. "I heard your accent and thought so," he said. "So who do you like: Obama or McCain?"

I realize that it is natural for my acquaintances to inquire as to my opinions (which they all do - it is rare that someone I meet does not ask me the same question), but a stranger - completely out of the blue - approached me wanting to talk American politics.

The outcome of these elections are a big deal to the world. While probably 99% of Americans couldn't tell you the name of the Canadian prime minister, the names of Obama, Hilary, McCain, Romney, and John Edwards have been circulating the globe for nearly a year now.

Thomas Friedman, an author and columnist for the New York Times recently wrote,"it [the foreign concern for the US presidential elections] reveals how much many foreigners, after all the acrimony of the Bush years, still hunger for the 'idea of America' — this open, optimistic, and, indeed, revolutionary, place so radically different from their own societies."

This "idea of America" is a very real thing.

In a conversation with my roommate Phillipp, a German law student currently working at the German embassy in Latvia, I asked concerning his opinions on the US. He expressed to me that despite the current unfavorable views, "America is still the model for freedom." He then elucidated the reasons for his thinking, all of which are as common to Americans as the English language.

As far as I have been able to tell, for the most part anti-Americanism does not exist (When it does in fact exist, it is usually only an outward expression of the anger and frustration caused by other repressive forces far beyond that of America's). What does exist, however, is "anti-current administration's horrible foreign policy that has had such a huge negative impact on the world-ism" that is commonly expressed. It should be noted that the United States is not insular - nearly EVERYTHING America does carries huge implications with it worldwide. But like any child who's heart aches for a loving father-figure, democracies around the world yearn for the America that once was.

That is why the coming elections matter so much to foreigners.

It is hard for anyone, American and European alike, not to simultaneously conjure up images of the stars and stripes while watching the famous clip of an East German man - completely absorbed by his emotions - hacking away at the Berlin Wall. The many positive repercussions of America's impact on the world are still very alive. That is why the Idea of America is still so prevalent. On a number of occasions, this Idea, this longing for the freedom and good that America stands for, has knotted my throat and teared my eyes. It has done the same for countless others scattered across the globe.

A large fire can be produced by simply blowing on a single coal - even if the coal appears cold and dark. In the eyes of the world, the Idea of America is still a glowing ember. All it needs is a little breath.

Tomorrow, as we celebrate our independence, let us not only remember what great things America has done, but let us aspire and re-commit ourselves to ensuring that America never be looked upon through the "golden age" lens that is now used to reminisce over ancient Greece and what was the British Empire. The Idea of America has the potential to burn strong in the hearts of freedom-loving people worldwide for many, many years to come. It is for us then, only to decide how hot, and for how long, that fire will last.