People are Just People

Some Things to Ponder Today

Have you seen the postings and the comments that foreign visitors are sharing about America and Americans as they attend the games of the World Cup?  It’s so heartwarming to know that these sports fans are able to separate Americans and the good aspects of our country from everything the news is constantly reporting about us. 

I remember watching the splashdown of the astronauts in NASA’s most recently trip to outer space, and I thought, “Wow, it’s so nice to see something that reflects so positively on the US and her people, because lately, our reputation has really tanked around the world.  Without delving into politics, I just want to say that anything positive is very much appreciated.

Back to the world cup fans from other countries, there have been so many positive remarks shared on social media since the games began, and they’ve been offered in such positive ways.  People have actually apologized for thinking the worst about our county and us based on what the news has reported, as well as a lot of negative practices and actions that have taken place over the last year or two.  So many have been pleasantly surprised that they’ve enjoyed themselves to such an extent as they’ve gotten to spend some time here.

The things they have noted are hilarious, too!  A lot has been said about things they see as outstanding perks that we take for granted.  The size of meal portions and drinks, free refills, the availability of things, especially in one location, such as Walmart and Costco.  They’re amazed and envious of so many things we enjoy here.  In addition, they’ve been pleasantly ambushed by Americans and their welcoming hospitality, which they did not expect.  And let’s not forget their love and praise of American air conditioning!  Many of them left heatwaves back in their homelands, and they are so appreciative that, although it’s equally hot here, we are well prepared, and they are loving it!  People are having fun and experiencing the best parts of our country, and it’s so refreshing to hear positive feedback, rather than negative criticism, generalizations, and stereotypical commentary.

I hope all this positive feedback and the many compliments being offered make us stop and think about some popular misconceptions we might have about other countries and people.  I heard some politician the other day state that there is no place in this country for Muslims, that they are evil, dangerous, and threaten the very fabric of our nation.  I keep reading that antisemitism is worse than it’s been in years.  The country is still so divided, with Republicans bashing Democrats, and vice-versa, conservatives blaming liberals and progressives for all our problems, and the liberals and progressives accusing all conservatives of being uneducated bigots who don’t know what they’re talking about.  Christian nationalists continue trying to force their religion down everyone else’s throats, and there are still too many groups who are attacking personal rights and freedoms of various other groups, including women, the LGBTQ+ community, non-Christians, immigrants, etc. 

People are just people.  We all want to feel safe, be free, and have the opportunity to better our lives.  We all want to be treated equally, fairly, and with dignity, respect, and acceptance.  There are terrible representatives from any and every group you can name, but they are more the exceptions than the rules.  Judging an entire group based on the actions of a few of its members is not only unfair, it’s always inaccurate, don’t you think?  Speaking of judgment, we’d all be a lot better off if we did a lot less of that and tried harder to understand and accept each other’s differences.  Different isn’t synonymous with bad or wrong.  As long as someone’s actions are not harming others, why shouldn’t everyone be able to make their own choices, rather than be forced to do things another way?  We can be different and still get along.  We can be different and still be respectful.  We don’t have to be the same in order to accept each other and get along. 

People are just people.