When traveling abroad, the American spirit has a tendency to rise to the surface, declaring boldly at every opportunity that “America is number one!” It’s like a reflex, this need to assert dominance, and there’s a reason for that. America’s perceived greatness is a badge worn with pride, even when faced with inevitable grumbles from international critics. Some might say patriotism is measured by how quickly someone can list America’s achievements while lounging at a poolside bar in Cancun. But for whatever reason, international onlookers just don’t seem to carry the same enthusiasm for this conversational icebreaker.
Of course, not everyone around the world is eager to high-five us on our self-declared “best in the world” status. Critics from overseas often point fingers at the issues that plague American society, with mass shootings popping up as the most frequent jab. In that awkward silence that follows, you’re hit with the reality—the truth stings more than a cactus sting in the desert. Whereas their intent might just be to rattle the cage, it’s a reminder that these serious issues do make headlines globally.
So what’s an American abroad supposed to do when faced with a barrage of foreign criticism? Defensiveness, perhaps sprinkled with a dash of sarcasm, is inevitably the go-to. Why would we want to surrender our rights, like the Second Amendment, while standing firm like freedom’s last soldiers at the Alamo? Surely we’re not about to cave to international pressure and just give in—because let’s face it, being called a quitter is a fate worse than declining an oversized deep-fried snack. These topics, once weary rhetorical questions, have become daily conversation points, the answers for which continue to elude us.
One might argue America doesn’t need to relent and has proven its mighty status on numerous global stages before. A couple of hard-earned World War victories have, for better or worse, cemented this legacy. But the real victory, it seems, lies in managing to stay unapologetically American even amidst the racket of often warranted criticism. Winston Churchill once famously noted that however beautiful the strategy, one should occasionally look at the results. America’s gun problems—one of the direst results—remain stuck in a loop of unalienable rights versus uncomfortable realities.
What’s truly special about the American way is the limitless optimism that carries on despite obstacles. Through the laughter, the critiques abroad, and even the heavy sighs of a country’s self-reflection, the journey to improve and evolve stays constant. Yet, there is no guidebook, just detours, and endless potential. While trying to fix the dents in its armor, America continues to proudly declare—from pool bars and beyond—that it is indeed number one, serving as a reminder that greatness isn’t without its growing pains.
