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Unite America
"It shouldn’t take a tragedy or disaster to unite the country."
By Emma Din
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Youth Radio's Emma Din reflects on American politics from outside the country. After a trip to France inspired her to question Americans' compassion, Emma decided this country must come together over something. She hopes that we can learn from the French, and their national affinity for soccer, and unite over something positive. (January 20 on WABE)
When I was in France this past summer, an old Frenchman sat down next to me on the bus and asked if Americans have compassion for each other – since we seem so warlike to him. I began to ponder why he asked me this.
Experiencing life in another culture made me realize that American citizens don’t always show as much empathy as they should. Compassion makes people more willing to help their neighbors – even strangers. Putting politics and religion aside, the United States needs a unifying force.
I saw an amazing unifier in Europe: world cup soccer. Never having experienced anything like it, the fierce pride blew me away. I’m not a fan of soccer, but even I felt the rush watching the games and cheering with all my heart.
I know soccer is not our solution, but I hope we can find one. It shouldn’t take a tragedy or disaster to unite the country. The last time the U.S. was truly united was after September 11, which was by no means a positive experience. We should unify over uplifting events, which will lead to a more serene and caring nation. I don’t know what our common rally should be, but it would be nice to be known for soccer balls not bombs.
- Youth Radio Atlanta is produced in cooperation with WABE and funded in part by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
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