Don’t Take This Country for Granted
It’s very easy to lose perspective in today’s day and age. Because of easy access to news, publications, social media, etc., there is certainly an abundance of negative press that is directed towards facets of our country, the United States. It’s very easy to buy into whatever media outlet or politician is pitching to the national audience everyday and trying to persuade each of us in this divided country that we live in, that much change is needed. While our country certainly is FAR from perfect, we cannot lose perspective. Each and every day I read articles and hear individuals around me speak negatively about our country and that we are taking steps back and that we have not progressed much at all over the last 20–40 years. While clearly that sounds ridiculous when you consider the technological advancements alone over the last 5–10 years let alone 30 years, it’s also very easy to take for granted the privileges we have living in this country. We have come a long way from a civil rights perspective and regardless of their still being some glaring issues, one cannot deny that there has been significant progress made over the last 50 years.
Sure, it is very easy to complain about our country’s political system and our leadership from top down, along with issues pertaining to healthcare, taxes, etc., that the average person struggles with on a daily basis. With that being said however, I feel that we all need to take a step back more often and just appreciate this amazing country that we live in. This country has many flaws, but keep it all in perspective. Many countries in the world still don’t have clean drinking water, let alone access to internet and advanced technology that we get the privilege of having. Many countries don’t have the quality of healthcare and hospital services that are provided in the United States. Not many countries in the world have several transportation methods and the necessary infrastructure to support many different types of commuting. As an Italian-American I truly love Italy, as do most that visit the country. The beauty, quality of life, and food of course is to die for. However, when you look at it from a larger perspective, their economy has struggled mightily for years and the infrastructure is archaic to say the least.
There is truly no place like home. We live in a country where there is ENDLESS opportunity. You can create your own company in a single day. You can create an app or website for millions to use around the world very easily. The number of young entrepreneurs and millionaires is growing exponentially in this country. The money doesn’t even matter, as I’m just trying to prove the point that this country provides so many different opportunities for people of all backgrounds to live a great quality of life and create the job they want and follow one’s passions. I’ve been fortunate enough to take several community service trips to Central America and visit impoverished countries such as El Salvador. To say that it puts life in perspective would be a gross understatement. Millions of people around the world are living a life that is so foreign to most of us in the United States, because our country has grown and advanced so much over the last 20, 50, 100 years that it is so easy to take for granted how lucky we are. As someone who recently graduated from college, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the internet… as I am not sure how my parents studied and performed everyday tasks in general without. Moral of the story is: take a step back when you feel upset or angry with facets of this country. It surely isn’t perfect, but there’s no place I’d rather be. I’m extremely proud to be an American.
Ryan
