INFORMED BY THE WORLD

Some would say I am well educated. It is true I have two college degrees, a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s in Business. While extremely grateful for the privilege of this formal education, it was not the source of my most important lessons.

This past summer I had the opportunity to travel to France for four weeks for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Among the eleven events I was privileged to attend were Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Rugby Sevens, Football (or Soccer, as we like to call it in the States), Archery and Cycling. The competition was thrilling to witness in person, as was the fervor of the crowds, the national pride exhibited by everyone present, and the raw emotions of the athletes.

One of the lessons of this experience that stood out to me was the camaraderie and cooperation among diverse peoples from far away places. Although the competition was intense, there was no animosity shown toward opponents by either the athletes or the spectators. In fact, there was a spirit of togetherness that existed naturally among everyone there.

This was striking to me and caused me to reflect on the current spirit of the people of the United States. It appears to be much different than what I witnessed in France. Our people are divided into groups, somewhat arbitrarily, sometimes based on religious beliefs, sometimes on skin color, sometimes on gender, among other characteristics. These self-defined “identities,” and the groups their members choose to separate themselves, and often isolate themselves, into, believe they are in competition.

This “competition” between these groups is much different than what I witnessed in France. There is great animosity, even hate, felt between groups that are perceived to be “opponents.”  While it is almost a cliché in Olympic lore, in the United States today, a member of one group would rarely help a member of another group “across the finish line.”

Our elections are like sporting events. But somehow we have lost the ability, and the will,  to compete in the same spirit as the Olympic games. We should be able to celebrate our differences while recognizing the good in our opponents and work together in a spirit of cooperation and common good when the race is over.

While the divisiveness in our nation is obvious to almost everyone, it was the stark contrast between it and the spirit of togetherness I witnessed in France that brought it into sharp focus in my mind and put a bright light on how truly ridiculous and destructive it has become. A harsh lesson.

This past summer was my fifth time traveling to Europe. My visits there, as well as to Asia, and Central and South America have taught me many things, much of which I would never have known had I not ventured outside the bubble that is the United States of America.

I have learned many lessons in my life, especially during my travels. Some of them were also harsh, some wonderful, each one important. I also went to college.