This I Believe

I Believe in Being a Citizen of the World

When asked if he was proud to be an American, a favorite comedian of mine would reply: “I guess I’m proud to be an American, not that I had anything to do with it, my parents [had sex] there.”

I trot out those humorous words of wisdom to spotlight that my pride, my beliefs, and my station in life have as much to do with where I was accidentally born on this planet as anything else. I know, for example, that had I been born in Thailand I’d probably have faith in Buddhism instead of Christianity. Had I been born in France I’d likely believe in socialism instead of capitalism. And had I been born in certain parts of Mexico I’d likely find fried grub worms to be a rather tasty meal. (Though, having tried fried grub worms, my southern American taste buds lean towards a heaping plate of Texas-style BBQ, thank you very much.)

Before I discovered the wonders of traveling outside of the U.S., to lands where people hold beliefs and values differing from my own, I often heard and subscribed to the following proud mantra: “America is the best country in the world!” Today, having spent years living abroad, I believe the mantra has elements of truth — especially when it comes to the benefits of air conditioning and hot showers — yet the mantra it is not an absolute.

There are, indeed, many great countries with strong values. If I were Vietnamese I’d exhibit an even purer sense of family and a closer sense of community than I have personally. If I were Dutch I’d know what it means to have access to quality education and health care — regardless of my family’s income. And if I were Venezuelan I’d realize that being poor did not immediately make me less valuable in the eyes of those around me. Yet no matter which country I was from, it’s possible that I would think my country was the best country in the world.

In this age of Internet and global trade it’s likely that nationalism no longer serves any of us (if it ever did). I must be a citizen of the world, respecting the ways and cultures of other peoples. When possible, I will explore how other beliefs might improve my own views as well as the actions of my country. And should I disagree with a particular view, I must attempt to find the logic and reason in that view so I may better understand and interact.

But why?

Because, as we all know, listening to others at one point in our history taught us that this is a round world. And on today’s round ever-shrinking world, it is not enough that America be the best country in it. I, for one, will only be satisfied when I am part of the best world I can help to create.