Be a better American

2025 was a contentious time in the USA. Being an immigrant, I had a unique perspective and it shaped my thinking a bit being a foreign-born now living the States.

But more than that, bopping around places outside of my very liberal home of Berkeley, California, has as always, clued me in to how others perceive the current state of the United States.

I’ve heard the whole spectrum: America is on the brink or collapse; America is having it’s usual growing pains; The whole world is falling apart…

As an artist, the forecast for the USA in 2026 and beyond, is above my pay grade. What do I know.

However, I have decided that, as an American, I am going to try to be a better American from here on.

Tropes

I think what sets the US apart from other nations is all laid out it the founding ideas. Also, perhaps not specifically laid out, is the character of America: opportunity. For me this means: pursue opportunities, don’t fix problems.

I suppose this doesn’t seem too drastic of a north star to follow, but I feel as though I haven’t really jumped into being an American with both feet up to this point. (Perhaps my time in Canada shaped me more than I realized till now.)

250 years

America turns 250 years this year, and I can’t imagine a better time than now to orient myself. I appreciate what the USA has done for me, I think this country is the best nation on earth, and if this country is on a precipice, all I can do is to do my part and be a better American.

How this plays out in practice, I feel, is actually pretty basic. Appreciate the greatness of the USA, utilize the freedom to innovate and capitalize on opportunities, and most of all, let the chips fall where they may. Graciously.

I overheard someone bemoaning the USA yesterday, and it really struck me. We need to appreciate how great this country is, rather than being so ashamed of it. Humanity is flawed, and so are nations. But there’s nothing to be had from hating on your country and wishing for something new. I’m hoping I am just one of many who will find 2026 as a turning point to getting back on track. And I hope some of us will take action in the positive to making it so.