It’s Time to Celebrate All the World’s Achievements by Maria Grant

I love watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympic games. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the city where the games take place. And then there’s the pride, wonder, and sense of possibilities on the faces of the Olympians themselves. They’re the best.

Milan’s opening ceremony did not disappoint. It was creative and exciting, celebrating art, design, fashion, dance and so much more. Most countries were cheered enthusiastically. Italy, of course, got massive cheers. So did Ukraine. There was especially exuberant applause for Canada and Mexico. The U.S. received respectful applause, with the exception of boos when J.D. Vance and his wife Usha were flashed on the screen. 

It got me thinking about this Administration’s mantra that the U.S. is superior to all other countries. No other country can do what we can do. We are the best at everything. The rest of the world needs to suck it up, just admit it, and deal with it. That’s the attitude. 

Don’t get me wrong. I think America’s pretty great most of the time—though I must admit not lately.

Let’s look objectively at the situation. When asked who the most talented classical musicians are, many might say Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, or the Beatles. When asked about their favorite artists, many might say Monet, Picasso, or Michaelangelo. When asked about their favorite wines or cuisines, many might say French, Italian, Thai, or Asian. When asked about their favorite classic authors, responses might include Dostoevsky, Flaubert, or Shakespeare. When asked about the most impressive architecture, the choices are endless. But most would not be U.S. based. You get my drift. 

My point is let’s not negate the massive accomplishments of the rest of the world. Let’s acknowledge and celebrate them. They are a testament to the creativity and spirit of humankind. 

Has America accomplished amazing achievements? Absolutely. We might get first-place ratings in technology, space exploration, medical discoveries, and more. Let’s be proud of them. But this Administration’s ethnocentric attitude that America is superior in all regards is dangerous. It heightens racist tendencies and encourages making premature judgments about others, resulting in harmful social categorizations that overlook the magic of cultural diversity. 

Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan is in itself is an effort to roll back the increasing diversity of the U.S. The attitude is that undeserving “others” are getting America’s resources and privileged treatment thereby shorting native-born White Americans. 

That same philosophy was crystal clear in Trump’s comments at Davos. Basically, Trump told NATO countries that America gives you so much, and we get nothing in return. All this giving means that America gets less for itself. Comments such as those result in other countries feeling disrespected and unacknowledged for their own contributions and amazing accomplishments. 

Trump’s remarks and actions resulted in several anti-American protests on the streets of Milan. No one enjoys being disrespected.

Surely, all Americans want the U.S. to excel in the Winter Olympic games this year. There is always a nervous medal count drama. But there should also be an awe at the amazing feats that these Olympians will accomplish—no matter from what country the Olympian originates. 

When we celebrate the accomplishments of others, we foster a supportive environment and reinforce the idea that success is not a finite resource. 

John Quincy Adams once wrote, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

Let us applaud the accomplishments and abilities of all Olympians. They will accomplish feats that most of us can only dream about. 

Maria Grant, formerly the principal-in-charge of the federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm, now focuses on writing, reading, music, bicycling, and nature.