It seems as though we've been anxiously awaiting (or avoiding) November 8th for a decade now. With the most dramatic election our country has faced coming to an end tomorrow, it's inevitable that the outcome will not please about half of the country. That's how it works every four years. It's called democracy. But for some reason, the stakes are a little higher this year. Debates are hostile and rallies get violent. One side states the opposing candidate belongs in prison while the other side calls their opposing candidate a rapist. Regardless of the validity of each statement, it's a shame that claims can even be made in the first place. As a country, we deserve better. We are such an influence on the rest of the world. There are so many aspects of America to be proud of and we shouldn't let that get taken away from us. Obviously, it's too late to have different nominees. But the least we can do is to focus on all of the amazing parts of America.
BBQs
There is nothing tastier, or more American than sitting around with friends, beers, and burgers for an old fashioned barbecue. It's an opportunity to indulge in hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and any other meat that you can fit along with what was listed previously on a grill.
Country Music
The next best thing to eating and drinking with your friends is listening to songs about eating and drinking with friends. Though notorious for singing about only two things– booze and girls– country music pretty much has it right.
Disney World
Disney World is not exclusively an American enjoyment as there are parks open all around the world, but it started here. So naturally, we have to believe we take the cake on the "best" Disney. Besides, when has someone ever said, "I'm taking a trip to Paris because I want to go to Disneyland!"
Being Good at the Olympics
The Olympics doesn't even seem like a competition at this point. If you watched this summer, then you know just how incredible our athletes are. With competitors such as Michael Phelps and Simone Biles, you have to second guess the idea that humans such as them are indeed, humans.
New York City
Constantly buzzing with people, cars, lights and music, it is THE place to be. If you've ever been, you'll know that as an American, you're the minority. Surrounding you is never English speakers. People from all over the world come to America to visit this magical city, one which many of us take for granted. It's the home to so many dreamers and has the potential to give those dreamers their dreams.
Football
The excitement of large men in clad in football gear hit each other has the nation's attention each Sunday from noon until bed. Despite baseball's history, it seems that football is the new American pastime. For months, teams are followed and watched as they each fight for one common goal: The SuperBowl. This is unlike anywhere else in the world, as football isn't nearly as popular outside of the USA.
THANKSGIVING
Forget Christmas, New Years, Halloween or Valentine's Day. This day is ours. It's debatably the best day of the year (depending on how good of a cook your mom is). Europeans may adopt all of our fashions, styles and traditions over time but one thing that they can never take from us is our day of turkey and mashed potatoes.
The States
Some have chick-fil-a's, some have beaches, some are always warm and some are homes to wild horses. Each state is so different yet they all work so well together. You never have to leave the country for a fantastic vacation, you can have it all! In California, you can surf, go to a vineyard, or search around Hollywood. Or on the flip side, you can head to Colorado to snowboard and ski.
Freedom
'Merica, duh. But in all seriousness, freedom is something we all take for granted because we don't know how it would be any other way. Without it, I definitely wouldn't be able to write this article or do anything else on my own. We are able to do so much in this country and people don't take advantage of it as much as they should.
4th of July
It's hard to believe that any other country would celebrate their birthday as loudly and as obnoxiously as we do. We bleed red white and blue throughout the year but for one day in july we really get to show our love and pride through crazy outfits, fireworks, music and parties.
No matter what the outcome is tomorrow. No matter if you are happy with it or not. Just know, no one can take these away from you. 'Merica.