During the Super Bowl, Coca-Cola ran a commercial that subsequently instigated some discussion and controversy. The commercial portrayed Americans of varying races and cultural groups enjoying Coca-Cola. Throughout the commercial “America the Beautiful” played, with each stanza of the patriotic anthem sung in one of eight languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Keres, Tagalog, Senegalese, French and Hebrew.
Coca-Cola was seemingly appealing to the growing levels and flavors of diversity in the United States, while also appealing to the American roots of their brand and a sense of national pride. The use of multiple languages, or any language that was not English, in the commercial seemed to be the main source of discontent, getting even more attention than the portrayal of a homosexual couple in the commercial. I was surprised and disappointed when I saw fellow students among the many dissenters. Getting upset that a patriotic song — one that celebrates the beautiful nation we live in by listing a myriad of diverse strengths and blessings — was sung in multiple languages speaks to either a certain level of ignorance of or a lack of appreciation for our nation’s history. Establishing one language as a standard for a nation’s legal and federal purposes makes sense. Looking down on Americans who do not speak English as their first language does not make sense. Being offended by seeing love for our country expressed in other languages does not make sense.
Unlike the many critics of the commercial who sprinted to social media to air their grievances against Coca-Cola, I was not shocked by the commercial, nor did it leave a bad taste in my mouth; I loved it. It not only reinforced my affection and constant thirst for Coke, but my love for the United States and its people. It reminded me of the many reasons I am proud to be an American, even during a period in my life when I am occasionally challenged and disappointed by some of our nation’s actions.
While I do not unconditionally endorse the United States’ international and domestic actions, I do have unconditional faith and hope in the United States. Now and then I have to watch the opening sequence from the pilot of HBO’s series “The Newsroom.” If you haven’t seen it, head over to YouTube and watch news anchor Will McAvoy, played by Jeff Daniels, answer the question, “What makes America the greatest country in the world?” While his response is abrasive, a little harsh and free with language, it is, at its core, more objective, rational and mature than many more common views of our international status.
In his 1997 State of the Union address, President Bill Clinton expressed his love and appreciation for the incredible diversity present in the United States, at a time when our nation was not even as diverse as it is today.
“My fellow Americans, we must never, ever believe that our diversity is a weakness – it is our greatest strength. Americans speak every language, know every country. People on every continent can look to us and see the reflection of their own great potential – and they always will, as long as we strive to give all of our citizens, whatever their background, an opportunity to achieve their own greatness.”
E pluribus unum.
