I can remember a while ago when there was that huge controversy about this woman in a coma who was going to be taken off life support by here ex-husband and there was a huge out-cry from Americans to keep her alive. Eventually she was euthanized. Then there was that little Puerto Rican or Dominican boy who got adopted when he floated to the United States and then there was a huge custody battle. I think he ended up getting deported back to his country. These are just two examples of the kinds of things Americans can become obsessed with. Sadly, it’s these kinds of things that often establish political affiliations.

In the last chapter of “How Soccer Explains the World”, Franklin Foer introduces the concept of the “American Culture Wars.” He suggests these so called wars divide our American culture by moral and/or ethical issues. Foer uses soccer as an example and gives other examples of controversial issues (such as abortion, prayer in school and affirmative action) on the bottom of page 239. He says, “This war pitted conservative defenders of tradition and morality against liberal defenders of modernity and pluralism.” (p. 239-240) This quote eloquently points out the ongoing division between the conservative (red) portions of the country and the liberal (blue) parts. However, in my mind the split isn’t that clean cut. American politics are subject to hyper-pluralism, or simply put, being pulled too many directions simultaneously. The results are politial alignments that transcend traditional or stereotypical political boundaries. In this book it would seem that Foer associates the “defenders of modernity and pluralism” with soccer fans. His rational for this association is that soccer is an international sport and therefore liberals would be more willing to embrace it. In my mind Foer simplifies basic stereo types of the United States population just to better make his point.

Foer’s argument would continue that inversely, conservatives are more inclined to reject the game of soccer because of its ‘un-American’ nature. Foer uses the words of USA Today’s Tom Weir in an attempt to reinforce his suggestions about the conservative masses in the United States. Foer quotes Weir as saying, “that hating soccer is more American than apple pie, driving a pickup, or spending Saturday afternoons channel surfing with the remote control.” While I admit, some of these things are stereo typical American behavior by the rest of the world’s standards, not all Americans subscribe to this ideology. That quote was just the beginning of Foers lengthy attempt to prove that soccer explains the “American culture wars.” He rambles on about some statement Jack Kemp made in front of congress in the 80’s and some things Jim Rome said, but nothing more substantial to back his suggestions than the words of these men bashing the game of soccer. I would have been more impressed with quotes from more prominent political figures. Eventually a September 11th reference is made and it all culminates in a less than flattering description of American culture. Foer describes Americans as a country of fee spirited liberals and Christian conservatives, living in a society that’s morally split right down the middle. I can agree with some of his points, but a lot of the later part of the book seems sort of overstated.

My favorite part of the last chapter was when Foer discusses the concept of “American exceptionalism.” In the words of the author himself, American exceptionalism is “an idea that American history and singular form of government has given the nation a unique role to play in the world.” (p.245) Foer describes this group of Americans as believing they are above international law and ordained to “condemn evil.” I can truly appreciate Foer stating clearly what the world is thinking, Americans constantly over step their boundaries (like Iraq, Vietnam, etc.), but consider all the times other countries have asked America for help. Wars, natural disasters; other countries have asked our nation for various types of assistance. America has been placed on a pedestal by other countries because of its wealth and power. Why shouldn’t the United States act as if we are in control? At this point in the course of time we (the United States) are definitely the world power.

Of course this power needs to be wielded accordingly. Our current situation in Iraq is inappropriate use of our nation’s wealth. While I don’t agree with Franklin Foer in the sense that soccer explains the world or the United States’ willingness to accept it, I do agree that the rapid increase in the world’s population will very soon require globalization. With land and resources quickly disappearing from our planet, mankind must respond with a combined understanding and appreciation for the preservation of this wonderful world. In my opinion this can be best achieved with an international effort. My hope is that the United States will withdraw from Iraq and begin work on renewable energy resources. I hate the way Americans are currently viewed internationally. It would be great if a United States presidential administration could straighten out their priorities and see that the world is literally closing in around us. The time to act draws near; I just hope our nation can wield its might responsibly in the future, so my children can live in a world without excessive pollution and the threat of nuclear war.