Have a Coke and a Smile

            Living half way around the world and in a time zone seven hours ahead of Kansas made it nearly impossible for us to watch the Super Bowl, which based on the score, it may have been a blessing in disguise. But despite the fact that we didn’t watch the game, I did make a point to get online the following day and watch some of the Super Bowl’s infamous commercials. Of course I fell in love with the puppy on the Budweiser commercial and like most of America, I wanted to take the puppy home with me. I found humor in the humming Heinz commercial. But it was the Coca-Cola commercial that truly moved me, which is why I don’t understand the backlash from it.

            I understood the commercial to be a creative way to show that our country is more than just a large piece of land. We have substance as well. I am young, which means that my life experience and knowledge is limited to just twenty-seven years. But my marriage and life-changing move to Africa have given me the opportunity to see past so many obstacles in life that I hope many other Americans get past in their lifetime.

            As portrayed in the commercial, America is a “melting pot” or “salad bowl” where people from all over the world who speak different languages, have different beliefs, and practice different religions sacrificed something to be the fresh ingredients that make our country so special. But based on recent Facebook posts, media coverage, and various other comments that I have come across since the airing of the Coca-Cola commercial, it seems as though many Americans want to forget about our roots and the fact that immigration is one of the special ingredients that made our country what it is today.

            I understand that Americans want everyone to speak English and follow the popular norm because that would make life much simpler. But I ask myself, what is the norm and why English? Everyone has different faiths and beliefs as well as different views on what the norm should be. For example, Miley Cyrus recently made headlines with her risqué performance at the Video Music Awards. Some people believed that her performance was inappropriate while others found it to be a beautiful expression of art and emotion. Whether you believe it was inappropriate or not, it shows that we don’t all have to agree, and we certainly don’t have to have one set of norms.

            As for the language, why English? Many people speak multiple languages, which is quite a relief considering the United States of America doesn’t have a national language, something many people failed to consider when making their mind up about the commercial. And when we claim to speak English, how many people actually speak correct English? Over the years I have listened closely to a language that has changed so drastically. The word ‘whip’ use to refer to an instrument used for striking; however, now it is a term that teenagers and young adults use when referring to a vehicle. It seems rather hypocritical to ask everyone to speak English when many of us don’t do a very good job of it ourselves.

            Watching the commercial and reflecting on my own life has given me the answers that I needed to understand why not everyone understood the commercial or accepted its meaning. I grew up in a small town in the middle of the United States. I didn’t experience a lot of the diversity and cultural differences that America has to offer. It wasn’t until later in life that I got my first taste, and let me just tell you, it kept me wanting more. I not only moved halfway around the world to a continent that I had never stepped foot on before, but I also married into it.

            Many people may not realize that my husband is half Lebanese. Adam's father Jamil was born and raised in Lebanon before moving to Kansas to pursue an education in engineering at Wichita State University. I hadn’t met anyone from Lebanon, been friends with any Muslims, or even heard much Arabic before marrying into this wonderful family. Over the past few years I have been fortunate enough to learn about the Muslim faith, get to know more about the Lebanese culture, eat DELICIOUS Lebanese dishes and pastries, while feeling a part of something much greater than I could have ever imagined. Not only have I been so blessed to have married into such an amazing family that has taught me so much about life, but this has also been an eye opening and educational experience for so many of my family members and friends. I am still hearing about how much fun everyone from Atchison had while learning and participating in the Dabke, an Arabic dance, at our wedding.

            But aside from all of that, I have also had the unique experience of traveling to foreign countries as well as moving to one. Living in Angola has been quite an adjustment for me as my blogs have painted a very clear picture for everyone. I’ve been making an honest effort to learn Portuguese and adjust to life here, and let me tell you, it certainly hasn't been a walk in the park. And although learning the language, culture, and way of life here has helped me to feel more comfortable, the people here have also made a huge difference in the way I perceive my new home. It has made realize just how much more this world has to offer.

            Of course I am not suggesting that everyone pack up their bags, book a plane ticket, and move halfway around the world because that would be completely irrational and unnecessary considering diversity is already in our own backyards. But I do hope that instead of closing the doors to an opportunity of a lifetime that Americans choose to keep the doors open and experience just what the United States has to offer. I think that the Coca-Cola commercial is absolutely beautiful and amazing because it allows us to see the diversity within our own country. This makes the United States unique because very few other countries have this to offer their citizens. Instead of people being upset or offended by what they think Coca-Cola is trying to portray in their commercial, I wish that everyone could see just how lucky they are to live in a country that has so much to offer.