Read Andrew Sullivan's Article on the "Globalized Joy" of the World Cup

After reading Andrew Sullivan ’s post on the extraordinary success of the US’s hosting of the World Cup, I wanted to write my own essay on the subject. But Sullivan really does say it all. The article is rich with insight, and he makes every point with clarity and precision.

For example:

An unexpected, fresh burst of globalized joy, a spasm of multiracial harmony, and the real shocker: a broad, genuine outburst of love for this country, its big-hearted people, and its unsung prosperity.

Again:

And it’s always a joy when Europeans express the same amazement I felt all those decades ago as I first discovered this wonderland. “Everyone’s just so nice,” said one, which is what every relative who has ever visited me always says about America. Always. The openness and friendliness, the mind-bending hospitality: it’s a truly new world.

America is the most astonishing multiracial success story in the world. And major sporting events have long struck me as one of the clearest windows into that reality. Here’s Sullivan:

Sports can do this at their best: harness harmless, low-level tribalism to defang risky, high-level tribalism, using human nature to counter human nature.

But really just go read the article. It’s one of the best I’ve read on Substack —or any platform—this year.