In response to the Super Bowl Coca-Cola ad: E pluribus unum

Something I have always loved about the United States is that you can walk down a city street and see people of all colors and languages — but these variances are not due to different nationalities, for many are indeed American — just with different heritages. There is no "typical American."

These variances show in my own family — my mom's mom grew up in Denmark but has lived in the United States for most of her life. My uncle married a Chinese woman. My aunt and uncle adopted a son and daughter with Latin-American roots.

In Spain, I've done an about-face, because most everyone looks similar, more or less. While there are locals here who don't fit in the typical Spanish mold, many foreigners stick out like sore thumbs. 

These sentiments added to my lack of comprehension over the anger that the Super Bowl Coca-Cola ad emitted.

For those that haven't heard the hype, this ad featured the song "America the Beautiful" sung in many languages.

The response?

People were furious that the song was sung in anything but English.

These are some of the less offensive responses to the Coca-Cola ad.

I don't know how many people were truly angered over this, or if it was simply the words of the uneducated minority that blew up into a big controversy.

But even so, this anger is not justified. The United States does not have an official language, just as it does not have an official religion. People can and do live their whole lives in the States without learning English. I don't recommend that, since I think it would make traveling difficult, but it is done.

I didn't think the ad was extraordinary, and it didn't make me very emotional, but nevertheless, I think the message it sent is beautiful.

The United States is a country made for and composed of all types of people. And Coca-Cola wanted to embrace that, and sell some Cokes along the way. OK, maybe a lot of Cokes.

Being abroad has really made me appreciate the United States for what it is. Yes, it has problems, but every country does. The mere size of the United States accounts for a lot of these problems too.

Diversity should not be given the cold shoulder, as it is the only thing that can truly expand your worldview and your sense of self.