The Vast, Messy, Beautiful America That Outsiders Miss
The Vast, Messy, Beautiful America That Outsiders Miss
I am a proud New Zealander, and that pride accompanies me wherever I go. New Zealand has shaped my values and my perspective on the world, providing me with a strong sense of scale and community. When I write about America, I do so from the viewpoint of someone who has two homes. I moved here twenty-six years ago, with a brief return to New Zealand in between, and I have lived in the United States ever since.
I wrote this piece because many people today default to criticizing America. They view the country as if it embodies a single idea and speak confidently about a place they have often never visited. Much of what they “know” comes from headlines, films, and television, while very little is based on real experience. My own experience could not be more different.
A land you can only understand by crossing it.
When I first arrived in the U.S., I wanted to experience the country with my own eyes. So, I did something that felt right: I bought a Harley-Davidson and rode from coast to coast. I’m not even a big fan of Harley, but for this journey, it had to be an American bike. The ride revealed the country’s essence to me — the smell of hot asphalt, the long empty horizons, and the towns that appear suddenly along the way. I also enjoyed conversations with strangers who approach you, as motorcycles always seem to break the ice.
That trip shaped how I explore the world. I have traveled through Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific, and I’ve witnessed some of the most striking landscapes imaginable. However, the United States boasts many places just as beautiful — if not more so — than anywhere I have been before.
Here are some of the sights that stand out to me:
- The North Cascades at sunrise
- Utah’s red rock canyons
- The cliffs along the Pacific Coast
- The expansive desert basins
- The lush forests of the Northwest
- The serene lakes of the Midwest
New Zealand is compact and breathtaking, but America is vast and overwhelming. Its scale affects you in a different way.
The cultural extremes are just as real.
People often refer to “American culture” as if it were a single entity, but it is not. Instead, it is a collection of diverse cultures that change as rapidly as the geography. Each state often feels like its own country. The South has a different rhythm compared to the Northeast, while the Midwest has its own distinct tone. The West Coast operates at its own pace, and rural and urban America can feel like parallel worlds that coexist.
I have encountered some of the most creative, talented, and intelligent individuals in this country — engineers, designers, writers, musicians, builders, and riders — people who see possibilities in every direction. This rich tapestry of culture is rarely captured in the narrow portrayals presented on television or in the news. The authentic culture has layers and depth, which can only be truly appreciated by spending time with real people in authentic settings.
A nation of sharp contrasts
I often tell my friends overseas that America is a land of extremes. In just one day, you can travel from a town that feels forgotten to a city that embodies the future. You might meet someone who has lived in the same place for generations, only to encounter someone who just moved there last week to start anew. This contrast of beauty and hardship is not a flaw; it reflects the country’s vast scale and complexity.
The nation is currently facing numerous challenges, and the tension is palpable. It can be seen in conversations, on screens, and in how people discuss the future. However, America has a history of rebuilding itself repeatedly. It resets and progresses, and this pattern is an essential part of its identity.
I remain optimistic because I have witnessed the best qualities of this country: creativity, curiosity, generosity, dynamism, and the spirit of reinvention. These traits continue to drive the nation forward.
Two places, one life
I love America because of its complexity and diversity. It doesn’t conform to a single narrative; instead, it is shaped by extremes in both its landscape and culture. It is a place where beauty and struggle coexist, offering rewards to those who are curious and willing to put in the effort.
New Zealand reminds me of who I am, while America inspires me with the possibilities of what anyone can achieve.
(Editor's note: I use AI for spell check — the OG of AI! and the image in the headline)