America’s Posterity Problem

I hope Freddy stays in America long enough to visit a classroom. Freddy—his last name is unknown—is a German soccer fan whose account of his trip to the U.S. for the World Cup has gone viral on social media. He’s one of many foreign visitors this summer who have marveled online at America’s size, beauty, prosperity and hospitality. They’ve given the country a boost on the eve of its 250th birthday.

College students need to hear from people like Freddy. They need to hear what makes America great. Public opinion data show a decline in national pride and patriotism, especially among 18- to 29-year-olds. The numbers are a warning.

If the rising generation—known as Gen Z—embraces a culture of ingratitude and rejection, American exceptionalism will fade into history. Socialism and antisemitism will march to the fore. Political violence will be normalized. The national motto will change from “E Pluribus Unum” to “LOL Nothing Matters.” No one should want to inhabit such a future.