What Americans think is best about the US as it turns 250 (including a bunch of stuff invented elsewhere)

What Americans think is best about the US as it turns 250 (including a bunch of stuff invented elsewhere) Fewer than half of Americans plan to fly the national flag at home this Fourth of July, reflecting a divided enthusiasm for the upcoming historic milestone - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments As the United States marks 250 years since its founding, a new poll reveals that many Americans view concepts and technologies invented overseas as the country’s greatest achievements. In a CBS News/YouGov survey conducted in June, respondents were asked to identify the best aspects of the American way of life, its top inventions and its cultural strengths. The results show a gap between national pride and historical accuracy regarding the origins of everyday inventions and political systems. When asked to name America’s greatest invention in their own words, 16 percent of respondents cited democracy or freedom. Though freedom is a foundational value of the nation, democracy as a system of government originated in ancient Greece thousands of years before the founding of the United States. A similar trend emerged with technological innovations. Six percent of respondents selected the automobile, a technology originally invented and developed in Germany by Karl Benz in 1886, as the nation’s greatest invention. Others selected American-born inventions, such as the light bulb (14 percent), internet (10 percent), telehone (5 percent) and airplane (4 percent). Beyond historical origins, the survey measured what Americans believe the country does best on a global stage. Movies and television topped the list, with 58 percent of respondents stating the U.S. was the best in the world at entertainment. Technology and innovation followed closely at 56 percent, while 41 percent pointed to music. Respondents were less confident in culinary and athletic output, with 38 percent naming sports and 31 percent choosing food as areas where America led the world. When asked to select a single food that best represents the United States, hamburgers led the field with 33 percent of the vote. Barbeque placed second at 25 percent, followed by apple pie at 19 percent, hot dogs at 14 percent and pizza at 6 percent. Demographic differences influenced the culinary choices, as older respondents favored apple pie over other options. Regionally, pizza received higher support in the Northeast than in any other part of the country. The poll also examined public sentiment regarding the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial. Just over half of Americans expressed some level of anticipation, with 23 percent saying they were very excited and 29 percent saying they were somewhat excited about the America 250 celebrations. Patriotic displays on the upcoming Independence Day holiday appear similarly divided. According to the data, 48 percent of Americans plan to fly the U.S. flag at home this Fourth of July, while 52 percent do not plan to do so. And when evaluating the core of the American way of life, respondents prioritized citizens over structural or natural advantages. As reported by CBS News, 44 percent of those surveyed selected “the people” as the best part of American life. This placed far ahead of land, resources and climate at 20 percent, the economic system, trade and business at 17 percent, and the system of government at 10 percent. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments