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Americans like their sport. Britons love their sport. It isn’t really the Britons, more so Europeans.

I live in Marble Arch, well, on the edge of it. It isn’t politically incorrect around here to say that it is generally an Asian Subcontinent and Middle Eastern population in this area. There is also a large African population here and in other parts of London. And a large Asian population. And a large, well, everything. London is a city of diversity. A city of many colors, languages and cultures. Which is why London is really more a world city than a Brit city.

That statement would probably upset plenty of Brits, and I understand why. But in reality, this truly is the center of the world. With its unique connections to the United States, Europe, and the nations of the former Empire, I believe Britain, and more specifically London is centerpiece of the world.

Now why does this matter when it comes to sport? Well, this little thing called the World Cup is coming up. Teams from all around the world have been attempting to qualify. I could pretty much tell you every team that’s qualified in recent weeks because each successful team has spawned spontaneous street chanting, car honking, flag waving, and my personal favorite, in-street fireworking.

Yes, fireworks. Being set off. In the middle of a street. Mere blocks from my flat.

Fire codes be damned, for this is a party.

So while I appreciate a good sport like any other American, I really don’t think we embrace them as fully as other nations. Coming from a guy who grew up a Philadelphia sports fan, that’s saying a lot.

Diversity plays a huge role in this, and our understanding of society. And I hope everyone can get to experience true diversity at one point or another. The experience is what brings forth understanding. The understanding bring compassion. And with compassion comes a whole lot of awesome love and friendship.

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