When Glenn Beck discovered that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be hosted in the U.S., he reacted negatively, stating, “All the people who hate us are going to come,” and criticizing America.
Yet, the reality has turned out quite differently. Visitors from various countries are now showing appreciation for America and even alleging that their own nations misrepresented it.
In a recent episode of “The Glenn Beck Program,” Glenn spoke with Andrew Brocklesby, a British-American who moved from Nottingham to the U.S. in 2020. They talked about how British media instilled fear and animosity towards the United States.
Brocklesby shared that in the UK, media portrayals, particularly in shows like *The Simpsons* and *Family Guy*, depict America as a place ruled by “bad guys,” particularly mentioning Trump.
“When I first arrived in America, I was shocked. It was really nice. The community here is the opposite of what I expected,” he recounted to Glenn, adding that the southern folks he encountered were not at all like the “hillbillies” often depicted in British media.
He pointed out that social media reflects the effectiveness of British anti-American sentiment, citing a viral interview where people were hesitant to visit the U.S.
“I urge anyone in the UK to visit the U.S. You’ll be amazed, and you might not want to leave,” he said.
Glenn reminisced about a Canadian Black woman who harbored fears about visiting Texas, worrying about rampant “guns and racists.”
Brocklesby, however, shares a different view, stating that Texas might actually be one of the safest places worldwide.
“People have guns to protect themselves and their communities. It’s all about safety,” he explained.
Glenn then inquired about the idea of “free speech,” noting that while Britain claims to uphold it, there are significant restrictions against hate speech and what is considered “offensive.” He argued that free speech in the UK is quite different from that in the U.S., highlighting the effects of their Bill of Rights.
Brocklesby expressed that it hurts as an American citizen to feel unable to display the Union Jack or the English flag due to the fear of backlash.
“The flag signifies community and pride in your country. To think you can be fined or even arrested in the UK for expressing your opinion is appalling. I feel so sorry for my family and friends back there,” he lamented.
When Glenn asked what he appreciates most about America, Brocklesby responded, “It’s the sense of community. People look out for one another here, which is rare elsewhere.”
He concluded by saying, “No other country in the world is quite like America.”
If you’re interested in diving deeper into this discussion, check out the video above.
