Atlanta, GA
June 12, 2026
Sometimes we need someone else’s eyes to see our blessings.
Most of us view the world thru distorted filters. Everyone reading this has a digital colander that sifts facts to console preconceptions.
Images from across the country or around the world form or reinforce certitude about ambiguous (and mostly irrelevant) events. Having been manipulated by scenes on our screens that some algorithm wanted us to see, we end up knowing less than we did before we looked.
This is especially true of distant activities around the globe. But even up close, we should occasionally wipe the sheen from our windshield to get a better look at what we take for granted. Over the last week, a German tourist brought a squeegee onto X.
Latent Pride
“Freddy” is in America for the World Cup. Apparently, he’s a passionate fan of Cristiano Ronaldo and (naturally) of his own German team, so he plans to follow the Teutons and Portuguese wherever they play.
I first noticed Freddy last weekend when he posted from a “sketchy” MARTA station in downtown Atlanta. Within a few days, he’d become a phenom.
Not because he’s posting anything we’d consider extraordinary, but for reminding us of the “ordinary” things we seldom appreciate. He tubed the Chattahoochee, ascended Brasstown Bald, climbed Stone Mountain, and was amazed by the carving adorning that rock.
But most posts… whether admiring the gulf coast, experiencing a pit-stop at a Buc-ee’s, or grabbing quick bites at Wendy’s, Waffle House, or Taco Bell… are at “mundane” stops. Yet each elicits scores of comments about other “essential” sites Freddy should see. He seems to have reignited local pride in people who receive his posts.
Freddy has multiplied his following fifteen-fold (from under 30K last week to over 450K as I write) simply by showing rural Americans what they see every day, but with a wholesome appreciation that sustained immersion has rinsed away from most of his hosts.
This isn’t an indictment of Americans. They have the normal nonchalance that familiarity inevitably breeds. Europeans are no different. They doubtless smile when foreigners clog their countries to fawn at cultural abundance by which they’ve always been surrounded.
Simple Scenes
Travelling with a couple friends, Freddy has intentionally avoided the “boring” Interstates, preferring to visit the “small villages” (I love that).
He’s marveled at the arboreal canopy that covers Atlanta. Was awestruck by an eagle flying in the “Loveliest Village”. Visited WalMart with a sense of wonder. Is taken aback by gun racks at a Bass Pro Shop. “Chilled” in a hotel room watching the NBA Finals while eating Chipotle (something thousands of Americans were doubtless doing at the same time).
His isn’t a slideshow featuring Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, Washington Monument, or Golden Gate Bridge (tho’ those are likely yet to come). Aside from a glimpse at Atlanta, his initial foray has avoided big cities. He’s become popular by offering genuine reactions to simple scenes across the South.
These aren’t “bucket list” sites everyone is “supposed” to see. They’re the type places locals regularly pass without noticing, or indulge with indifference.
But Freddy brings fresh perspective that’s almost always positive, tinged with innocence, and awash in amazement. Driving thru Gainesville, Georgia or up Lookout Mountain outside Chattanooga, he was astounded by the beauty of the homes. A Coke machine overwhelmed him with the number of options. Louisiana left him amazed how varied American terrain really is.
Freddy has definitely been noticed. The Governor of Alabama responded to his posts from Auburn by inviting him back. The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans gave him tours of their facilities. He’s had to warn readers that he’s only on X, and that they should avoid imposters requesting money on other platforms.
Before long, Freddy may not need to buy drinks or pay for a hotel. By becoming one of the best ambassadors the United States could have, this trip could compensate itself.
The Tonic
For all I know this whole thing is a gimmick. Maybe this wide-eyed “German” is some American college kid who found a way to get famous by taking a road trip. I doubt it. Freddy certainly seems legitimate.
But to some extent it doesn’t matter.
Approaching the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Americans needed a pick-me-up. Freddy’s charming updates may be just the tonic.
For years, cultural anxiety has risen as prevailing moods have wilted. Politics has poisoned the culture, toxified relationships, and sprinkled eggshells under every conversation. Even deciding how (or whether) to honor the Declaration of Independence became contentious.
These days, most things are… almost as if by design.
This country has plenty of challenges. I write about them all the time. Among them is a deepening vitriol that’s induced half the populace to detest the other.
Or so we’re led to believe.
But remembering the sieves through which our “information” arrives, we recall the old adage to “believe none of what we hear and only half of what we see”. Much of what passes for “facts” is served from algorithmic spoons designed to stir the pot.
Our screens should always be seasoned with grains of salt. Especially on social media, each person is fed what others want him to eat… even persistent cynics easily persuaded by endearing tourists.
We’re expected to think those we disagree with politically aren’t merely people with whom we differ. They’re opponents… “fascists”, “bigots”, “traitors”, or “commies” we’re implored to vanquish.
Destructive people are obviously out there. But most of us just want to be left alone, get along, and go about our day. We don’t care how someone voted, or whether they did.
In most cases… especially at sporting events, concerts, or community gatherings… we reflexively high-five or spontaneously hug people we’ve never met, regardless their race, religion, or ideology. We may not want to become friends with these people. Yet the thought of hating them never crosses our mind.
Grateful Guest
I have no idea what Freddy’s politics are. Why should I care? Unless he tries to impose them on me, they’re beside the point. In a free country, that’s how it should be.
He’s simply adoring a country many Americans have forgotten they love. That he does so in a style that’s genuine, cheerful, and wholesome is an elixir many Americans seem to crave.
Particularly in the type regions Freddy has visited, they’re tired of hearing their ancestors denigrated, their customs mocked, and their intelligence questioned. Like anywhere, these places have their problems, many of which are getting worse.
But those who live there love their kin, respect their history, and take pride in who they are. And they appreciate a grateful guest who reminds them why they should.
JD
Thanks for this.
That German tourist account on X is my favorite follow right now. He reminded me I’m overdue for a trip to the north GA mountains