Can the USMNT Overcome the Global Stigma Surrounding American Soccer at this World Cup?
Eric Wynalda had ultimately reached his breaking point, a moment of extreme frustration that would prompt him to take action.
The year in question was 1992, and it was during this time that virtually everyone at the then-Bundesliga side FC Saarbrucken, including many of Wynalda's own teammates, consistently subjected him to derogatory taunts, specifically using the phrase "scheiss Ami", which translates to "s--- American" in German.
After enduring these taunts for a period of six weeks, Wynalda decided that he had had enough and chose to take matters into his own hands, determined to address the situation in a more proactive manner.
The situation ultimately led to me reaching my limit and physically throwing one of my teammates to the ground, at which point I explicitly told him that if he were to call me that name one more time, he would end up visiting the dentist, as Wynalda recounted to ESPN. Following this incident, everybody seemed to back down and collectively agreed to stop referring to him by that name, as they all said, 'Right, let's stop calling him that.'
As a result, they promptly ceased using the name, and what further strengthened Wynalda's position was his impressive performance on the field, where he successfully scored both of Saarbrucken's goals in a decisive 2-0 victory over their local rivals, Kaiserslautern.
The question remains as to whether the treatment Wynalda received was merely simple banter, or if it reflected the stigma that American players have often faced when they attempt to compete at the highest levels of soccer abroad.
It is likely that the reality of the situation lies somewhere in between, as the treatment Wynalda experienced was probably a combination of both simple banter and a deeper-seated stigma. Although Wynalda's personal account of the treatment he received falls at the extreme end of the spectrum, it was not uncommon for American players who were making their initial forays into European soccer to endure similar types of treatment, regardless of whether it came from their teammates, coaches, fans, or the media.
Former Hannover 96 and U.S. men's national team defender Steve Cherundolo recalled that upon his arrival at the German club in 1999, he received equal treatment from his fellow players and the staff members, but he did notice a notable difference in the way he was perceived by the media. This distinction was particularly apparent in the player ratings that were often published, especially when he was focusing more on defensive responsibilities from his position as an outside back.
Cherundolo expressed that he consistently felt a certain stigma, stating "I don't think there was ever a period where I didn't" experience this feeling, as revealed in an interview with ESPN, a sentiment coming from an individual who had earned the nickname "The Mayor of Hannover" and had amassed more than 400 appearances for the club throughout his career.
USMNT great Landon Donovan experienced similar sentiments during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, the German club that signed him in 1999.
Landon Donovan recalled that the situation was not a personal attack against him or any other individual, but rather a common occurrence in the early days, where the standards for American players were notably higher.
He explained that, in the past, one did not need to be only marginally better than the competitor to earn a spot, but instead, had to demonstrate significantly superior skills.
According to Landon Donovan, when competing against players from other countries, such as a Turkish, Brazilian, or German player, an American player had to be substantially better, because there was a prevailing assumption that Americans lacked the necessary skills to play soccer effectively.
Not all individuals agree with the stigma argument, and there are those who have a different perspective on the matter. The current manager of the Chicago Fire, Gregg Berhalter, who was at the helm of the U.S. team from 2018 to 2024, had the opportunity to play in Europe, specifically in the Netherlands, England, and Germany, which gave him a unique insight into the situation. In his view, the issue was not so much about a stigma, but rather a lack of knowledge and awareness that American players were participating in soccer.
According to Berhalter, the experience of American players in Europe was shaped by the fact that they were not well-known, except for a few notable exceptions, such as the period immediately following the 1994 World Cup, when players like Alexi Lalas and Tony Meola gained recognition. "We had just come off the 1994 World Cup, which meant that everyone was familiar with players like Alexi Lalas and
Historically, there existed a certain rationale for the skepticism that American players faced. The state of the sport in the United States has undergone several periods of significant decline, with the country experiencing some extremely challenging times. Throughout vast portions of the 20th century, soccer in the U.S. struggled to establish itself even at a semiprofessional level, barely maintaining a presence. The United States endured a substantial 40-year gap between its appearances at the World Cup, a drought that had a profound impact on the sport's development. Additionally, between 1985 and 1995, the U.S. lacked a domestic league that would be considered top-tier, further hindering the growth of the sport.
Even after the introduction of Major League Soccer in 1996, despite the U.S. men's national team achieving notable successes, including winning seven Concacaf Gold Cups and reaching the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup, the U.S. has yet to come close to winning
The U.S. team's solid performances at World Cups, including reaching at least the second round in the 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2022 tournaments, have played a significant role in further enhancing the perception of American soccer. Moreover, numerous other players have worked diligently behind the scenes, often in relative obscurity, and their contributions have led to incremental, yet still crucial, advancements in the sport.
It is often overlooked how skilled Tony Sanneh was as a player, and this lack of recognition is something that Wynalda acknowledges, stating, "People forget how good Tony Sanneh was, they just do," when discussing the former defender who had stints with Nuremburg and Hertha Berlin. Wynalda expresses his admiration for these players, saying, "So, I mean, I think all those guys, I salute all of them," as he reflects on their importance in the development of American soccer. According to Wynalda,
To stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates, it is recommended to download the ESPN app and activate Jeff Carlisle's news alerts, which will provide push notifications as soon as new information becomes available. By opting in to these alerts, which can be done by tapping the alerts bell located in the top right corner of the screen, users will be among the first to receive the latest updates. For those seeking additional information, clicking on the provided link will offer further details and insights.
The current crop of American players competing overseas has led to a significant increase in the assessment of American players, with their reputation now higher than it has ever been before. Notable players, including AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, have successfully demonstrated their skills and abilities while playing for prominent European clubs. Furthermore, the Premier League features a number of steady and reliable performers, such as Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, AFC Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, and Leeds United attacker Brenden Aaron
However, the stigma has proven to be challenging to overcome. When speaking with current players on the U.S. team, it becomes clear that they think there is still a significant amount of judgment and skepticism surrounding American players, even though it is less intense than it was in the past. Nevertheless, the players are not adopting a victim mentality and instead believe that they are being evaluated fairly based on their contributions to the team. The players are driven by the conviction that their talent and abilities will ultimately lead to their success and recognition at the highest level.
Christian Pulisic expressed his thoughts on this matter, stating, "Perhaps, at the beginning of my career, I had some concerns that certain teammates might view me differently because I am American, particularly during my time in the youth teams at Dortmund," Pulisic revealed to ESPN during a promotional event for Degree. "I may have had some of those thoughts, but I am not certain - what I do know is that I have always believed in and
Is there a certain degree of stigma present, or was there at some point in time. It is possible that such a stigma may have existed, but in recent times, it appears to be improving significantly, largely due to the emergence of the incredible talent that is being produced now.
For Toulouse FC defender Mark McKenzie, the notion of stigma is perceived more as light-hearted teasing or banter, which is an environment where he is more than capable of defending himself and giving as good as he gets. Recently, the discussions and conversations that have been taking place have been heading in some rather unusual and unexpected directions.
McKenzie explained to ESPN that when it comes to interactions with teammates, there is a constant back-and-forth dynamic. He noted that they frequently engage in light-hearted teasing and probing of one another, often sparked by comments about cultural differences, such as discussions about food or suggestions for alternative approaches, with remarks like, "You come over here from America and critique our food," or, "You visit and question why we don't do things a certain way," or even, "You point out that our facilities are not up to the standards you're used to in the States." McKenzie stated that he makes a conscious effort to avoid getting drawn into these debates, recognizing that they are inherently subjective and often rooted in individual upbringing and personal experiences.
McKenzie also discussed a recent topic of discussion among his teammates, which is the use of long throw-ins, and he jokingly acknowledged that his approach to the game, which is influenced by his American background and involves using his hands to throw the ball
Herculez Gomez and Cristina Alexander engage in a discussion about the most significant storylines and provide an in-depth analysis of the best highlights that the sport of soccer in the Americas has to offer, which can be streamed on ESPN+ for viewers in the United States.
Former U.S. international and experienced Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who has also gained valuable experience working as a club executive with prominent teams such as Besiktas in Turkey, is of the opinion that the stigma that is often associated with American players has become increasingly subtle over time. In the case of the majority of American players, there is no longer a strongly negative connotation attached to them, however, they are also not generally perceived as having the capability to be the leading player on a team, which is an interesting dynamic that exists in the world of soccer.
According to Friedel, decision-makers at European clubs tend to have a particular perception of American players, specifically that, firstly, the salaries they offer are initially going to be somewhat lower, which is indeed the case. Additionally, they believe that the transfer fees for American players could also be lower at the outset, which is also true. Furthermore, European clubs think that they will be acquiring a genuinely honest and skilled professional who will likely be a regular starter in the starting lineup, but may not necessarily be the primary reason for their victory in every single game.
Christian Pulisic is likely the only exception to this general statement, considering that he garnered a substantial transfer fee of $73 million when he made the move to Chelsea back in 2019. However, until another American player achieves similar success and reaches the same level, this particular aspect of how American players are perceived is unlikely to undergo any significant changes.
Despite the significant progress that has been made, both in terms of on-field performance and the winning of hearts and minds, there is still a considerable distance to be covered, with the stigma of being an American player occasionally surfacing in unexpected ways at unusual moments. The current Charlotte FC defender, Tim Ream, who spent over a decade playing in England for Bolton Wanderers and Fulham FC, notes that he was able to reap benefits from playing for two clubs that had a history of having American players on their rosters.
According to Tim Ream, he was fortunate to have never encountered a manager during his career who held him in lower esteem or regarded him as less capable due to his nationality or the country he was from. However, on certain occasions, the perception of U.S. players that was held by some of his teammates reflected outdated attitudes that were reminiscent of a bygone era, highlighting the lingering presence of stereotypes and biases.
You would indeed hear it being said, "Oh, really, you're American, do you actually know football?" And your response would be, "Well, I'm playing in the same team that you are, so perhaps you should be the one to tell me who knows and who doesn't know, because we're essentially in the same situation here." So, there was a little bit of that kind of interaction, he explained.
However, nothing has the power to alter perceptions quite like a World Cup, especially when it involves creating iconic moments or delivering an impressive performance against one of the teams that are presumed to be favorites. Tim Ream discovered that to be the case after the United States tied England 0-0 at the 2022 World Cup, a match that could have gone either way and on another day might have resulted in a win for the Americans. For some of his teammates at his club, the outcome of that match was almost like a moment of sudden realization or an ep
When we returned from that experience, the guys had a strong reaction, with comments like, 'Holy s---,' and they were also saying, 'You guys are a really good team, a very good team,' Ream said. He believed that this moment was when it clicked for a lot of people, and they began to understand the team's potential.
The upcoming World Cup presents another significant opportunity to change existing perceptions and potentially inspire the next generation of players, as well as the broader public. Currently, the U.S. is still perceived as outsiders in the world of soccer, but the fact that it is one of the three host countries has increased the stakes and raised expectations regarding what can be achieved in both the short and long term, with potential implications for the sport's growth and development.
According to Adams, the matter at hand extends far beyond their own team and personal performance, as he emphasized that it is much more comprehensive in scope. He believes that the impact of their actions and achievements can have a profound effect on the next generation of young athletes, potentially inspiring them to choose soccer over other sports such as basketball or football, which is a crucial consideration for him. As a result, Adams views this as a monumental opportunity that holds significant importance.
Ream's perspective is that any advancement or progress made should be evaluated with a broader and more long-term perspective in mind. The U.S. team's notable quarterfinal run in the 2002 World Cup did indeed capture the attention of many, but since then, Ream notes that the U.S. program has been experiencing a gradual and somewhat slow development, which he describes as being on "a little bit of a slow burn".
The U.S. men's national team is still anticipating its next major breakthrough, as it continues to strive for significant improvement. There have been several humbling experiences as well, including the notable failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, which has had a lasting impact on the team. A deep run in the tournament, building on the impressive round of 16 performance achieved in 2022, would be essential in demonstrating more consistency and reliability in the team's overall performance.
According to Ream, if the national team can be sustained, and the development of players within the team can be maintained, and considering that many of the players are already competing at prominent clubs worldwide, this could ultimately lead to a shift in perception about the team. Ream emphasized that now that there is a growing recognition that the team is capable of producing talented players, and that these players can successfully compete alongside top players from other countries, including traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, France, and England, it is
If the United States is able to discover that significant moment, as well as achieve consistency, then it is possible that perceptions could experience an increase, and the last remaining remnants of any stigma might ultimately begin to subside.
The year in question was 1992, and it was during this time that virtually everyone at the then-Bundesliga side FC Saarbrucken, including many of Wynalda's own teammates, consistently subjected him to derogatory taunts, specifically using the phrase "scheiss Ami", which translates to "s--- American" in German.
After enduring these taunts for a period of six weeks, Wynalda decided that he had had enough and chose to take matters into his own hands, determined to address the situation in a more proactive manner.
The situation ultimately led to me reaching my limit and physically throwing one of my teammates to the ground, at which point I explicitly told him that if he were to call me that name one more time, he would end up visiting the dentist, as Wynalda recounted to ESPN. Following this incident, everybody seemed to back down and collectively agreed to stop referring to him by that name, as they all said, 'Right, let's stop calling him that.'
As a result, they promptly ceased using the name, and what further strengthened Wynalda's position was his impressive performance on the field, where he successfully scored both of Saarbrucken's goals in a decisive 2-0 victory over their local rivals, Kaiserslautern.
The question remains as to whether the treatment Wynalda received was merely simple banter, or if it reflected the stigma that American players have often faced when they attempt to compete at the highest levels of soccer abroad.
It is likely that the reality of the situation lies somewhere in between, as the treatment Wynalda experienced was probably a combination of both simple banter and a deeper-seated stigma. Although Wynalda's personal account of the treatment he received falls at the extreme end of the spectrum, it was not uncommon for American players who were making their initial forays into European soccer to endure similar types of treatment, regardless of whether it came from their teammates, coaches, fans, or the media.
Former Hannover 96 and U.S. men's national team defender Steve Cherundolo recalled that upon his arrival at the German club in 1999, he received equal treatment from his fellow players and the staff members, but he did notice a notable difference in the way he was perceived by the media. This distinction was particularly apparent in the player ratings that were often published, especially when he was focusing more on defensive responsibilities from his position as an outside back.
Cherundolo expressed that he consistently felt a certain stigma, stating "I don't think there was ever a period where I didn't" experience this feeling, as revealed in an interview with ESPN, a sentiment coming from an individual who had earned the nickname "The Mayor of Hannover" and had amassed more than 400 appearances for the club throughout his career.
USMNT great Landon Donovan experienced similar sentiments during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, the German club that signed him in 1999.
Landon Donovan recalled that the situation was not a personal attack against him or any other individual, but rather a common occurrence in the early days, where the standards for American players were notably higher.
He explained that, in the past, one did not need to be only marginally better than the competitor to earn a spot, but instead, had to demonstrate significantly superior skills.
According to Landon Donovan, when competing against players from other countries, such as a Turkish, Brazilian, or German player, an American player had to be substantially better, because there was a prevailing assumption that Americans lacked the necessary skills to play soccer effectively.
Not all individuals agree with the stigma argument, and there are those who have a different perspective on the matter. The current manager of the Chicago Fire, Gregg Berhalter, who was at the helm of the U.S. team from 2018 to 2024, had the opportunity to play in Europe, specifically in the Netherlands, England, and Germany, which gave him a unique insight into the situation. In his view, the issue was not so much about a stigma, but rather a lack of knowledge and awareness that American players were participating in soccer.
According to Berhalter, the experience of American players in Europe was shaped by the fact that they were not well-known, except for a few notable exceptions, such as the period immediately following the 1994 World Cup, when players like Alexi Lalas and Tony Meola gained recognition. "We had just come off the 1994 World Cup, which meant that everyone was familiar with players like Alexi Lalas and
Historically, there existed a certain rationale for the skepticism that American players faced. The state of the sport in the United States has undergone several periods of significant decline, with the country experiencing some extremely challenging times. Throughout vast portions of the 20th century, soccer in the U.S. struggled to establish itself even at a semiprofessional level, barely maintaining a presence. The United States endured a substantial 40-year gap between its appearances at the World Cup, a drought that had a profound impact on the sport's development. Additionally, between 1985 and 1995, the U.S. lacked a domestic league that would be considered top-tier, further hindering the growth of the sport.
Even after the introduction of Major League Soccer in 1996, despite the U.S. men's national team achieving notable successes, including winning seven Concacaf Gold Cups and reaching the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup, the U.S. has yet to come close to winning
The U.S. team's solid performances at World Cups, including reaching at least the second round in the 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2022 tournaments, have played a significant role in further enhancing the perception of American soccer. Moreover, numerous other players have worked diligently behind the scenes, often in relative obscurity, and their contributions have led to incremental, yet still crucial, advancements in the sport.
It is often overlooked how skilled Tony Sanneh was as a player, and this lack of recognition is something that Wynalda acknowledges, stating, "People forget how good Tony Sanneh was, they just do," when discussing the former defender who had stints with Nuremburg and Hertha Berlin. Wynalda expresses his admiration for these players, saying, "So, I mean, I think all those guys, I salute all of them," as he reflects on their importance in the development of American soccer. According to Wynalda,
To stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates, it is recommended to download the ESPN app and activate Jeff Carlisle's news alerts, which will provide push notifications as soon as new information becomes available. By opting in to these alerts, which can be done by tapping the alerts bell located in the top right corner of the screen, users will be among the first to receive the latest updates. For those seeking additional information, clicking on the provided link will offer further details and insights.
The current crop of American players competing overseas has led to a significant increase in the assessment of American players, with their reputation now higher than it has ever been before. Notable players, including AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, have successfully demonstrated their skills and abilities while playing for prominent European clubs. Furthermore, the Premier League features a number of steady and reliable performers, such as Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, AFC Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, and Leeds United attacker Brenden Aaron
However, the stigma has proven to be challenging to overcome. When speaking with current players on the U.S. team, it becomes clear that they think there is still a significant amount of judgment and skepticism surrounding American players, even though it is less intense than it was in the past. Nevertheless, the players are not adopting a victim mentality and instead believe that they are being evaluated fairly based on their contributions to the team. The players are driven by the conviction that their talent and abilities will ultimately lead to their success and recognition at the highest level.
Christian Pulisic expressed his thoughts on this matter, stating, "Perhaps, at the beginning of my career, I had some concerns that certain teammates might view me differently because I am American, particularly during my time in the youth teams at Dortmund," Pulisic revealed to ESPN during a promotional event for Degree. "I may have had some of those thoughts, but I am not certain - what I do know is that I have always believed in and
Is there a certain degree of stigma present, or was there at some point in time. It is possible that such a stigma may have existed, but in recent times, it appears to be improving significantly, largely due to the emergence of the incredible talent that is being produced now.
For Toulouse FC defender Mark McKenzie, the notion of stigma is perceived more as light-hearted teasing or banter, which is an environment where he is more than capable of defending himself and giving as good as he gets. Recently, the discussions and conversations that have been taking place have been heading in some rather unusual and unexpected directions.
McKenzie explained to ESPN that when it comes to interactions with teammates, there is a constant back-and-forth dynamic. He noted that they frequently engage in light-hearted teasing and probing of one another, often sparked by comments about cultural differences, such as discussions about food or suggestions for alternative approaches, with remarks like, "You come over here from America and critique our food," or, "You visit and question why we don't do things a certain way," or even, "You point out that our facilities are not up to the standards you're used to in the States." McKenzie stated that he makes a conscious effort to avoid getting drawn into these debates, recognizing that they are inherently subjective and often rooted in individual upbringing and personal experiences.
McKenzie also discussed a recent topic of discussion among his teammates, which is the use of long throw-ins, and he jokingly acknowledged that his approach to the game, which is influenced by his American background and involves using his hands to throw the ball
Herculez Gomez and Cristina Alexander engage in a discussion about the most significant storylines and provide an in-depth analysis of the best highlights that the sport of soccer in the Americas has to offer, which can be streamed on ESPN+ for viewers in the United States.
Former U.S. international and experienced Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who has also gained valuable experience working as a club executive with prominent teams such as Besiktas in Turkey, is of the opinion that the stigma that is often associated with American players has become increasingly subtle over time. In the case of the majority of American players, there is no longer a strongly negative connotation attached to them, however, they are also not generally perceived as having the capability to be the leading player on a team, which is an interesting dynamic that exists in the world of soccer.
According to Friedel, decision-makers at European clubs tend to have a particular perception of American players, specifically that, firstly, the salaries they offer are initially going to be somewhat lower, which is indeed the case. Additionally, they believe that the transfer fees for American players could also be lower at the outset, which is also true. Furthermore, European clubs think that they will be acquiring a genuinely honest and skilled professional who will likely be a regular starter in the starting lineup, but may not necessarily be the primary reason for their victory in every single game.
Christian Pulisic is likely the only exception to this general statement, considering that he garnered a substantial transfer fee of $73 million when he made the move to Chelsea back in 2019. However, until another American player achieves similar success and reaches the same level, this particular aspect of how American players are perceived is unlikely to undergo any significant changes.
Despite the significant progress that has been made, both in terms of on-field performance and the winning of hearts and minds, there is still a considerable distance to be covered, with the stigma of being an American player occasionally surfacing in unexpected ways at unusual moments. The current Charlotte FC defender, Tim Ream, who spent over a decade playing in England for Bolton Wanderers and Fulham FC, notes that he was able to reap benefits from playing for two clubs that had a history of having American players on their rosters.
According to Tim Ream, he was fortunate to have never encountered a manager during his career who held him in lower esteem or regarded him as less capable due to his nationality or the country he was from. However, on certain occasions, the perception of U.S. players that was held by some of his teammates reflected outdated attitudes that were reminiscent of a bygone era, highlighting the lingering presence of stereotypes and biases.
You would indeed hear it being said, "Oh, really, you're American, do you actually know football?" And your response would be, "Well, I'm playing in the same team that you are, so perhaps you should be the one to tell me who knows and who doesn't know, because we're essentially in the same situation here." So, there was a little bit of that kind of interaction, he explained.
However, nothing has the power to alter perceptions quite like a World Cup, especially when it involves creating iconic moments or delivering an impressive performance against one of the teams that are presumed to be favorites. Tim Ream discovered that to be the case after the United States tied England 0-0 at the 2022 World Cup, a match that could have gone either way and on another day might have resulted in a win for the Americans. For some of his teammates at his club, the outcome of that match was almost like a moment of sudden realization or an ep
When we returned from that experience, the guys had a strong reaction, with comments like, 'Holy s---,' and they were also saying, 'You guys are a really good team, a very good team,' Ream said. He believed that this moment was when it clicked for a lot of people, and they began to understand the team's potential.
The upcoming World Cup presents another significant opportunity to change existing perceptions and potentially inspire the next generation of players, as well as the broader public. Currently, the U.S. is still perceived as outsiders in the world of soccer, but the fact that it is one of the three host countries has increased the stakes and raised expectations regarding what can be achieved in both the short and long term, with potential implications for the sport's growth and development.
According to Adams, the matter at hand extends far beyond their own team and personal performance, as he emphasized that it is much more comprehensive in scope. He believes that the impact of their actions and achievements can have a profound effect on the next generation of young athletes, potentially inspiring them to choose soccer over other sports such as basketball or football, which is a crucial consideration for him. As a result, Adams views this as a monumental opportunity that holds significant importance.
Ream's perspective is that any advancement or progress made should be evaluated with a broader and more long-term perspective in mind. The U.S. team's notable quarterfinal run in the 2002 World Cup did indeed capture the attention of many, but since then, Ream notes that the U.S. program has been experiencing a gradual and somewhat slow development, which he describes as being on "a little bit of a slow burn".
The U.S. men's national team is still anticipating its next major breakthrough, as it continues to strive for significant improvement. There have been several humbling experiences as well, including the notable failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, which has had a lasting impact on the team. A deep run in the tournament, building on the impressive round of 16 performance achieved in 2022, would be essential in demonstrating more consistency and reliability in the team's overall performance.
According to Ream, if the national team can be sustained, and the development of players within the team can be maintained, and considering that many of the players are already competing at prominent clubs worldwide, this could ultimately lead to a shift in perception about the team. Ream emphasized that now that there is a growing recognition that the team is capable of producing talented players, and that these players can successfully compete alongside top players from other countries, including traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, France, and England, it is
If the United States is able to discover that significant moment, as well as achieve consistency, then it is possible that perceptions could experience an increase, and the last remaining remnants of any stigma might ultimately begin to subside.
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