Ahead of the World Cup final where the United States Women’s Team will look to take home the cup, taking place on Sunday, Megan Rapinoe is talking about what it means to be an American.
“I think I am particularly American and very deeply American, if you want to talk about the ideals that we stand for and what we were founded on. I think I am extremely American.”
Rapinoe has been in the headlines during World Cup play, mostly for her comments about not wanting to go to the White House, which raised the ire of President Donald Trump.
“I think for the detractors, I would have them look and look hard on what I am actually saying [and] the actions I am doing. Maybe you don’t agree with every single way that I do it or [what] gets discussed. I know I am not perfect.
“But I know I stand for honesty and for truth and for wanting to have the conversation. And for looking at the country honestly and saying, ‘yes, we are a great country and there are so many things that are amazing and I feel very fortunate to be in this country.’
“I’d never be able to do this in a lot of other places. But also that doesn’t mean we can’t get better. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t always strive to be better. I think this country was founded on a lot of great ideals, but it was also founded on slavery. And I think we just need to be really honest about that and be really open talking about that so we can reconcile that and hopefully move forward and make this country better for everyone.”
Rapinoe has been one of the team’s most important, and best, players during World Cup play and her performances against Spain and France, where she scored all four goals, show she is at the top of her game, and just how important she is to the team.