And Americans were-before the Vietnam War, before the Iraq wars-the darlings of everyone everywhere. On a second world trip a decade later, on which I took students for academic credit, the most treasured gift we could give was a John F. Kennedy half-dollar. There
Huston Smith reflects on the changing perception of Americans across the globe, noting that prior to conflicts like the Vietnam War and the Iraq wars, the U.S. was held in high regard internationally. He illustrates this shift by recalling his experience on a second world trip, where a symbol of American goodwill was the John F. Kennedy half-dollar, cherished by the people he encountered.
This anecdote emphasizes how U.S. foreign policy and military involvement have influenced global opinions of Americans. Smith’s autobiography, "Tales of Wonder: Adventures Chasing the Divine," highlights the contrasts between the past and present, revealing how the nation's image has evolved over time and how tangible tokens like currency represented friendship and goodwill during a more favorable era.
