What is America?

I was out in Salt Lake City this week on business.  Though I had flown through SLC many times, I never actually stayed there for any length of time.  It is a beautiful city with the mountains jumping right out at you.  We had to meet some folks for dinner Monday night and in driving around it felt very comfortable.  I remarked to Mitchell Ashley, StillSecure CTO, that the reason for this was that every store and restaurant was one we were familiar with.  In fact we ate at the Olive Garden and while not a gourmet dinner, it was comforting to be in a new city but to know the entire menu and order food you had eaten before.  What defines America today?  It certainly isn't the people.  They come in all shapes, sizes and colors, however the homogenized backgrounds are all the same. What defines America is the homogenization of our environment. I have traveled all over this country.  Wherever you go, you see the same stores in the mall, the same chain restaurants, the same townhouse developments, etc.  It is few and far between where you see local unique business and out of the ordinary development. This has become the thread that unites us.  Is that a good thing?  I leave it to you to decide.