Selena Gomez on Her Best Role Yet and Romance With Benny Blanco: “I’ve Never Been Loved This Way”
Gomez has long since given up on wigs and hats as cloaking devices. In the 25 years since she debuted on Barney & Friends at the age of seven, she’s actually tried to let go of every kind of disguise and be the same person in public and private. It’s a gutsy endeavor for someone who, thanks to Instagram, has the slightly scary-sounding distinction of being the most followed woman on earth. For three years Gomez has been part of the delicious hit series Only Murders in the Building, and she’s just given the rawest performance of her career in the audacious movie musical Emilia Pérez. Gomez plays a Mexican drug lord’s terrified but wildly resourceful wife. When the movie hits theaters in November, her work will surprise the many, many people who didn’t know what a fiery actor she could be.
We first meet in Los Angeles at the makeup company she founded, Rare Beauty. It’s a slow, gray afternoon, but Rare Beauty is flush with positivity, from the product names (lipsticks in shades like Worthy and Strong, eye shadow sticks called Integrity and Well-Being) to the little slogans on the bathroom mirrors like, “Find comfort in being rare.” It’s all completely in earnest, and the company’s products are seriously good, as are the rewards: Rare Beauty is reportedly worth $2 billion.
Gomez’s office is bathed in white, pink, and red—it’s a bouquet of a space. When I come in, she’s surrounded by the smiling California team that keeps her carefully calibrated days as a movie star, TV star, pop star, beauty executive, and mental health advocate on track. There’s a laptop on her desk, a script for Emilia Pérez, and a list of questions for a famous friend she “met through Taylor,” whom she’s interviewing for something later. There are personal mementos too, like family photos and a note from her 11-year-old sister, Gracie. “She’s funny,” Gomez says warmly. She picks up the note and reads it out loud: “Hi, sissy, I love you so much. The next time I’m here, can we do each other’s makeup and make a ‘get ready with me’ TikTok?”
This moment totally tracks, Gomez’s friend and Emilia Pérez costar Zoe Saldaña tells me later. “I don’t fit well in circles where people only want to talk about themselves. Selena’s not like that,” she says. “She’ll show you 300 pictures of her little sister and parents and grandparents.”
When Gomez’s team files out, she settles on a couch the color of mulled wine. She looks cozy and hale in a denim Free People jumpsuit and Ugg slippers. Her skin is aglow, her hair voluminous. She is, like some other stars of her magnitude, much more slight in person, her features writ delicate. Gomez redid Rare Beauty’s offices last year and shared a carousel of photos with her 425 million followers on Instagram. At the time of our interview, she’s taking a break from the app but hasn’t announced it to her fans—the Selenators—because she has a habit of dramatically announcing social media breaks, then logging back on less than 24 hours later to post a selfie or leave a comment somewhere. It’s one of her more aggressively relatable habits, this inability to resist the apps after boldly saying she’s done with them. “I learned not to say that anymore,” she deadpans. Right now, she’s trying to quietly enjoy her time in the analog world. “I’ve been loving it,” she says calmly. “I’ve been working out. I’ve been taking care of myself. It’s the first time I’ve had a break in a little bit. So I feel good.”
There’s no shortage of things to feel good about. Gomez recently snagged an Emmy nomination for best actress in a comedy for Only Murders, her first-ever acting nod, despite working steadily for two decades. “I freaked out,” she says happily. “I went to dinner with my friends that night. Maybe [the voters] saw something in this past season that they hadn’t seen before.”
Gomez also became the most nominated Latina producer ever in the best comedy category, thanks to the series. She had no idea she was about to set a record. “When I heard that, I felt like I made my dad’s side of the family proud,” she says. “It was really cool to have that be a part of my story. I’m grateful for breaking barriers. Hopefully this is not a one-time thing.” Gomez’s father, Ricardo Joel Gomez, is Mexican American. He and her mother—the former actor Mandy Teefey, whom Gomez has credited with steering her through some daunting poverty early on and inspiring her career—named her after the Tejano icon Selena and raised her in Grand Prairie, Texas. “It’s empowering and it’s alleviating,” Saldaña says of seeing Gomez make history as a Latina. “When you meet her, you get the sense that she is owning her growth and owning her life and her voice. I’m grateful that our paths have crossed.”
The two of them met in Paris on the set of Emilia Pérez, a bold, heartfelt, and visually lush Spanish-language musical that’s about to have an eventful awards season of its own. The film was written and directed by Jacques Audiard. It stars Spanish actor Karla Sofía Gascón in the titular role, a brutal Mexican cartel leader who kidnaps a lawyer (Saldaña) to offer her a job: coordinating secret gender-confirmation surgery so the kingpin can transition and leave her old life behind. Gomez plays Jessi, Perez’s dormant volcano of a wife. She’s a lonely young woman and the mother of their two children who’s ferried from safe house to safe house in armored vehicles laden with security guards. As Emilia finds herself going down a different path in life, so does Jessi. She’s emboldened to break out of her shell—with all kinds of consequences.
Gomez calls Emilia Pérez a “fever dream,” but it’s not as wild a leap for her as it may appear. She’s long pursued supporting roles in unconventional, sometimes risqué work by auteurs, like Harmony Korine’s endlessly zeitgeist-y Spring Breakers or Jim Jarmusch’s zombie comedy The Dead Don’t Die. “That’s intentional,” she tells me. “I’d rather be a supporting role. I’d rather have four scenes in a Martin Scorsese film than be a lead in a movie about a tomboy that comes into her own and falls in love with the boy next door. Love those movies, totally watch those movies—but that’s not something I’m necessarily interested in.”
Both Gascón and Saldaña offered their services if Gomez ever needed help with the dialogue. The film is almost entirely in Spanish, and while they’re native speakers, Gomez herself is not. “Speaking it is not too terrible for me, but I’m not fluent. I would say that I’m okay.” She grew up speaking Spanish but lost fluency around the time she turned seven and that purple dinosaur came into her life: “I got my first job, and everything was English-dominated.”
The musical part of Emilia Pérez came easier. Gomez dove into the singing and the often intense choreography, which meant tapping back into her pop persona. “I can sing Spanish really well,” she says, having released several songs in Spanish, including the 2021 EP Revelación. She enjoyed recording the songs for this film, which were written by French singer and lyricist Camille with Clément Ducol, but wants fans to know she doesn’t have plans to release any new music of her own at the moment. “I don’t know if I’m ready, you know?” she says. “It’s a vulnerable space. Acting has always been my first love. Music is just a hobby that went out of control. Now it is a part of who I am, so I don’t think I’m going anywhere. I’m just not ready yet.”
She’s still keeping tabs on the pop landscape. Gomez got a kick out of Charli XCX’s Brat—particularly the bonus track, “Spring Breakers,” naturally—and she’s going to see shows whenever she can. “I love female artists,” she says. “I’ve been to all the girls’ concerts—Billie, Dua….” And of course, she can always pick up the phone and call Taylor Swift, a longtime friend. “She is really like a big sister to me,” she says. They talk about the industry from time to time, with Gomez seeking advice on music or how to navigate new friendships at their respective levels of fame. More often than not, though, they’re just gossiping about the things that all friends gossip about and comparing notes on the latest season of Vanderpump Rules. “I’m on The Valley now,” Gomez says, referring to the latest—and deeply haunted—spin-off of the Bravo reality series. “I’ve watched every episode of Vanderpump, so I don’t care if it’s bad!”
Whenever she is ready to record her own music again, Gomez also has a direct line to one of pop music’s most prolific producers: Benny Blanco. The two collaborated on the 2015 hit “Same Old Love” and the slinky 2019 track “I Can’t Get Enough,” featuring Tainy and J Balvin. In the music video for the latter song, Gomez wears silky pajamas and dances on an oversized bed; Blanco dances alongside her in a giant teddy bear suit. The two were just friends at the time, but things took a turn for the romantic in July 2023. At first, the pair were relatively low-key, but they’ve since elevated to full-tilt public adoration, sharing mushy Instagram photos and captions of one another. In his most recent public display of affection, Blanco shared a tender throwback photo of him and Gomez on the “I Can’t Get Enough” set: “i used to play a teddy bear in ur music video and now i get to b urs in real life….”
Though they’ve worked together for years, fans seemed surprised that the two were dating, partly because Gomez is laid-back while Blanco, who produced hits like Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” and Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” is a world-class yapper. Whatever the connection is—his brash, enthusiastic openness paired with her dry humor—it clearly works. “I’ve never been loved this way,” Gomez tells me. “He’s just been a light. A complete light in my life. He’s my best friend. I love telling him everything.” In May, Howard Stern told Blanco that he hoped the two of them would get married. “You and me both,” Blanco replied. Gomez smiles at the thought of Blanco saying it so bluntly and openly. “He can’t lie,” she says. “After the interview, I was dying laughing. Like, ‘Anything else you wanted to put out there?’ ”
Engagement rumors were flying as this story went to press, but to be clear, marriage isn’t an institution that Gomez ever wanted to rush into. Her mother gave birth to her when she was 16, and her parents were only married for a few years. “It was hard on me,” she says. “They were kids, so we were all growing up together.”
Even before she began dating Blanco, though, Gomez had a firm plan in place to start a family by the age of 35. “Before I met my boyfriend, I was single for five years, with the exception of going on a few dates,” she says. “And I was like, ‘Okay, if this is the vibe, then what is the most important thing to me? Family.’ ” In the past Gomez has said she would be open to adopting children, partly inspired by the fact that her mother was adopted. If she hadn’t been, “I probably wouldn’t be here. I don’t know what her life would’ve been like. She and I are very thankful for how life played out.”
The theme of family pops up again and again during our conversation. Gomez is a godmother to her cousin Priscilla’s two children, so she gets a front-row seat to the wonderful and sometimes brutal experience of being a parent. “She keeps it real,” Gomez says of her cousin’s candor. She’s speaking excitedly about this, then briefly pauses. All this talk of motherhood: It’s reminding her of something that’s been weighing on her. “I haven’t ever said this,” she says, “but I unfortunately can’t carry my own children. I have a lot of medical issues that would put my life and the baby’s in jeopardy. That was something I had to grieve for a while.”
Gomez communicates this calmly and without sentimentality. “It’s not necessarily the way I envisioned it,” she says of becoming a parent one day. “I thought it would happen the way it happens for everyone. [But] I’m in a much better place with that. I find it a blessing that there are wonderful people willing to do surrogacy or adoption, which are both huge possibilities for me. It made me really thankful for the other outlets for people who are dying to be moms. I’m one of those people. I’m excited for what that journey will look like, but it’ll look a little different. At the end of the day, I don’t care. It’ll be mine. It’ll be my baby.”
Her family isn’t pressuring her into marriage, by the way, nor is she pressuring Blanco. “We always make sure we’re protecting what we have, but there’s no rules,” she says. “I want him to always be himself. I always want to be myself.”
She means that in another way too: “I’m not changing my name no matter what. I am Selena Gomez. That’s it.”
Gomez has been managing not just her personal life in full public view for years, but her health as well—particularly since 2013, when she was diagnosed with lupus. She first spoke about her diagnosis in an interview with Billboard in 2015, sharing that she underwent chemotherapy to treat the chronic autoimmune illness, which causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissue and can cause inflammation and affect internal organs. Gomez was on her first solo tour, Stars Dance, when she was diagnosed, and had gotten through nearly 60 shows before she had to cancel the rest and get treatment.
In 2017 Gomez revealed on Instagram that she had gotten a kidney transplant, sharing a photo of herself and close friend actor Francia Raísa, who donated the vital organ. “There aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa,” Gomez wrote in her caption. “She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis.” The post was surprising and frank. It included photos of Gomez and Raísa on hospital beds holding hands, as well as close-ups of Gomez’s postsurgery scar. The news went viral to such an extent that people who couldn’t name a Selena Gomez album suddenly had thoughts about her kidney. Later, the news that Gomez and Raísa’s friendship had been badly fractured by hurt feelings went viral too—just one example of what it means to be the most followed woman in the world. Late last year the pair did the necessary repair work and are friends once more.
While Gomez was dealing with lupus, she was also contending with serious mental health struggles, which got a close-up in the shattering 2022 documentary My Mind & Me. The movie—directed by Alek Keshishian, who made the legendary Madonna: Truth or Dare—was originally meant to be a fun, artful way to capture Gomez’s 2016 Revival tour, but it quickly morphed as she began struggling with panic attacks, anxiety, and debilitating depression. “At one point, she’s like, ‘I don’t want to be alive right now,’ ” her former assistant, Theresa Marie Mingus, says in the documentary. “ ‘I don’t want to live.’ It was one of those moments where you look in her eyes and there’s nothing there. It was just pitch black.”
Gomez later attributed the devastation to the side effects of lupus. Shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as well. The tour was canceled, but her mental health did not improve and she suffered a breakdown in 2018. My Mind & Me is such a revealing document of pain that Gomez says she got cold feet a few weeks before it was set to be released. “I asked my team if it was possible to pull out,” she tells me. “Lawyers got involved, but we never took it to Apple because everything was locked.… When the movie came out, I didn’t look at anything for a few days, and then I was scared to leave the house.” She was paralyzed by the thought of the movie being out in the world but found her footing again, partly because fans facing similar battles shared their stories with her. “I just started to embrace it,” she says, “and I felt like it was a really good thing.”
“However,” she continues, determined to add a postscript, “I like to remind people that that is definitely nowhere close to where I am now. My mind was not right and chemically imbalanced, and it was really difficult. People were calling me a victim. That frustrates me, because being vulnerable is actually one of the strongest things you can do. That narrative is not going to take over my life. I’m grateful every day. And I have my days like everyone else, but I’m no victim. I just survived a lot. There isn’t a part of me that wants anyone to feel sorry for me.”
Gomez is still on a journey with her mental health but now has tools and protocols to take care of herself. She loves using temperature as a healing mechanism and finds cold water or space heaters to be soothing at different times. She’ll also do a mental exercise that’s hugely helpful: “I remind myself that I’m okay. I ground myself for a moment. ‘Where am I? I’m sitting down in the office. Everybody that I love is out there. There’s food. I can get something to eat. I can take a nap here before I leave.’ I put myself into the present.”
“I’m ready for it all—it’s just now I’m properly medicated,” she adds with a laugh.
Gomez donates a portion of sales from all Rare Beauty products to the Rare Impact Fund, a philanthropic hub that aims to raise $100 million for organizations dedicated to educating young people around the world about mental health and getting them services. The fund has raised $15 million since its launch. “Only around 2 percent of global health funding has historically gone to mental health,” says Elyse Cohen, the president of the fund and an executive vice president of Rare Beauty. “And currently just about 0.5 percent of philanthropic funding is given to mental health. When you think about the prevalence of this issue and how low the mobilization of funding is, there’s just such a severe gap. For us, it’s really about making a difference in the space.”
“I know it seems impossible,” Gomez says of the staggering $100 million goal, “but it’s important to me because it’s a crisis. There are a lot of people from every part of the world dealing with so much who are not properly educated on it and don’t know where to go. I want it to be accessible. There’s Planned Parenthood—that’s a resource for women. I wish we had a version of that for mental health. It would be so powerful if someone was—not to be too heavy but—to try to take their life and then decided to go to a Planned Parenthood [type of facility] that was free. I have big dreams for what I would like to see.”
The next time I speak to Gomez, it’s at the tail end of July, just after her 32nd birthday and her dual Emmy nods. She’s preparing for life to get intense again, with promotion duties for both Emilia Pérez and the upcoming season of Only Murders in the Building. The Emmy-winning series is now on its fourth season on Hulu, but the unlikely trio of amateur murder sleuths—Steve Martin and Martin Short as overly dramatic older men and Gomez as their sarcastic young neighbor—remain supernaturally funny. Short has said he was nervous about meeting Gomez, expecting an unapproachable diva. Instead, he and Martin met a disarming woman excited to work with them and able to hold her own in their esteemed company.
I talked to Martin and Short about Gomez on a joint Zoom call, and if you’ve never seen Only Murders, this will give you a pretty good idea of the vibe.
“I thought she was very smart,” says Martin. “I hadn’t really seen her act. I didn’t know her shows. But, you know, Marty and I tend to overact, that’s kind of our comedic style—”
“Hold on, hold on!” Short says, interrupting.
“I meant that as a compliment,” Martin replies.
“Oh, I see. Keep going,” Short says.
“Somebody else might think, Oh, I have to compete with that, so I better be really, really funny too,” Martin continues. “But she didn’t go there in any way. Her point in the triangle was perfectly leveled. She is really good. Her energy and tone—”
“What do you think when it comes to me?” Short says.
On and on they go, shooting jokes back and forth.
Gomez laughs when I tell her about the conversation later. “It’s a blast, isn’t it?” she says. “It’s like the show! They’ve changed my life and perspective on tons of things.” She’s become comfortable getting in on the jokes, butting in to land some punch lines of her own. “Marty and I have a riff we just do naturally, which is to deeply insult each other,” Martin says. “Selena was very polite for the first year, and then the second year she started to get into it and give as good as she got.”
Gomez is particularly excited about the fourth season because of the show’s meta quality. It follows the trio from New York to Los Angeles after a Hollywood executive decides to turn their story into a film. (Eva Longoria plays Selena’s character, Mabel, to hilarious effect.) The fourth season also sees the return of Meryl Streep as Loretta, a working actor who is starting to make a name for herself.
It’s funny to think that—though Gomez is far younger than her costars—she’s already an industry veteran herself, having worked for 25 years. Only Murders feels like the balancing force she needed after forging through the last few years in particular. She clearly feels balanced in other ways too, which allows her to handle all the work required to be everything she is. “It’s as simple as this,” she tells me. “I don’t want people to ever think I’m not grateful for what I have.”
Hair by Orlando Pita. Makeup by Hung Vanngo. Manicure by Tom Bachik. Tailors, Hasmik Kourinian and Susie Kourinian. Set design by Robert Doran. Produced on location by Viewfinders. For details, go to VF.com/credits.
A Tapestry of Wonders: Exploring the Most Interesting Things in the World
Introduction
The world is a vast and intricate canvas, filled with countless wonders that captivate our imagination and inspire our curiosity. From the depths of the oceans to the vastness of space, there is an endless supply of fascinating things to explore. In this exploration, we will delve into a variety of topics, from the natural world to human achievements, and uncover some of the most intriguing aspects of our planet and beyond.
The Natural World: A Symphony of Diversity
Biodiversity Hotspots: These regions, often characterized by unique ecosystems and high levels of endemism, are home to a staggering variety of plant and animal species. The Amazon rainforest, the Galapagos Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef are just a few examples of these biological treasure troves.
Extreme Environments: Life has adapted to some of the most challenging conditions on Earth. From the icy wastes of Antarctica to the scorching deserts of the Sahara, organisms have evolved remarkable strategies to survive in these extreme environments.
The Human Microbiome: Our bodies are home to a vast community of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. These tiny organisms play a crucial role in our health, influencing everything from digestion to immunity.
Deep-Sea Exploration: The depths of the ocean remain largely unexplored, and scientists continue to discover new and bizarre creatures. From bioluminescent jellyfish to giant squid, the ocean’s depths are a realm of wonder and mystery.
The Human Brain: The human brain is one of the most complex structures in the universe. It is responsible for everything we think, feel, and do. Scientists are still unraveling the mysteries of the brain, but what we know so far is truly astonishing.
The Quantum World: At the smallest scale, the laws of physics break down and give way to the strange and counterintuitive world of quantum mechanics. Quantum particles can exist in multiple states at once, can be entangled across vast distances, and can even influence each other instantaneously.
The Origin of Life: How did life first arise on Earth? This question has puzzled scientists for centuries, and there are many competing theories. Understanding the origins of life could provide insights into the potential for life elsewhere in the universe.
Climate Change: Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. The Earth’s climate is changing at an unprecedented rate, and the consequences are already being felt around the world.
The Universe’s Age and Fate: Scientists have estimated the age of the universe to be around 13.8 billion years old. But what will its ultimate fate be? Will it continue to expand forever, or will it eventually collapse back in on itself?
Dark Matter and Dark Energy: These mysterious substances make up the majority of the universe’s mass and energy, yet their nature remains largely unknown. Understanding dark matter and dark energy is one of the most pressing challenges in modern physics.
Human Endeavors: A Testament to Ingenuity
Space Exploration: The exploration of space has captivated humanity for centuries. From the first moon landing to the search for extraterrestrial life, our journey into the cosmos has revealed the vastness and beauty of the universe.
Artificial Intelligence: AI is rapidly transforming our world, with applications ranging from self-driving cars to medical diagnosis. As AI continues to advance, it is poised to revolutionize countless industries and shape the future of society.
Renewable Energy: The transition to renewable energy sources is a critical challenge and opportunity for our planet. Solar power, wind energy, and hydroelectric power offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change.
Ancient Civilizations: The ruins of ancient civilizations provide a glimpse into the past and offer insights into the cultures, beliefs, and technologies of our ancestors. From the pyramids of Egypt to the Great Wall of China, these historical sites are a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.
The Human Genome Project: The sequencing of the human genome was a monumental achievement that has revolutionized our understanding of biology and medicine. It has led to advances in gene therapy, personalized medicine, and our knowledge of human evolution.
The Internet: The internet has transformed the way we communicate, work, and learn. It has connected people from all over the world and created new opportunities for businesses and individuals.
The Future of Technology: Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, and it is difficult to predict what the future holds. Some of the most exciting developments include nanotechnology, biotechnology, and quantum computing.
The Human Mind: The human mind is a complex and mysterious organ that is capable of incredible feats. Scientists are still trying to understand how the brain works, but what we do know is truly fascinating.
The Search for Extraterrestrial Life: The question of whether there is life beyond Earth is one of the most enduring mysteries of science. Scientists are searching for signs of life on other planets and moons, and they are also developing new technologies to explore the universe.
The Mysteries of the Universe
The Origins of the Universe: How did the universe begin? This is one of the most fundamental questions in science, and there are several competing theories.
The Nature of Time: Time is a mysterious concept that has puzzled philosophers and scientists for centuries. What is the nature of time? Is it a fundamental property of the universe, or is it an illusion created by our minds?
The Existence of Parallel Universes: Some physicists believe that there may be multiple universes, or parallel worlds, that exist outside of our own. If this is true, it could explain some of the mysteries of quantum mechanics.
The Possibility of Time Travel: While the concept of time travel may seem like science fiction, some physicists believe that it may be theoretically possible. Exploring the possibilities of time travel raises fascinating questions about causality, paradoxes, and the nature of reality.
The Nature of Consciousness: Consciousness is one of the most fundamental mysteries of existence. What is consciousness? How does it arise from the physical brain? And is it unique to humans, or do other animals possess consciousness?
The Power of Curiosity
The world is filled with countless wonders, and our curiosity is the driving force behind our exploration. By asking questions, seeking answers, and embracing the unknown, we can unlock the secrets of the universe and create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.
Conclusion
This exploration has barely scratched the surface of the many fascinating things that the world has to offer. There are countless other topics that could be included, such as the human mind, the mysteries of consciousness, and the future of technology. The possibilities are endless!
Note: This is just a starting point for exploring the most interesting things in the world. There are countless other topics that could be included, such as the human mind, the mysteries of consciousness, and the future of technology. The possibilities are endless!
1. Natural Wonders
Mount Everest: The highest peak on Earth, its geography and climbing history.
The Great Barrier Reef: The world’s largest coral reef system and its biodiversity.
The Amazon Rainforest: Its role in global ecology and the diverse species it houses.
Grand Canyon: Its geological significance and stunning views.
2. Human Achievements
Space Exploration: The Moon landing, Mars rovers, and the International Space Station.
Architectural Marvels: The Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza, and modern skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa.
Technological Innovations: The internet, artificial intelligence, and breakthroughs in medicine.
3. Cultural Phenomena
World Religions: The beliefs, practices, and histories of major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
Art and Music: Influential artists like Leonardo da Vinci, and genres of music such as classical, jazz, and hip-hop.
World Languages: The diversity of languages, from widely spoken ones like Mandarin and Spanish to endangered languages.
4. Fascinating Species
Marine Life: From the giant blue whale to bioluminescent jellyfish.
Extinct Species: Dinosaurs and the dodo bird, and what they teach us about evolution.
Unique Animals: The platypus, axolotl, and other animals with unusual characteristics.
5. Extraordinary Events
Historical Events: Major events like the fall of the Berlin Wall, the French Revolution, and the Renaissance.
Natural Disasters: The impact of events like volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and earthquakes on societies and landscapes.
Human Feats: Records in sports, exploration, and endurance.
6. Mysteries and Enigmas
Unsolved Mysteries: The disappearance of Amelia Earhart, the identity of Jack the Ripper.
Ancient Civilizations: The Mayans, Egyptians, and their achievements.
Space Mysteries: Black holes, dark matter, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
7. Philosophical and Ethical Questions
Artificial Intelligence: The ethics of AI and its potential impact on society.
Human Rights: The evolution of human rights and ongoing struggles for equality.
The Nature of Consciousness: What it means to be aware and the nature of the self.
8. Modern Society and Trends
Globalization: How interconnected economies and cultures are shaping the world.
Environmental Issues: Climate change, conservation efforts, and sustainable living.
Digital Revolution: Social media, virtual reality, and the future of communication.
9. Extraordinary People
Innovators: Figures like Elon Musk, Marie Curie, and Steve Jobs.
Cultural Icons: Influential writers, actors, and activists.
Heroes and Humanitarian Figures: People like Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and Mother Teresa.
A Tapestry of Wonders: Exploring the Most Interesting Things in the United States
Introduction
The United States, a vast and diverse nation, is a melting pot of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. From the towering skyscrapers of New York City to the serene beauty of the American Southwest, there is an endless supply of fascinating things to explore. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the rich tapestry of American life, from its natural wonders to its cultural heritage, and uncover some of the most intriguing aspects of this extraordinary country.
Natural Wonders
Grand Canyon National Park: This iconic natural wonder is a massive gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Its breathtaking beauty and geological significance make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
Yellowstone National Park: As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is a geothermal wonderland known for its geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife. Its vast wilderness and stunning landscapes offer endless opportunities for exploration.
Yosemite National Park: This majestic park is famous for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Yosemite Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
Death Valley National Park: The hottest, driest, and lowest point in North America, Death Valley is a harsh but fascinating landscape. Its otherworldly beauty, including sand dunes, salt flats, and colorful canyons, make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This park is home to the highest mountains in the eastern United States and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Its dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and historic Appalachian culture make it a popular destination for nature lovers and history buffs.
Niagara Falls: One of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls is a spectacular natural wonder that straddles the border between the United States and Canada. Its thundering waters and stunning beauty have captivated visitors for centuries.
Glacier National Park: Located in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Glacier National Park is a pristine wilderness area known for its glaciers, lakes, and diverse wildlife. Its rugged beauty and breathtaking scenery make it a popular destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Cultural Heritage
New York City: The “Big Apple” is a vibrant metropolis that offers something for everyone. From the iconic skyline to the world-class museums and theaters, there is always something new to discover in New York City.
Los Angeles: The City of Angels is a cultural hub known for its Hollywood film industry, beautiful beaches, and diverse population. Los Angeles offers a wide range of attractions, including museums, theme parks, and world-class dining.
Chicago: The Windy City is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Chicago is famous for its architecture, museums, and deep-dish pizza.
San Francisco: This iconic city is known for its Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and bohemian atmosphere. San Francisco is a popular destination for tourists, with its diverse neighborhoods, world-class restaurants, and stunning views.
New Orleans: This vibrant city is famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, jazz music, and Creole cuisine. New Orleans has a unique culture and history that is reflected in its architecture, music, and food.
Nashville: The “Music City” is the home of country music and offers a vibrant music scene, historic landmarks, and Southern hospitality.
Las Vegas: This glitzy city is known for its casinos, hotels, and entertainment. Las Vegas is a popular destination for tourists seeking excitement and luxury.
Historical Sites
Independence Hall: This historic building in Philadelphia is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. It is a symbol of American democracy and a must-see for history buffs.
The Liberty Bell: This iconic symbol of freedom is located in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. It has been a symbol of American liberty since the Revolutionary War.
Gettysburg National Military Park: This battlefield was the site of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. The park commemorates the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides and offers a glimpse into the nation’s turbulent past.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial: This historic site commemorates the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Visitors can learn about the events of that day and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by American soldiers.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial: This iconic monument features the sculpted faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It is a symbol of American democracy and a popular tourist destination.
National Parks and Wilderness Areas
Acadia National Park: Located on the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline, rocky mountains, and diverse wildlife. It is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and exploring the rugged beauty of the Northeast.
Rocky Mountain National Park: This park is home to the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains and offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife.
Zion National Park: This park is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and vibrant colors. Zion is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and exploring the beauty of the American Southwest.
Denali National Park and Preserve: This park is home to Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America. It is a vast wilderness area that offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Olympic National Park: This park is known for its diverse landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, and coastline. Olympic National Park is home to a variety of wildlife and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Cities and Towns
Boston: This historic city is known for its colonial architecture, world-class universities, and vibrant cultural scene. Boston is a popular destination for tourists who want to learn about American history and culture.
Charleston: This charming city is known for its antebellum architecture, historic plantations, and Southern hospitality. Charleston is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty and history of the American South.
Savannah: This historic city is known for its cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-draped oaks, and antebellum mansions. Savannah is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the history and culture of the American South.
Santa Fe: This city is known for its Native American heritage, art galleries, and stunning natural beauty. Santa Fe is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the unique culture of the American Southwest.
Portland, Oregon: This city is known for its laid-back atmosphere, craft beer scene, and outdoor activities. Portland is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Pacific Northwest.
Conclusion
The United States is a vast and diverse country with something to offer everyone. From its stunning natural wonders to its rich cultural heritage, there is an endless supply of fascinating things to explore. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or culture, the United States has something to offer.
