When I first came home, my mind was filled with the American stereotype that had been writhing inside of me from the beginning of my exchange. I saw the giant trucks, the waste, even the way people sat and ate, and I wished I could fly away. One of the biggest mistakes I made over my exchange year was to be ashamed about my origin. When people guessed that I was British, it made me feel good inside, like maybe I was not such an "ugly American" after all.
In time I realized that my being an American in the world should have been more about breaking generalities and judgment, than trying to avoid them. Beyond that, I should have not seen my own country in the way that I did. While overseas I was learning not to generalize and judge people, while I did that exact thing for my own people. When I heard American accents I began cringing and expecting the worst. It was terrible! I emailed my brother and said that I was afraid to come home. He told me something I will never forget. He said that sure, there were lots of crazy people in our country, but after all, it is a big country, and those that shock and derange are also the only ones that are seen on a larger scale. The good people don't make the "freak-show-America" news. My family and my friends, the most wonderful people, are American after all.
Not even the brown Colorado that I saw coming home on the plane is all of the state. We have the most beautiful wilderness mountains, ranging from aspen forests to brooks babbling through evergreens and red rocks that could belong to another world! Each state differs internally to such an incredibly degree, whether it be the people or the landscape. It is true that there are things generally wrong with America, but the redeeming factor is that many of us are aware of it and fighting against it. People eat right, exercise, take quick showers, function emphatically and with social grace, read reputable news, have the most brilliant table discussions, and all of it with more liberty and room for originality than anywhere else in the world (that I am aware of.) Thinking of the people I know, there is a spectrum so large that I do not see how any generality would be helpful in assessing any population. One of the most important things I learned living overseas was about my own home.
All I know is that people in different countries can be more alike than people in the same country. How can I be so bold as to wish another fate for myself?
Dear Trump:
America is already great.
Not even the brown Colorado that I saw coming home on the plane is all of the state. We have the most beautiful wilderness mountains, ranging from aspen forests to brooks babbling through evergreens and red rocks that could belong to another world! Each state differs internally to such an incredibly degree, whether it be the people or the landscape. It is true that there are things generally wrong with America, but the redeeming factor is that many of us are aware of it and fighting against it. People eat right, exercise, take quick showers, function emphatically and with social grace, read reputable news, have the most brilliant table discussions, and all of it with more liberty and room for originality than anywhere else in the world (that I am aware of.) Thinking of the people I know, there is a spectrum so large that I do not see how any generality would be helpful in assessing any population. One of the most important things I learned living overseas was about my own home.
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