One thing I've noticed here is the overall feeling amongst the people. The pride. Americans, I'll say, definitely can show off all their flags and sing their songs to prove their love for the USA. However, there's a FEELING here that you can only experience when you're here that tells me the Swiss have so much more love. They don't need symbols and lyrics and whatnot.
It could be that they are a much older country and have juicy traditions. While everything we have is seen by the whole world and loses its originality. It's definitely connected with the fact the the USA is a melting pot of cultures so the possibility of a legit "American culture" to be completely proud of is nearly impossible. There are the Native Americans, or course, but we don't use their traditions. We could use our great past and celebrate slavery, the Japanese internment camps, or even good ol' "Sensitive-about Everything Day."
I love the USA, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I really wish I could connect to a history that I was proud of and spoke a language that really showed the past and pride of the country. I'm undoubtedly lucky to have been born a white male in the Silicon Valley in California, USA, but being in Europe puts me at the point where I can only say "California" because the lack of good impressions my government and people give, along with me have no pride in saying "I'm American." Not once have I said that and I have corrected everyone who says that for me.
I'm going to miss this country. Not only for the amazing people I will meet, love and leave on this excellent adventure I am experiencing, but the love I can feel within the people.
No comments:
Post a Comment