Growing up in America my whole life I gained the thought that the rest of the world was not that fond of us or somehow resented us. I can remember hearing comments and reading magazine covers on several occasions that portrayed Americans as slaves to our capitalist ways and that our imperialist attitude pushes to westernize the rest of the world.
I’m not saying that their isn’t any truth to the above statements, however it has been interesting to travel throughout the world for these last 11 months in a large, mostly American, group. It has given me the opportunity to form more of my own opinion and given me much insight into how other cultures view Americans, as well as how I now view my own culture I grew up in.
One of the first things that I began to notice during my travels was how much other cultures actually love America, almost to a fault. In month 1, while in the Philippines, I even heard several people state that they wish the Philippines could be part of America or that they wanted to marry an American so they could become citizens. I thought this might just be one culture; however as I’ve continued to travel I’ve seen over and over again that everywhere I go people seem to love America and want to visit. I’m sure much of this desire stems from Hollywood as well as the idea that “everyone in America is rich,� but it was contrary to the idea of bitterness towards America that I was partly expecting during my travels.
I’ve also realized more, the extent to how much of a large influence America has in this world. Everywhere I’ve been I have seen the footprint of America; American products, business, medicine, generosity, entertainment, ideologies, etc. can be found everywhere you go. For example, I have been continually amazed to see that, without fail, in every single internet café I have visited, someone would be on Facebook. I have also been amazed to see continuous lines of 50-100 people waiting to order at McDonalds.
Living with families, in churches, jungles, orphanages, and restaurants, etc. we have been able to experience a raw view of each culture. We have done life with these people and I consistently have seen that the Americans are usually the most prominent in any group, mainly because we make a scene everywhere we go. We are always the ones smiling, laughing, doing pranks, and seemingly having the most fun. In my opinion, we are much more laid back and “chill� than we are portrayed, even in the way we dress. Once again, to a fault, we are also looked upon as “having something special.� For most of this year, we have traveled as minor celebrities everywhere we have gone. At first, I thought this was just because of the color of our skin, but even while visiting more western countries, we were still put on a pedestal simply because we were Americans.
This year has helped me to realize the responsibility I carry more and more; and being from America has added to that. We have a huge opportunity, in America, to help the rest of the world, which many already are. We continually run into different American missionaries and volunteer groups all over the world, doing amazing things, all of whom are giving our country a great name!
America is a place of acceptance..often too much acceptance. It is a melting pot of people, cultures, foods, dreams, and beliefs. While living in Austin, I had the opportunity to become friends with a young man from Yemen. It was a short-term friendship since he was heading back home soon after we met, but before he left we were able to have some great conversations, have some fun together, and discuss our faith. I have no idea what has happened with those conversations, but my friend was able to go back to Yemen having heard the Gospel for the first time. God always reminds me of that experience and the potential we have, from America, to influence the world.
Overall, traveling this year has helped me to love and appreciate my home more and more. I am thankful to have grown up in America and excited to return shortly. So Happy Birthday and God Bless America!!!
**This writing is my current opinion based on my perspective over the past year. I felt the desire to add a disclaimer to my blog so that people are aware that my thoughts and opinions are continually changing and evolving, hopefully for the good! God Bless America…
