Strange Encounter
I was in France with my husband last week, and one morning I chatted with two middle-aged American couples in the lobby of the hotel. We exchanged pleasantries and asked one another where we’re from. As it turned out, both couples were from Ohio, and since I know Ohio well, I felt an immediate solidarity with them. That was until one of the women adamantly announced that Americans should never criticize America in a foreign country or in front of foreigners! And she continued with, “Americans should stick together and only discuss or criticize our country at home.”
I had said that I was from Michigan and now live in the Middle East. I am sure I didn’t say anything negative about anything, so I don’t know what prompted this comment from her. In my surprise at her outburst I couldn’t find words to tell her that I didn’t agree with her. I felt that anything I said would be pointless, personal, and antagonistic, so I didn’t reply, although I wanted to. I hope that she isn’t typical of a large number of Americans. Was she feeling threatened in France? Was she ignorant – arrogant? Or did her outburst illustrate xenophobia - mid-western style?
ASH
I had said that I was from Michigan and now live in the Middle East. I am sure I didn’t say anything negative about anything, so I don’t know what prompted this comment from her. In my surprise at her outburst I couldn’t find words to tell her that I didn’t agree with her. I felt that anything I said would be pointless, personal, and antagonistic, so I didn’t reply, although I wanted to. I hope that she isn’t typical of a large number of Americans. Was she feeling threatened in France? Was she ignorant – arrogant? Or did her outburst illustrate xenophobia - mid-western style?
ASH
posted by joladies at Sunday, November 05, 2006
3 Comments:
Salam,
She is talking about the Dixie Chicks, when they creticise Bush, alot of people were against them for the fact they have done it abroad.
peace
That's an issue in all countries, not just Ameerica, but it became a big issue since Bush becmae the president because the world was against his international policy.
Ash, as a fellow American living in Jordan, I'm with you. The idea that in some way being abroad makes us less American, so that we should show a united front is foolish. Whether I'm in the US or outerspace, I should feel free to criticize wrong actions my home country takes. Honestly, though, it appears to me that the current administration wants to stop people in America from expressing their criticisms as well. Uh-oh, now I think I'm being unpatriotic :).
Post a Comment
<< Home