Amurrica

Happy 4th everybody! Today's topic is nationalism! So last night before I went to bed, having forgotten for that it was our Independence Day, I had a thought that turned into lots of thoughts and I would like to share them with you.


Before I came to India, I was pretty embarrassed to call myself an American. I'm trying to think why. First of all, I really don't like to classify groups of humans based on manmade borders. The truth is, we're all humans and we're all the same. Black white brown or yellow. One of my hoopers yesterday, who doesn't know much English, was saying that she wasn't beautiful because her skin was black. She was making racist comments about Indians having ugly dark skin. I said, "Black skin, white skin. Same inside. All the same." She huffed at me being serious at her jokes.


American stereotypes suck, and people make so many assumptions based on stereotypes here. (Just like many Americans make about others.) This is why I hate categorizing people by their nationality, generalizations turn to stereotypes. I'm embarrassed to call myself American because I'm embarrassed at a lot of American people. I'm ashamed at their ignorance of other cultures, their selfishness and pride, their lack of concern for humanity and its future, and I'm ashamed of their sloth and gluttony.


However, being in India has made me infinitely grateful to be an "American." (I use quotations because nationalities are manmade, we're really all just citizens of the universe). Although our political system is seriously corrupt, isn't every other country's? I don't think any country will ever be perfect. Let me just list off the reasons why I'm grateful to be "American":

• I can go outside and bare my shoulders, and not have to worry about what people will outright say to me or do to me because I decided to wear a tank top.
• I have the freedom of religion, and with freedom of religion comes the freedom to not have a religion. This wouldn't fly in India, where religion is a part of everything.
• I can go out with my girlfriends at night and [most] men see this as normal. We won't be judged as hussies, we can drink alcohol and people won't stare or judge.
• As an American woman, there are significantly more jobs to choose from. And for the most part, a female will earn equal pay as a male.
• Higher education for  females is more widely accepted. We aren't expected to be housewives, among other expectations.
• Underground culture is highly accessible in America.

[Cultural psych moment of appreciation right here.] American culture is really quite a beautiful thing. With legal independence came this underlying value system that forever changed our psyches, which although it has its ups and downs, I am so glad to have been raised in an independent, individualistic culture. I was born and socialized to be unique, self-reliant, self-expressive, and creative. These values aren't as important in other cultures like Japan or China. So I'm thankful to have been born in such a great place, I wouldn't be the person I am today had I not.

I pledge allegiance to the universe, and all the life which it supports. One cosmos, in our care, irreplaceable, with sustenance and respect for all.

Also, on this day, I honor all of the veterans who served in the endless wars which our country has taken part. My grandfather being one of them. Bless his soul in heaven.