Friday, 29 May 2009
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Cultural Arrogance
There's a large number of American students here at Weerona, studying abroad for a semester. But what really bothers me is how, well, American they are.
"Yeah, yeah," you say, "but you're an American, too, girl! Or did you somehow forget your nationality or neglect to hear yourself speak with your distinctly American accent any time recently?"
Now I'm not claiming to be "un-American," here. Not even remotely. No, what I'm going to attempt to show here is the distinction between Traveled Americans and Traveling Americans. And believe me, there's a difference.
I'll admit it: I like to consider myself as a fairly well-traveled and cultural individual. I've been to more than fourteen countries (several for extended periods of time), have lived completely immersed in multiple diverse cultures, and have ambitions to further explore and venture around the globe.
Before I came to Weerona, I'd never perceived myself as being remotely different than any other American overseas. I always assumed I was a typical Traveling American. However, after observing the other American students here, I've been struck by the variations in attitude, opinions, and adaptions between "them" and me.
You see, one of the primary things I've done since I've arrived here (after the jetlag and general confusion had dissipated slightly) has been to acquaint myself with my fellow Australian students, and begin exploring the differences between the Australian and American cultures. I've eagerly applied myself to listening to people discussing their lives and traditions, noting the way Australians interacted with each other as opposed to foreigners. I've begun to learn the widely used Aussie slang words and phrases. And, of course, I've enjoyed Australian cuisine (for the record, that involves eating spaghetti as well as baked beans on toast during the breakfast hours - yeah, I was a little surprised by that combination, LOL!)
However, as I watched my fellow Americans arrive at college, I was intrigued by the fact that, after initially making an effort to acquaint themselves with the Australians here, they quickly reverted back to their own nationality when it came to making friends.
Maybe it's just me, but doesn't that seem to kind of counteract the whole point of spending a semester overseas? When I was first considering the possibility of studying for my degree in a different country, I kept encountering the major emphasis on the "become immersed in a different culture; experience what life is like from a deeper aspect; spend time in a country as more than just a tourist" side of things.
It just seems counter-productive to me to be forever surrounded by your fellow Americans, constantly complaining about how ketchup is referred to as tomato sauce here, or that hotels should be hotels like back home with beds and little restaurants instead of being bars or pubs.
A little remind: you're not "home!" And, while we may refer to that red stuff that comes in a Heinz bottle as "ketchup" in the US, that doesn't mean that every country is required to call it "ketchup" as well. Besides, when you think about it, "tomato sauce" actually makes more sense.
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I love my country, and I'm more proud than you can imagine to be an American. I'm a huge supporter of our military, our hard-earned freedom, and everything that we have the privelege to have as a nation.
But, seriously: can we please stop being so arrogant as to assume that every country we visit or spend time in should (aside from a few very noticable and "exciting" difference such as language, building structure, or history) "feel more American."
Where'd be the fun in that? If that's your idea of traveling, you could always just go to Pennsylvania and spend a bit of time with the Amish. That way, you can stay in your own country (surrounded by your comfort foods and conveniences) and still experience a different "culture" and language! Two birds with one stone.
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