Hi everyone,
Well before I get to talking about my trip to Morocco I realized some things on my trip that I think deserve their own post. Now, it is slightly related to my trip, but in general related to my whole experience here. I do a lot thinking, so I often come up with these ideas while I'm traveling, let alone to think and look out the window at the passing views and listening to my music. It's funny how music can inspire you and give you thoughts that you didn't really think of before.
Either way, this post is about my pride, and how proud I am to be a American. I know, that sounds super cheesy and cliche and you would think I should love being here in Spain and all, but to be completely honest with you. I am excited for the day when I return and I can say, I'm home. I love Spain, don't get me wrong, and their history is so much older and intricate that ours. But I have to say, that after sitting in class, learning about how the berebes have influence the town, the arabic influence, the discovery of the Americas and all the other things that have to do with Spanish history I still can't help but be proud of who I am and my country.
I think it really struck me when I was driving to one of the little towns in Morocco. Now I don't have too much against the Islamic culture, I'm all for religious freedom, live your life the way you want it and all that. But I still couldn't help but feel a little sad for me. I'm sure they are very happy with their lives, and I know that even many women there are proud of who they are and have no problem with their religion. In all honesty it's the super radical islamic people, those out in the Middle East, like Iran and Iraq who are the biggest problem and give them a bad name. But still, I was proud to be an American.
Everyone talks about how young our country is in relation to all of Europe. And they're right, we are a young nation. We weren't founded until many thousands of years after Europe. But honestly, I think we have made bigger strides than many other countries. In our short history, which isn't all that short, we've done soooo much. We rebelled against an oppressive ruler, fought against a strong army, created our own nation and constitution and have set up a pretty damn good political system if you ask me. We've also passed laws for equal rights, blacks, women, children, everyone. We've got a good free education system up until college, capitalism that perpetuates equal opportunity of success, and so many more things that I simply don't understand well enough to write about. Now, I think that for a country that's only been around for about 250 years or so....that's pretty damn good. We've become a nation that so many aspire to be a part of, we're a country full of foreigners and that makes us so much more culturally rich. It was funny when I had a conversation with my intercambios one day. We were comparing our two countries, as so often happens and were talking about the slight lack of diversity in this country and they asked me what my nationalities are. You all know that question, the one where most of us list off about 5 or so that we all are because we have distant family members from all over the world. Well, to them, it's astonishing that I'm Irish, Scottish, Polish, Russian, Hungarian, and whatever else I am. I can't even tell you everything because I simply don't know the percentage and the truth/ancestry behind it all to know what counts. But to them they couldn't fathom that my heritage was not just simply American. And to me, it's hard to imagine that Spainards are simply just that, Spainards, they come from Spain, and all of their family has been here forever. But I am pretty proud that I have all this heritage behind me. I'm proud of what our country has become and excited for it's future.
In Morocco I was stared at, a lot. A large group of about 30 or so girls without head coverings and wearing American clothing will attract a lot of attention. So will a large tourist bus in a small town. So all the little children were pointing at the bus, and many of the guys were just staring, not necessarily commenting, but staring. The comments weren't that bothersome because even here in Spain, if you're walking around with a few of your friends at night you'll get a few Spainards trying to talk to you in English. By far the funniest things I've heard shouted at me where Lady Gaga, and in Morocco "Obama be with you". People are downright hilarious when they try to get your attention. No, for me the most bothersome thing was seeing out in the streets, it was all men. You had the occasional woman walking around running small errands or with her child, but at all the restaurants: men; walking in the streets: men; just chilling outside in the plazas: men. Men were everywhere, and a lot of them did look like they had this haughty attitude about them. I don't know, just something about that made me uncomfortable. I also really didn't appreciate being stared at by everyone, men, women and children. It was just a tad bit uncomfortable, but then again, it's good sometimes to go out of your comfort zone.
Either way, this whole experience and reflecting on the past 3 months have made me realize how proud I am to be where I'm from. I'm proud of everything we have to offer in the U.S. of our country, our way of life, just everything. I guess that's what part of this is about too, realizing how much you love home. Yes, we're not perfect, there are always things we could change, but I'd say we're pretty well off. I'd say I love being in the U.S and knowing I have freedom to do pretty much anything I want (within reason and reasonable laws of course). But this weekend really made me realize that I love America. If you're ever feeling down about our country, remember this: there are places where woman are not comfortable being outside their homes, where workers don't have good labor laws, where the education system is below par and children are slipping through the crack, where people are hungry, where health care is underdeveloped, where children are doing a poor acrobatic show for tourists just to help their family make ends meet, where electricity and water are not givens and long 30 min shower is impossible Remember those things, and be grateful for what you have.
I know that was a bit deep, but hey, traveling sometimes does that to you.
Love you all,
Bonnie
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