Sunday, November 19, 2006
Cultural Bump
As an American I am proud to be a part of the nation in which I live. My pro-American sentiment is hardly appreciated on campus. Some other Americans also studying as exchange students here in Hong Kong are only too happy to fall to the temptation to stand down from American beliefs. I am not one of these yielding students and I will not pretend for even a moment that I am not glad to be a US citizen.
The attacks come from all areas of political discussion. "The US kills for oil" seems to be a popular argument although to call it that would require the assault to have depth beyond the typical anti-Bush rant which usually follows. Most comments made seem to be fairly standard that the US-Israel war machine is out of control. The US receives very little support from the American students and next to none from the Europeans. I truly understand the distaste they have for American politics as the US often disagrees with the majority of Europe on many international law issues.
Being open to discussion as an American is hardly optional. In general conversation others will often make snide remarks implying American failures with an emphasis on Bush as a war criminal. I simply cannot let these comments be voiced without some intelligent discussion of the facts. I have found a great opportunity to make an American voice heard among many who hear only the negative reviews of American policy. Though the locals are far less vocal than those from Europe there is certainly no doubt that "America" is a dirty word in international politics. As Hong Kong people develop more into Chinese political thought and less western thought is influential, these anti-US feelings will only become stronger.
For the most part people separate politics and personal relationships very well. I am not hated because of my nationality. No matter where people are from they accept me as an intelligent and fun person with a positive outlook on life. Only in matters of politics are manners and educate excused from the room. In these cases I have, at times, become more passionate than I would have liked in debate. I attempt to contain my emotions and these encounters almost always end just the way they began. With such radically different viewpoints on issues of nationalism, sovereignty and what constitutes a terrorist group or act it is exceedingly difficult, but not impossible, t to make many advances.
This issue has easily been my biggest cultural bump. This is my first experience defending America to Europeans and Chinese, many of whom have never even been there. As I daily reverse misconceptions about American life I am somewhat encouraged when people are responsive after being given a genuine answer. I make clear what I believe and make no attempts of masking my patriotism. I listen and try adamantly to understand the politics of people who I may never encounter again. This is truly a rare opportunity for personal growth in beliefs for me as well as a chance to educate others from around the world.
The attacks come from all areas of political discussion. "The US kills for oil" seems to be a popular argument although to call it that would require the assault to have depth beyond the typical anti-Bush rant which usually follows. Most comments made seem to be fairly standard that the US-Israel war machine is out of control. The US receives very little support from the American students and next to none from the Europeans. I truly understand the distaste they have for American politics as the US often disagrees with the majority of Europe on many international law issues.
Being open to discussion as an American is hardly optional. In general conversation others will often make snide remarks implying American failures with an emphasis on Bush as a war criminal. I simply cannot let these comments be voiced without some intelligent discussion of the facts. I have found a great opportunity to make an American voice heard among many who hear only the negative reviews of American policy. Though the locals are far less vocal than those from Europe there is certainly no doubt that "America" is a dirty word in international politics. As Hong Kong people develop more into Chinese political thought and less western thought is influential, these anti-US feelings will only become stronger.
For the most part people separate politics and personal relationships very well. I am not hated because of my nationality. No matter where people are from they accept me as an intelligent and fun person with a positive outlook on life. Only in matters of politics are manners and educate excused from the room. In these cases I have, at times, become more passionate than I would have liked in debate. I attempt to contain my emotions and these encounters almost always end just the way they began. With such radically different viewpoints on issues of nationalism, sovereignty and what constitutes a terrorist group or act it is exceedingly difficult, but not impossible, t to make many advances.
This issue has easily been my biggest cultural bump. This is my first experience defending America to Europeans and Chinese, many of whom have never even been there. As I daily reverse misconceptions about American life I am somewhat encouraged when people are responsive after being given a genuine answer. I make clear what I believe and make no attempts of masking my patriotism. I listen and try adamantly to understand the politics of people who I may never encounter again. This is truly a rare opportunity for personal growth in beliefs for me as well as a chance to educate others from around the world.
# posted by A. J. Stivers @ 9:11 PM 
