Bridging the Disconnect with Travel
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
“If Americans had to travel before they could vote, our country would fit better into this ever smaller planet.”—Rick Steves, "How Travel Changed my Perspective and Politics"
bIn today’s world, especially in America, there is such a disconnect between the “us” and “them.” We are so focused on increasing economic gains, furthering our political power, and developing the scope of our military efforts that we fail to put our lives into the bigger picture of the world. With a southern father, I was raised with strong beliefs in our government system, and led to believe that America’s crusade to improve the economic, political, and social systems of other countries was one that was justified. However, as I grew older and began to understand the effects of our country’s actions, I saw the importance of examining others’ perspectives on the situation. Why is it that as Americans we are taught that our way, exclusively, is the right way? Why can’t we understand that the new BMW that might fulfill an American, has no meaning in the life of the Iraqi carver? Travel, though, can burst this American bubble in which many live, helping our country as a whole to see the beauty in the diversity of the world, rather than seeing these differences as obstacles to overcome. As Rick Steves says, “If Americans had to travel before they could vote, our country would fit better into this even smaller planet,” as people would see that America is but a small piece in the larger issues of the world. Those things that we place emphasis on in our American lives are not the same as those of individuals around the world, as noted in the vast differences of the American and European Dream. America’s dream, stressing “autonomy, national pride, and material wealth,” is a far cry from that of Europe which places importance on “community, cultural diversity, and quality of life.” As world citizens, Americans must understand that while our actions have resounding effects on the world, both positive and negative, these motions are not the answer to every question and prayer of other nations; America is not the all-knowing entity that we often claim to and hope to be.
bWhy do Americans focus so many resources on bettering their own individual life, when perhaps the betterment of the country as a whole would provide a more stable and comfortable life for more overall?
bDo you ever see a shift of the American Dream and values in the future of America?
bIn today’s world, especially in America, there is such a disconnect between the “us” and “them.” We are so focused on increasing economic gains, furthering our political power, and developing the scope of our military efforts that we fail to put our lives into the bigger picture of the world. With a southern father, I was raised with strong beliefs in our government system, and led to believe that America’s crusade to improve the economic, political, and social systems of other countries was one that was justified. However, as I grew older and began to understand the effects of our country’s actions, I saw the importance of examining others’ perspectives on the situation. Why is it that as Americans we are taught that our way, exclusively, is the right way? Why can’t we understand that the new BMW that might fulfill an American, has no meaning in the life of the Iraqi carver? Travel, though, can burst this American bubble in which many live, helping our country as a whole to see the beauty in the diversity of the world, rather than seeing these differences as obstacles to overcome. As Rick Steves says, “If Americans had to travel before they could vote, our country would fit better into this even smaller planet,” as people would see that America is but a small piece in the larger issues of the world. Those things that we place emphasis on in our American lives are not the same as those of individuals around the world, as noted in the vast differences of the American and European Dream. America’s dream, stressing “autonomy, national pride, and material wealth,” is a far cry from that of Europe which places importance on “community, cultural diversity, and quality of life.” As world citizens, Americans must understand that while our actions have resounding effects on the world, both positive and negative, these motions are not the answer to every question and prayer of other nations; America is not the all-knowing entity that we often claim to and hope to be.
bWhy do Americans focus so many resources on bettering their own individual life, when perhaps the betterment of the country as a whole would provide a more stable and comfortable life for more overall?
bDo you ever see a shift of the American Dream and values in the future of America?
posted by Erika at 11:45 PM
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