Month: February 2014

By msotomayor12

While there are many things I have come to love about the GW Madrid program, the most unique is that it offers a weekly art history class at El Museo del Prado. While I have never been an art aficionado, I love learning about any new subject through a historic lens. Identifying an artwork’s historical time period reveals a solid interpretation of what the artist tried to evoke. It is truly a hidden time capsule.

The first two weeks of class have been devoted to the Renaissance. One of the main values of this era is anthropos, which is the idea that man is the center of the universe. Humans are portrayed in ideal physical shape, representing the strength and heroism needed to conquer future battles. Man began to understand that he was given with the capabilities to succeed in society.

This new ideology made people feel empowered. In the 14th century, kingdoms were eager to fulfill their destiny by discovering “new worlds.” Europe was extremely rich in culture, technologically advanced, and highly influential. They were the world’s powerhouse.

For this reason, Europe was drawn in the middle of map scrolls. Since ideological thinkers believed that the universe rotated around the earth, it can be inferred that Western Europe was drawn as the center of the universe.

It only took several centuries and researchers later to accurately determine where continents lie on a map. However, some inaccurate diagrams, as seen in class, place the United States at the center of it since it is considered the most powerful country in the world. There is a common though—especially amongst American—that says: when the U.S. decides something, the world follows. That belief is far from the truth for several reasons.

Growing up in Florida, I have met many people who forget that other countries also make a political, economical, and social impact on international relations. There are ignorant people who believe God should bless the U.S. “and no place else,” while others do not bother learning about international affairs. Mainstream politicians and news cycles do not discuss it as often as necessary, which could explain why there is a growing lack of interest. Whatever the reason, there is a problem with thinking that one’s country is superior to others. And worse, that we can survive without them.

While I have always been aware of this, living in another country adds a new and realistic perspective. I realize more and more everyday that there are functioning and healthy societies that lie beyond the U.S. borders. Even though one can claim to know much about a country, I do believe that one cannot fully understand a country’s dynamics until they experience it themselves. Even then there will be some bias, but at least arguments will be more justifiable.

This past week I have found myself discovering the side streets of Madrid. While abroad I have had a natural impulse to go out and try to consume everything that defines the city. Taking advantage of this, my friends and I decided to seek out places to shop. We spent more time getting lost on the streets than actually browsing through seasonal sales. Eventually we found our way, which unfortunately marked the end of our (mis)adventures.

On Saturday, I took it upon myself to walk around my neighborhood alone (sorry Mom and Dad.) It was then that I was able to take in Madrid’s beauty. It is amazing how much one can learn from just sitting down at a park bench and people watching. Discovering the world all by myself made me feel as if my worries and “fast-paced” life was anywhere, but here. Given my Hispanic looks, Madrileños probably did not notice how I was observing everything with detail. I felt like I was walking with them, rather than among them.

I caught myself thinking, “I could live elsewhere than the U.S.”

While my adventures in Europe are not clearly mapped out, the one thing I can guarantee is that the sun shines in the exact same way everywhere. It is the best form of comfort that connects us all.