No I’m not homesick, sorry if the title was misleading. I’ve just been thinking about going home lately and I’m starting to wonder how I’ll fit back into American society and how I’ll be when I get back. Obviously, readjusting to my usual eating times and my uncivilized eating habits will come naturally, but there are other things that will likely change. Being in Spain has given me a nostalgic eye that makes me look back on everything American with a new sense of appreciation. However, at the same time, I will also look at a lot of things I used to take for granted with a critical eye.
- First the good. America, unlike European countries that I have been to, is diverse. Something we often forget as Americans is that all countries of the world aren't a rough cultural mixture like say New York City. I think in places like NYC or DC, the incredible diversity of people you see on the streets or the different languages you hear all the time is beneficial because it produces amazing mixtures that would not have occurred if we remained separated. A great example: Jazz. If not for the unique experience of African Americans, mixing African rhythms with Classical music and instruments, we would be living in a sadder world. I think I’ve always taken for granted how much diversity exists. People with foreign ancestry, whether Italians, Irishmen, Jordanians, French, Germans, etc. have so much to offer each other in the United States and all though we clash a lot, we also learn so much from one another.
- People don't get freaky in the US on the metro or in public. PDA is too popular in Europe.
- Rain. I miss a little rain. Why does it not rain in Madrid?
Now the bad. Sorry America.
- Why do we have snacks in the house? I can’t remember the last time I had a snack like Chips Ahoy or Oreos. It's pretty amazing, but part of the reason I think America is notorious for Obesity issues is because we have so many snacks in the house to nibble on. Trust me, when you take them out, hunger just goes away and you eat less! Amazing!
- Why do we make our politics such a spectacle? Whether you're Republican or Democrat, I think we can agree politics in America is like a day to day drama with heroes and villains. Spanish politics, on the other hand, is really boring. I try to read an article in El Pais (Spain’s main newspaper) every morning and I really have trouble --but not because of the language. It’s just so boring. Today’s headline: “La corrupción se dispara siete puntos entre las preocupaciones de los españoles,” or in English: “The Spanish people are becoming more worried about corruption.” Sure that’s interesting, but it's hard to read an entire article analyzing that. Compare that with headlines for the Washington Post (Trump and ‘America First’ foreign policy face first moral quandary in Syria), New York TImes (Trump and Xi: How Long Will the Cordiality Last?), and the Wall Street Journal (Senate Set to Vote to Eliminate Supreme Court Filibuster). Our politics is interesting, but sometimes it seems more like a drama then what it really is: plain ole’ governing.
- American media controls your life. You may not realize it, but the American media giants like Hollywood have really done America a disservice. In most industries (music, movies, television), American media presents itself as the end all be all. When I was in America, I can’t remember the last time I saw a foreign film in an American movie theater or the last time I heard non-American music in a bar or club. I think that this over-Americanization of America is a shame. There are some really, really good Spanish films that rival American ones. The same is true for both music and television. In places like Spain, there's a healthy mix of foreign and American media. However, in the US its all American-- So much so that I’m sure many of you will be surprised to learn that a Spanish or French film could rival a Hollywood blockbuster. But really they can and do.
I would continue with my criticisms, but they could go on forever. What I will say is that one of the greatest things I’ve gotten so far from my experience studying abroad is the ability to look at the world with a more critical eye and a fresh perspective.. Escaping the American bubble (although I miss it) has been a healthy and surprising experience. There are other things in this world to enjoy like Eastern European Jazz fusion, Spanish prison thrillers (One of the best movies I’ve ever seen), or Spanish game shows. Sure, we are Americans and should enjoy American media because it really is great. But sometimes, there are even better things outside our little bubble. We just have to look for them.
