Posted by giveawayboy on August 13, 2002 at 08:29:41:
In Reply to: Re: reposting a buried thread for jeanie posted by kat on August 12, 2002 at 09:35:15:
: : yes, I used to think the whole world was as superficial as this country, but after travelling some, I am convinced it is a rather American trait. Of course other places have their problems, but it seems they have been developing their particular cultures for many hunreds of years longer than us and have figured out how to live together less offensivley. I hold out hope that America will come up to speed eventually. However I don't expect it in my lifetime.
Yeah, my friend just got back from India where it is quite different from here. Actually it is my second friend who went to India this summer. The key thing is seeing the strengths that are in other cultures and trying to integrate them here. I have a real AMERICAN vision. I am not a flag-waving patriot but I am also happy to have a country w a flag and a legacy. I am more into the mythological and folklore of our country, the common life of it's various peoples and I take a sort-of Johnny Appleseed approach to our country being what we can make it. I especially feel this patriotism about Tampa. I feel that I AM HERE on this part of Mother Earth for a reason. I want to 'tend the garden' here and now. I want to take the positive things my friends told me about India and use them here, but I also want to see the greatness of my own country. Also, each country has its flaws too. I guess I'm an idealistic realist.
See ya, Bill