I’m going to be completely straightforward in this blog. Something I’ve consistently noticed during my 3 study abroad programs [and specifically on this one] is the ease and cowardice with which U.S. students denounce not only their nationality, but also their home. It infuriates me. Confrontation in a foreign country is without a doubt uncomfortable. However, a U.S. citizen studying abroad is an ambassador for the United States. I could care less whether a fellow American doesn’t like U.S. foreign policy, doesn’t like George W. Bush, or any aspect of our country for that matter. Believe whatever you’d like as long as you work to make the U.S.A. better. That being said, although it’s every Americans’ right to do so, I cannot respect or keep company with any ungrateful coward who doesn’t support the United States as a country. Too many times have I idly sat by while a classmate nonchalantly says [in response to a conversation], “yeah, the U.S. sucks” or “stupid Americans.” But in all honest truth, that’s among the least of all I’ve encountered. Even at home I frequently hear “Fuck the United States” or “I’m not American, I’m [some nationality that has to do with their heritage].” How dare they? My only hope and prayer is that study abroad teaches and educates those ignorant individuals all the fortune they were granted being born in the United States.. a country where a man “may not agree with what you have to say, but will die defending your right to say it.”
