Ah, And the Disillusionment

Certainly not unfamiliar to the collegiate or post-collegiate traveler in Europe, the constant haranguing visited upon the American traveler by Europeans can be annoying, but eye-opening. Some of it is simply cultural, Europeans poking fun at things like flip flops as I mentioned, or speaking slowly and with a higher volume when a European doesn't speak English. This being tolerable and perhaps amusing at times, the serious intellectual criticisms are never far behind.

The United States as a nation is being accused of many things at the United Nations' Human Rights Council in Geneva. Chief among them, the violation of international treaty and the third Geneva Convention all routing back to Guantanamo Bay. I understand where Europeans get the impression that everyone back in the US is completely oblivious and/or apathetic to what is outside borders. And many times I can't disagree with them, as a plethora of problems plaguing the world can be attributed to the US that we don't see. Why would we?

When I encounter an individual from another European country, or even an individual from Switzerland, I usually don't bat an eye informing them I am an American. I certainly don't turn it into "I hate my country and that's why I am here" conversation. As some do out of genuine personal disposition, I believe. On the contrary, I inform the individual that I am from Minnesota, a wonderful place to call home. Indeed, I miss is very much.

Without fail, however, the individual looks at me with eyes that say only one thing: have fun back home, you're country is going down the tubes. And I know what they are referring to: the Project for the New American Century. I'm not going into it, though, because it depresses me and I'd rather be depressed when I'm in the comfort of my own home, Minnesota. That, and, I'm not sure how far into I personally subscribe my belief.

In conclusion, I'm simply manifesting in words that it's a little frustrating. My hands are about as tied as anyone else. But I'll keep reporting.