I have made some interesting observations and have faced some personal truths in the last few days.
I think it finally hit me tonight that really - as Americans - we are not 'liked' very much around the globe, and that includes Canada. We had an unfortunate accident at my place of work tonight - and of course, as these situations warrant - everyone speaks of the incident and will they sue. Someone says ' Well, thank god he wasn't an American because then you know he would sue.' I spoke up this time I said ' What a minute, I'm American and that's not true." This individual said 'Well its what we see on the news I guess.' I can't be angry at them for saying it, - because they were right. How can I fault them for bad information.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard cutting remarks about Americans in the last few months. For awhile, I sat back, stunned frankly, and didn't say anything. But now I do.... I speak up. But, it still leaves me to ponder a few things.
I still don't get the connection between the negativity towards Americans to the never ending drive for people, including a lot of Canadians, who want to live in our country. To me, if you can't speak good about it, then hey, don't come to the country. I don't mean this in a negative way - just matter of fact.
Its OK to not to like America - even if what you think you may know is the truth is not. I know the truth.
But, the sad reality is, what the media puts out there, the world sees. And frankly, in the world of 'news' (and I use this term lightly) it is more about sensationalism then it is about truth anymore. As a whole, we have done ourselves a lot of damage. Because just like a bad rumor at school - everyone likes to hear the bad stuff, no one commends the good.
I have learned a lot about inner strength in this journey and I think, as I will look back on this experience I will appreciate it, for what it has shown me. However, that doesn't make the cutting comments hurt less and it doesn't take away the childish need to 'one up' somebody. But, it does make me appreciate two things.
One: I will always understand, even to some scales it is still minuscule, prejudice. Because, even though its not pretty - its the truth. Its exactly what I am going through. I stated before that Canada is far more diverse, and it is. However, prejudice exists here... towards many things, and yes to Americans. Sad, but true.
Two: I have a deeper appreciation and love for my country now and I am looking forward to coming home. I have turned away from politics in the last few years, because frankly, I can't stomach it. But, I wish for everyone that is out there, that trashes our government and its policies etc. needs to live in another country.
Because, when you do, you realize... we do have our faults, and we have and are making mistakes. But in the end what we have as a country and what we are/have built is amazing!! All of those immigrants that you see on the news or talk to, who love living in our country. Their joy is true and honest. Because they have lived a very different life. We can throw around a lot of different adjectives and outcry's, but I now get it. They appreciate the gifts they have been offered.
Along those lines, I also wish for those in our country who spend there day bashing one another through politics and religion, that they learn more understanding and less judgement. As an American - here in Canada - I am the one being bashed and judged and frankly, it sucks. Somehow, when the fathers of our country fought for our freedom, I am sure they did not envision the likes of FOX news and CNN being the voice of America. As the father of any religion, never imagined the judgement placed on others through the use of their names. For this, as Americans, we really should try to change.
So, here's what we do - The Ellis'. We are ourselves and we proudly tell people where we are from. We are taking the time to get to know our temporary home and respect it. We really like the people who have taken the time to get to know us - without judgement. We appreciate the differences between the two countries and will honor those differences. But, in the end, we will always be American, and we will not apologize for that. Not, in an egotistical manner - but in the manner of respect and pride. Hopefully when we make our journey back to the states there will be someone here - who we have impacted - who will be one less person that will judge Americans, because they took the time, to get to know the people and not the assumption.
If that is the case- then indeed what a great journey this will have been.
I think it finally hit me tonight that really - as Americans - we are not 'liked' very much around the globe, and that includes Canada. We had an unfortunate accident at my place of work tonight - and of course, as these situations warrant - everyone speaks of the incident and will they sue. Someone says ' Well, thank god he wasn't an American because then you know he would sue.' I spoke up this time I said ' What a minute, I'm American and that's not true." This individual said 'Well its what we see on the news I guess.' I can't be angry at them for saying it, - because they were right. How can I fault them for bad information.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard cutting remarks about Americans in the last few months. For awhile, I sat back, stunned frankly, and didn't say anything. But now I do.... I speak up. But, it still leaves me to ponder a few things.
I still don't get the connection between the negativity towards Americans to the never ending drive for people, including a lot of Canadians, who want to live in our country. To me, if you can't speak good about it, then hey, don't come to the country. I don't mean this in a negative way - just matter of fact.
Its OK to not to like America - even if what you think you may know is the truth is not. I know the truth.
But, the sad reality is, what the media puts out there, the world sees. And frankly, in the world of 'news' (and I use this term lightly) it is more about sensationalism then it is about truth anymore. As a whole, we have done ourselves a lot of damage. Because just like a bad rumor at school - everyone likes to hear the bad stuff, no one commends the good.
I have learned a lot about inner strength in this journey and I think, as I will look back on this experience I will appreciate it, for what it has shown me. However, that doesn't make the cutting comments hurt less and it doesn't take away the childish need to 'one up' somebody. But, it does make me appreciate two things.
One: I will always understand, even to some scales it is still minuscule, prejudice. Because, even though its not pretty - its the truth. Its exactly what I am going through. I stated before that Canada is far more diverse, and it is. However, prejudice exists here... towards many things, and yes to Americans. Sad, but true.
Two: I have a deeper appreciation and love for my country now and I am looking forward to coming home. I have turned away from politics in the last few years, because frankly, I can't stomach it. But, I wish for everyone that is out there, that trashes our government and its policies etc. needs to live in another country.
Because, when you do, you realize... we do have our faults, and we have and are making mistakes. But in the end what we have as a country and what we are/have built is amazing!! All of those immigrants that you see on the news or talk to, who love living in our country. Their joy is true and honest. Because they have lived a very different life. We can throw around a lot of different adjectives and outcry's, but I now get it. They appreciate the gifts they have been offered.
Along those lines, I also wish for those in our country who spend there day bashing one another through politics and religion, that they learn more understanding and less judgement. As an American - here in Canada - I am the one being bashed and judged and frankly, it sucks. Somehow, when the fathers of our country fought for our freedom, I am sure they did not envision the likes of FOX news and CNN being the voice of America. As the father of any religion, never imagined the judgement placed on others through the use of their names. For this, as Americans, we really should try to change.
So, here's what we do - The Ellis'. We are ourselves and we proudly tell people where we are from. We are taking the time to get to know our temporary home and respect it. We really like the people who have taken the time to get to know us - without judgement. We appreciate the differences between the two countries and will honor those differences. But, in the end, we will always be American, and we will not apologize for that. Not, in an egotistical manner - but in the manner of respect and pride. Hopefully when we make our journey back to the states there will be someone here - who we have impacted - who will be one less person that will judge Americans, because they took the time, to get to know the people and not the assumption.
If that is the case- then indeed what a great journey this will have been.
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