I'm a naturalized American citizen. I took this label for granted when I studied abroad. Actually the Euro trash mentality got to my head. It was a survival mechanism. During the early years, I realized that politics and history were not my favorite topics. Especially with my beloved Greek brothers and sisters. Yikes!!! Eventually we found a common bond with food and lazy habits (also known as kolovara ). We could sit at a cafe for hours, and do absolutely nothing. Just coffee, smokes and gossip. I must have been Greek/Middle Eastern in a past life...
After graduation, I wasn't looking forward to the return to America. Rather middle of nowhere PA. It was the immediate post 9/11 era, and having a brown complexion was high-risk (yes, even for girls!). I was actually afraid of myself. My overseas phone calls were complaints of the current political situation--perhaps I should have been less vocal. While most people were friendly, I had the feeling that others didn't take kindly to strangers. Sometimes I felt like yelling "What are you looking at?" or "I have every right to be in this redneck bar." Seriously, the bar experience was a blast. The barmaid had zillion questions ranging from why I'd want to hang out there to how I knew my white buddy (a platonic friend). Like it was against the law or something. Sure I was going to stick out like a sore thumb, but it would have been worse to drink alone in a dark room, with the TV blaring...
Yeah I'm rambling. What I'm trying to say is that despite all the crap...I'm eternally grateful for these experiences. I took my past marching band parades for granted. Who'd want to be marching in the heat? Especially with a heavy costume. Who was getting such a show? I just wanted to finish the parade, and eat burgers and hot dogs. I shall honor them now. The lost souls, heroes and ancestors of all shades. And, pray that we overcome fear and ignorance, and learn to accept each other as One. Because isn't that what Memorial Day is about?
P.S. I don't smoke anymore:) The title is borrowed from a book. Sounds like a good read.
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12 comments:
Well done for not smoking anymore ;-)
And well done for recognizing everything this country has to offer (apart from it's political failures).
I'm new here. Out of curiosity, what is your ethnicity? I'm personally as white as they come. I figured I'd share that as I'm asking you for personal details.
Duck-Welcome! Born in India, came here when I was 7. I don't like using color coded terms, but I felt it was necessary when I wrote the post...
Politics and history are not one of my favorite things. So when people start up talking about politics I normally just change the subject.
I'm glad your nationality and all that doesn't stop you from being out and about enjoying life and what it has to offer. Everyone is so different and unique and I love meeting, talking and learning about differnt cultures, religions and everything.
Double A & Nutz--Thanks! We should go for a drink at that bar:-)
Racial profile sucks, unfortunately it does happen, and more often now after what our country went thru.
Marching Band eh? Nice! I am a history teacher you would have loved my class I promise
Phats-Nice to meet you. 6yrs of marching band w/Mr Fancher in upstate NY. Great times! I'd take your class.
I still get a lot of looks too, being a non-white person. When I board a plane, people do study me intently.
Oh well - I do the same, actually. When a Middle-Eastern person boards the plane, I too give them a good lookover.
I went through similar feelings post-9/11 being in Toronto. My manager at work at the time started treating me differently. But if anything, it gave me tougher skin so I'm glad for the experience.
Phoenix-I respect your concerns. If I posted a picture of me and my Middle Eastern friends, then you'd think they are shady looking. Both are hardworking MDs. Sadly a few morons had to ruin it for others.
Aka-Good for you!
I live in the middle of bum effing PA and needless to say I am not white. But when we go to my husband`s hometown, marryyourcousinville not only do I get treated like crap, some of his family members presume I must be dumb and can`t talk back. They have painfully acquainted themselves with this Puerto Rican!
My favorite thing to do? To say with a heavy accents to my white husband: Did you get those pipes and nails? What about the hamster and the condoms?
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