A Foreign View of America
Unfortunately for America's image, most foreigners' view of America comes from Hollywood and rather distorted state-controlled foreign media hostile to the United States. Even those who visit the U.S. see mostly big cities like NYC and LA (or DC for the politico-diplomatic types), hardly representative of all -- or even most -- of America.
Of course, this is not limited to just foreigners. A lot of "bi-coastal" Americans don't really know much about "Middle" America, let alone understand its great diversity and majesty. For them, the rest is just "flyover" country. Some bi-coastal types seem to think that this vast area is populated by ignorant, inbred pig farmers!
Similarly, many foreign (especially European) "elites" and their children I have dealt with over the years have shown a distinctly disdainful view of America, largely based on their experiences with American mega-cities and second- or third-hand view of Middle America.
So this article by the current German ambassador's wife is very refreshing. She doesn't appear to share her husband's enthusiasm for America outside big cities (or any kind America for that matter, as she seems to value comforts of her luxe surroundings more than the freedom to move about with one's vehicle), but nonetheless went along with her husband on a tour of New England and upstate New York (and parts of Canada) in an RV! That's certainly more than what the vast majority of foreign visitors have done.
Still, she only visited a small -- albeit historic -- region of America. I'd suggest to her and her husband that they try driving across the whole country as I did this past summer. When one drives from coast-to-coast, I think one gets a much more expansive view of America. Of course, living variously in New England, the mid-Atlantic, the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest and the South (I have yet to live in the Southwest) help too! But I can't expect most people to devote 10-15 years of their lives just trying out various parts of the country.
When one lives and travels around different corners of this country, one really begins to realize the strength and beauty of America, and appreciates them more than ever.
Of course, this is not limited to just foreigners. A lot of "bi-coastal" Americans don't really know much about "Middle" America, let alone understand its great diversity and majesty. For them, the rest is just "flyover" country. Some bi-coastal types seem to think that this vast area is populated by ignorant, inbred pig farmers!
Similarly, many foreign (especially European) "elites" and their children I have dealt with over the years have shown a distinctly disdainful view of America, largely based on their experiences with American mega-cities and second- or third-hand view of Middle America.
So this article by the current German ambassador's wife is very refreshing. She doesn't appear to share her husband's enthusiasm for America outside big cities (or any kind America for that matter, as she seems to value comforts of her luxe surroundings more than the freedom to move about with one's vehicle), but nonetheless went along with her husband on a tour of New England and upstate New York (and parts of Canada) in an RV! That's certainly more than what the vast majority of foreign visitors have done.
Still, she only visited a small -- albeit historic -- region of America. I'd suggest to her and her husband that they try driving across the whole country as I did this past summer. When one drives from coast-to-coast, I think one gets a much more expansive view of America. Of course, living variously in New England, the mid-Atlantic, the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest and the South (I have yet to live in the Southwest) help too! But I can't expect most people to devote 10-15 years of their lives just trying out various parts of the country.
When one lives and travels around different corners of this country, one really begins to realize the strength and beauty of America, and appreciates them more than ever.
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"Und den I made za poop"
-Loose translation from an RV two doors down.
Posted by
Anonymous |
19/12/05 09:56