I have found that intolerance has become a theme in my Expat Existence. In light of the 9/11 anniversary this weekend, I wonder if, as a human race, we will ever be capable of putting aside our differences for the betterment of the globe and future generations.
The anniversary of 9/11 presents an issue for me.
I guess I am suppose to feel very nationalistic on this day, mourn for those lost and wave my American flag.
However, I have a strange feeling about waving the U.S. flag on such a day. Wasn't this overly nationalistic behavior what got us to 9/11 in the first place?
Or, even more broadly, should anyone be waving any national flag?
I lived in the international college town of Uppsala University in Sweden this last year, where one could find, at times, an underlying anti-American sentiment. Broad sweeping accusations were slung at me in a flippant manner, "YOU Americans are so conservative. YOU Americans are so religious, so greedy, so ignorant, so fat, so war-hungry and so (insert generalization)."
While in line to get a beer at the bar, a casual conversation with a stranger would quickly turn into a crucifixion of my country.
I found myself against a wall of European disgust. I could not believe the opinions that were being flung at me. It was as if Fox News and Jersey Shore actually represented the entire U.S. population and I was the target of to aim all accusations. It was pointless to argue any other U.S. social perspectives and political viewpoints as most of these young Europeans had made up their minds long before I had even met them (and I'm guessing long before 9/11).
I found myself, who is not very nationalistic, defending my native land more passionately than ever before. I was not sure what bothered me more, the fact that I was being unfairly attacked or that it brought out a strong nationalistic feeling that I thought I never possessed.
It is no secret that Europeans are very nationalistic as are Americans. Where you come from can define you and stamp a certain identity, a cultural identity. With this particular identity, people are not shy to express their preferences and non-preferences regarding other cultures. I am actually surprised to hear some Europeans accuse Americans of being racists - no, I take that back, I'm not surprised - I just find the irony amusing.
I could make a list of some of the nastier things that have been said to me in the last year (let alone some of the more extreme statements that I heard while living in Korea) but I do not think that would present my point as well as looking mores specifically at one of the cultural aspects that leads to national flag waving: Language.
Here in Stockholm, most people speak English as their second language and are quite good at it. I have found, like most native English speakers living here, that I do not have to learn Swedish to live and work in Sweden. In fact, as a native English speaker, even if you try to learn Swedish, many will still want to speak English with a native English speaker.
While this may sound attractive and convenient, after a while it becomes frustrating and annoying. It is especially annoying when an expat tries to take the time to learn Swedish only to be corrected on every syllable uttered. Between that and the encouragement to speak only English, it is easy to become complacent and irritated with the idea of learning Swedish.
Meanwhile, my own language gets butchered on a daily basis. I really don't mind, nor do most native English speakers. Of course, my language does not root me in any particular land - I could be (from a non-native English speaker's perspective) from Australia, the U.K., the U.S., Canada or even another country were English is prominently spoken as a second language.
In my experience, many Europeans can be very sensitive on the topic of language and adamant about correct pronunciation. I have had some embarrassing run-ins when attempting to speak another language, "Ew, you have that American accent."
So what? I feel this "purity of language" insulting as my language is said in so many accents, my ability to adapt and understand non-native English speakers has become a phenomenon in itself. I'm thinking about getting a cape and creating a superhero outfit for some of the poorly constructed and pronounced phrases I've untangled.
However, this turns back to globalization and the "Americanizing" of everything. Some of the accusations thrown my way have been in regards to the rash of McDonald's and other American fast food chains that have spread over the world. In addition, the spread of English is also my fault. I get this feeling that people are attempting to block globalization, and cling tightly to their language, culture and reject all that is born of the U.S.A.
Part of me sympathizes, and another part thinks it is simply juvenile thinking. This idea that "this is mine, that's yours, don't touch" is what got us into 9/11 to begin with.
I most definitely am not saying that we should throw culture and nationalism out the window, but I do think international and cultural tolerance towards globalization is required in order to move farther away from further events like 9/11.
Who cares what language we speak or how we speak it as long as it is not a language speaking of war and violence? Besides, when all languages and culture are peeled away, why would we be afraid of creating a global culture?