This past weekend, I traveled to Barcelona. Now I could write about how fantastic the city is and how much fun I had, which is all true. But I think there is a more important topic that I would like to address. We were talking to a few of these British guys one night, and one asked me a very simple question that has stuck with me and will probably stick with me for a long time. “What on earth is your country doing right now?” Honestly, I have no answer, which is rather unusual since I can usually form an opinion on just about any topic set before myself. However, this time, I have nothing to say, and I find it disturbing that I am not able to understand my own people. The question was mainly focused on the infamous name…Donald Trump…but Trump is only the tip of the iceberg. What are we doing? When I left the United States, not that long ago, I knew that I would be representing my country and, of course, my college. But this is not what I signed up to represent. Now, I am not saying people are not entitled to their own opinion. (Obviously, I encourage opinions, otherwise, I would not be writing this blog series). My problems lie with the fact that the world is witnessing a completely different view than I know the United States can be or the United States that I once grew up in. I wish I could change the way the United States is often perceived, but that would be impossible.
The past days my Facebook newsfeed has blown up with articles and photographs discussing Presidential debates and detailing the recent rally in Gettysburg (I am positive I am preaching to the choir on this one). Now, I am not an expert on the rally or just American history in general, but from what I can see from a more outsider view. Two groups were simply allowed by the NPS to showcase their beliefs on topics they hold dear. That is an extremely simplified version, but it’s the truth. And any decent American cannot deny the right for people to do just that. But when you start adding symbols into the conversation the tone changes. Like any good Northern girl, I was specifically taught to not walk but run away from the phrase “The War of Northern Aggression” if heard, so obviously I have very limited connections to Southern culture. But from what I have learned from Art History, symbols can have an extreme effect on cultures and the way people perceive these said symbols continuously change. I would find it extremely difficult for any one person to believe that the symbol of the Confederate flag has stayed consistent since the Civil War. It may still be seen as a symbol of Southern pride and culture, and fine, that’s your opinion. But one cannot hide from the fact that it has also stood for and continues to stand for hatred and racism. As an American citizen, I view this flag and symbol as a part of American history, and it should not be hidden from our history. However, it should also not be glorified. This flag, this symbol, does not represent the current American people the way it did when it initially flew. It does not represent me. Symbols change, and you know what…it’s ok. Let’s take a step back…imagine you are in the 1950’s, cigarettes are all the rage, and it is thought to be healthy for you and smoking is such a big part of the American past time. Fast forward to today, we are all aware of the negative effects because of smoking. The perception of smoking has changed from being extremely positive to extremely negative. And our society has changed because of the awareness towards smoking. Societies are constantly evolving and the demographics are constantly changing.
I was raised to believe that by being American we are united even if we do not agree. Because Americans are supposed to be respectful and considerate towards each other and topics that make individuals feel disrespected. I am not sure which childish play pin some people were raised in, or possibly still currently reside in, but purposefully pushing controversial and uncomfortable issues like this one is terribly embarrassing to my pride. The way I look at it is a slap in the face to every American. We are the UNITED States, why are we not UNITED together on issues and work together to actually get something accomplished. I am not trying to be critical of the United States. I love my country and am probably the yankiest yank that ever stuck a feather in her cap and called it macaroni, but I don’t understand why I am constantly scratching my head at my home in search of some sort of answer to find comfort in. I still have no response to the Brit you asked me the question, except maybe “Aren’t you glad we are not your problem anymore?”