I like seeing Obama in India. He looks relaxed and happier. He did live in Indonesia a couple of years, and maybe he is more comfortable in a sea of brown faces. India is young (the population, I mean) and on it's way up in economic power and prosperity, and so is Obama. His mother loved seeing and living in other cultures, and he thrives there too. He's a global kind of guy.
I wish more Americans had the opportunity to see other cultures, and get beyond bathrooms and modern conveniences, to experience what these places have to offer. The richness of their cultures and the amazing architecture force the mind to detach a bit from our consumer driven culture. The people are often open and friendly, and they are curious. Why aren't we curious?
How many Americans have even been to Mexico or Canada? Yes, we have a vast country, with many glorious places to visit, but we need to look beyond our own KFCs and TV Channels and listen to the music and language of our neighbors. We tend to insularity, and that impulse is a force for stagnation and rigid thinking. Other people of the world have things to teach us. Things that may turn out to be necessary for our continued survival, but certainly are essential to our well being.
I just found your blog and am really enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a "Follower" now.
Best,
gabriele