The Big Guy Above

Sometimes it's hard to see the U.S. for what it is until you leave it. There's a blinding comfort zone at home that is not only ubiquitous, but I'd strive to say it's our source of refuge from the tenebrous world outside. We hear the stories, read the articles, and watch the movies about this world. However, it's all on the other side of the ocean, on the other side of the planet, or on the other side of the border fence. Thus, it's easy to walk securely down our tidy sidewalks to the next Starbucks on the corner and completely remove ourselves. Out of sight out of mind, right? When you remove yourself from beneath that blanket you get to see not only what other countries think of you, but what your country has that makes it unique.

The last time I left the U.S. I saw the American culture for what it is; I had the outsider perspective. One thing I never realized was how many flags we have waving above our homes and offices. It's as if we have just conquered a new frontier and the only way to show it is by draping our stars and stripes over a pole for everyone to see. Of course, this is a symbol of our pride. It's a symbol of all the sacrifices our forefathers have made. I would've never seen this had it not been for my departure from the U.S. However, other countries view this as a pretentious display of world domination and policing. My grandparents once explained to me that after WW2, American pride flourished not just nationally, but internationally; the world loved us (albeit besides the Germans and Japanese). At what point did that change?

This time, I have seen the economic effects of America. I have just entered my second country in three that nationally accepts the U.S. dollar. In fact, El Salvador has gone as far as endorsing it as their official currency. But the economic prominence does not just stop at the currency. It is reflected in the second-hand clothes from America that have been sent to these countries (in fact, almost every 2nd or 3rd world country I've been to has these old American clothes). It is reflected in the old school buses used for transportation, the music playing on some radio stations, the Burger King and Subway on the corner, and the movies and shows on TV. Even the Latino music has started using the auto-tune, regrettably, after the popular acceptance in American pop music. It's as if all of these countries are the second-hand economies and cultures of America.

Some of these countries have taken so much from the American culture that it's easy to make comparisons to our own country. From the fat guy wearing the Minnesota t-shirt to the drunk guy with a hat proudly displaying an eagle carrying the U.S. flag to college kids talking about the the conservative, close-minded peons. You'll even see some skinny jeans occasionally. There are still those key elements that are missing though - animal control, registering of guns and concealed weapon permits, government housing, street sweepers, fines for littering, and passing lines on the road. These are some of the things that will always set the U.S. apart and always keep me coming back to the U.S. You can't second-hand everything from the big guy above.