Arrogance and acceptance
(I wrote this thing on a Yahoo message board. I thought it would be interesting to post it here also...)
Arrogance is when the President says "We are good, they are evil" or something like that. I know this was said post-9-11 but still, I see this as a reflection of the mindset that has been there way before this crucial day.
Now, how would you feel if a nation that has so much more power than you (I know it doesn't exist, but let's pretend) treated you like that. Most people, would react in disgust, and after a while would eventually try to find ways to fight back (some with words, some with more aggressive actions).
Acceptance of the world would have been to try to find the cause of the problem instead of focusing on the consequences. Just look around. When a country becomes "modern" it doesn't become a modernized version of its old self, it rather turns into an Americanized version of what it was. This is not what people want. They want to preserve their own culture, their own beliefs. Unfortunately, the US economic übermachine does not allow for this kind of acceptance and inclusiveness.
In the land of the Free.
Live free of die. I always smile when I see a New Hampshire licence plate with this tagline. Freedom is essential. I really admire what, in principle, should be a great American value. I say in principle because I fail to see why freedom is protected so passionately in some domains and repressed severely in others.
There are those freedoms, protected by the constitution, that are almost untouchable. To my understanding, we’re still a long way before even considering modifying the 2nd amendment to align the US firearms policy to that of most modern countries’. But I won’t criticize too much the right to bear arms as, even if the merits of this freedom are debatable, it is still managed somewhat correctly. We’ve all heard that someone’s freedom begins where the others’ end. It is true in this case. People are allowed to own guns but not to use them at will. Otherwise it would step over everyone else’s freedom, should irresponsible gunslingers start terrorizing the population.
There are however many cases where, even if no one else’s freedom is threatened, the population is far from being free to do whatever it wants. Here are a few examples:
-Alcohol: If you are 18, you can drive a car, hold a firearm licence, and vote in the Presidential elections. Basically, you are deemed sufficiently responsible to make huge decisions, but still are still not free to have a beer. Wow…
-Gay rights: Gays are not allowed to obtain the same recognition and the same fiscal benefits that heterosexual couples get through marriage. Therefore, they obviously do not enjoy the same level of freedom as the rest of the population. I’m wondering, why is it accepted that a significant portion of the population be deprived of their freedom? Especially when giving them this freedom would not significantly affect everyone else’s liberty.
-Drugs: What difference does it make to everyone else if an adult smokes a joint in the comfort of his living room? None! The only person at risk of being harmed is the person smoking the joint. Shouldn’t he be free to take that risk if he wishes?
These are only 3 areas where America is clearly not the land of the free. Why make such a big deal about freedom, if it is only to apply it selectively?
First things first. Here’s the disclaimer. English is only my second language. So, I will have to ask for your indulgence on the many mistakes I will make in writing this blog. I have spent the last 15 years of my life trying to master the language, but as you’ll realize soon enough, it’s still far from perfect.
That being said, I felt I had to write this blog anyway. Not necessarily to confront Americans with my views, but rather to seek explanations on the many contradictory cultural, social, and political aspects of the US population.
I also felt I had to give you a certain background on myself. I am French-Canadian. Actually I am part of this group of people who wish for the separation of the province of Quebec, and I usually prefer to define myself as a Québecois rather than a Canadian.
In any case, I am what you would call a liberal. I find this political label funny because, based on your definition of the term, everyone around here would be considered a liberal.
I feed myself with a huge amount of US media. I watch CNN more than the local news, most movies I watch are from Hollywood, and there are the many trips I make to the US every year. My brother has lived in California, I am in constant contact with Americans in running my business, and unfortunately (for democracy), I am probably more informed on US politics than most US citizens.
In this blog you will find thoughts that you may find chocking or provoking. If you do, I certainly hope you will let me know. I hope for discussion, and not for name-calling. (so, if you are as shallow in your comments as most users on the Yahoo! Message boards are, do not expect much attention from me).
This is it. I Hope you don’t despise me already….
