Today is the 4th of July and many Peace Corps
volunteers decided to go to Lake Malawi to celebrate American independence. I have never been known for my patriotism and
am often critical of the United States.
I am highly aware of the legacy of slavery and the impact of racism in
society today. I am disheartened by the
way we treat immigrants and the fact that we consume a disproportionate amount
of the world’s resources. I dislike the
obsession with consumerism and selfishness.
I am ashamed of the wealth gap and the fact that some Americans have
more money than they know what to do with while others are struggling to
survive in poverty. I think we have a lot to learn from other cultures and hate
that some Americans feel superior to the rest of the world. And I think our public education system is
shameful and needs tremendous improvement.
That being said,
after one year in Tanzania I find myself turning into one of those flag waving
patriots. America is not perfect, but I wish I was there now. I have realized the value in living in a
developed nation and have no desire to spend the rest of my life in a
developing country that is plagued by corruption and dependency on foreign aid.
I miss my friends and family, but also the diversity of food in the United
States, customer service, efficiency, major highways with more than one lane,
cleanliness, electricity, water, set prices, and a system of checks and
balances. I love that in American laws
are enforced (especially regarding safety) and that there is a legal system in
place if laws are broken. It also makes
me happy that the United States has moved from a system of patriarchy to one
that is more egalitarian. I miss seeing
women being treated with respect. I
never imagined that my Peace Corps experience would make me appreciate my own
country, but strangely enough that is what happened. I love the USA. Flaws and all…
