American as Apple Pie

One of my favorite questions to ask people here is simply, "What do you think of the U.S.?" I have found this to be a wonderfully interesting conversation starter, as the responses tend to be varied. With a German and a Swede on my floor, it led to a discussion about American television programs available here in Europe. The Swede listed with enthusiasm American shows that he likes, including Oprah and Jerry Springer. Both he and our German friend expressed a love for Joel Oesteen, the American TV-evangelist and motivational speaker. Perhaps it was just my own stereotype of Europe, but somehow I was not expecting a TV-evangelist to be at the top of most Europeans' most-watched lists. "Joel Oesteen," I responded, "what do you like about Joel Oesteen?" Their answer? His positive attitude, the way he says everything with a smile. "It's just so...so 'American apple pie'," responded the Swede. And I've found this perception of the U.S. is not so uncommon here. During a similar conversation in our Political Science class, our professor mentioned the idea that anything is possible in the U.S.; that the "American Dream" still lives on. Of course, he also mentioned the more negative perceptions of American politics in recent years--the general dislike of George Bush, the unpopularity of the war in Iraq, etc. At the same time, however, he closed his speech with a very interesting point. "As much as we may not like the current U.S. politics," he said, "we can never forget what the U.S. did for us in WWII. Without the U.S., it would've been a very different war." It is statements like these that make me realize how tightly bound Europe and the U.S. really are, and make me appreciate my heritage as an American. Of course, every culture has positive and negative aspects, and I can't pretend to be blind to the faults of the U.S. But I think one of the best parts of being abroad is learning to appreciate one's own roots while respecting the traditions of others. Here in Austria, I am learning to love things like Dirndls and fresh-baked bread and sorting my trash into four different types. But I am also realizing what a privilege it is to be an American--to be a part of the melting-pot nation, the nation where anything is possible. This is something that is really unique to the U.S.--something that gives its sometimes rough-around-the-edges appearance a special spark. But then again, my view might be a little biased. After all, as the saying goes, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." And as Dorothy says, "There's no place like home." A view of the Alps from Innsbruck