We have had a lot (in our minds) to complain about lately in America. But we should be extremely thankful for the opportunities that we have and not take them for granted. One of the things I have done in the recent years is to volunteer with the International Rescue Committee. I was assigned as a mentor for an individual from Syria and another from Afghanistan. During an interaction at their apartment a question was posed to me, “Why are you volunteering to help us?” Although it seemed like a profound moment as I was impressed with his question, it did not require much thought on my side. Without hesitation I responded that we are spoiled and ungrateful in America. We have it better than anybody else in the world, yet we complain about so much. You guys come from war torn countries, had to leave your homes and families, waited years in another foreign country for the refugee process, and then were placed in a country where people probably will not treat you the best. You also did not speak any English, nor did you know anybody when you arrived. Your problems outweigh ours by a lot and yet we complain to a much higher extent. The response I received back from them was a simple head nod.
Not only are we Americans spoiled within the United States, we are also spoiled when we travel (for vacation and leisure, not as forced refugees). We go to other countries and expect them to speak English to us. This coming from the country of people that might find it offensive if you speak another language to someone because they are speaking it (saying “gracias” to a Mexican is somehow found racist here. Authors note: Generally not found racist by the person you’re speaking to, only by others meddling as they tend to do). I have had the pleasure to travel to many different countries, learn many languages, and meet many people. It’s not racist to take interest in someone else’s culture – in fact wouldn’t that be the opposite? Nobody learns another language sarcastically. When I speak Arabic to people they are baffled and their faces light up. When I overhear Italian from people traveling to Yosemite I always enter myself into their conversation. They want to add me on social media right away, buy a coffee for me, and are genuinely excited during these encounters. The reason is because they do not expect it from us. Americans get to scroll their phones in the AC, “Netflix and Chill”, or create memes instead of acclimate to others and learn. It’s not too late to be thankful and generate a better understanding of how good we have it here. It would also help with the image of ignorance that Americans have in virtually every other country – An ignorance of course that stems from the fact that we have it so good here. To illustrate this, I have included a video (the website suggested I include a video because people are too lazy to read anymore and this might help them stay engaged). Imagine living in America (where we argue about wearing masks and which pronouns are to be used) and a war is happening in your backyard. Literally in your backyard where you dog takes its craps. Five enormous tactical vehicles park outside your house and foreign soldiers walk over to you dressed in body armor while wielding weapons in their hands. You are working in your garden and cannot even communicate with them because they do not speak your language. Has this ever happened to you? Didn’t think so. I’d say we have a lot to be thankful about in America and we ought to realize this and count our blessings. Anyway, that exact situation happened in Afghanistan and because of a little Pashto language skills, the man stood up and shook my hand. Be thankful, grateful, and be safe! It could be a whole lot worse. Ironically, if it does get worse, it will more than likely be our own faults. A ship doesn’t sink because of the water around it, it sinks when the water gets inside. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wilks Wroasting 