How my identity crisis hits French TV

Thanks to all those who are supporting me through this difficult time with my little Leon. I'm happy to report that he is still here and currently sacked out on my lap (which is why I'm not sleeping although I'm exhausted). I want to appreciate every minute with my pooper before the inevitable...but this Franco-american life goes on...

Last weekend, I answered a request from the regional TV station looking for Americans to interview about the upcoming elections. I usually don't do such things as I generally try to avoid being noticed or making a fool out of myself. But I thought for once, I had something interesting to say and could actually bring a positive image of Americans as opposed to the past 8 years of embarrassement and general worldwide abuse the US government has imposed.

So, the interview took place a couple days ago (and will air on Saturday as part of a discussion). The journalist asked lots of loaded questions like what makes you American, how do Americans feel about the French, what is the hardest part of being in France, what are the main differences between the US and France? They also asked me why I was supporting Obama but that's just so obvious.

In fact, these are things I subconciously think about every single day but don't necessarily verbalize them. And let me tell you that verbalizing them is not only difficult but it also gets your mind racing. And you know what it comes down to? Respect for others on the one hand and better quality of life on the other.

To answer the "what's better in the US" question, I brought up my favorite topic: dog shit (and also customer service or lack there of in France). It was laughable, I will admit, but I think the way the French do (or don't) clean up after their dogs is representative of many things like lack of respect for others and the fact that they expect someone esle to clean it up for them. Look at the brigade of motocrotte in every major city out there every day vacuuming up dog excrememnt.

for the "what's better in France" question, I used examples of friends and family. My mom who at 65 wonders if she can retire; my sister who has no health care; my friends who put money away in a college fund for their unborn children; my college education that took 8 years to pay off. All of those worries that weigh heavy in the back of your mind and make the quality of life that much less. The journalist was surprised by my answer and I guess I can see why - what about the American dream?

I also talked about how 911 made me feel isolated. It brought back the feelings of not belonging, no one understanding and really questioning my government for the first time. It made me realize how isolationist and insularthe US really is. Then I thought about Suzanne and how her arrival is what has made me rethink what being American means to me. And, in fact, that it's important. I never rejected it, but didn't embrace it either until she came along.

So thanks to France 3 for helping me work out some issues. And please, please cut out any anti-French bits as promised. I don't want to get pelted with dog shit or anything.