embarrassing.
empowering.
annoying.
a pain in the ass.
all of the above.
The thing about being American is that many many people think they know everything about your country, think there's nothing interesting about your culture (haha, what culture?!) and that you are probably rich and overconfident.
It's really annoying to be the other kind of American and to hear anti-American slander followed by, "but you're different." And it's really annoying when you really do have something to contribute but no one will let you do it because they think you couldn't possibly have something to say. And it's really annoying that people think American culture doesn't exist or isn't interesting because there are so many Americas and so many cultures.
Blame it on Hollywood and bad American TV.
What brings on this rant you may ask? Why am I ranting when I could be napping and recovering from a string of hellish nights? On Saturday, Jerome went to a meeting at Suzanne's school (while I stayed home and took a bath. In my dreams). Suzanne's teacher talked about putting up a world map and doing activities from all over the world; after each activity, she'd show the kids where it came from. She talked about the Japanese mother; she talked about the Australian father; she didn't mention me although I offered to teach the kids some English songs....
Two weeks ago, I proposed to come and do a Halloween activity but she said, "that's not really part of the French culture." I thought that was a weird response but it is her class and it is her curriculum. She did think it was a good idea for me to come in and teach the kids a song they could sing in front of the whole school and I gladly accepted (Suzanne has voted for "open shut them").
It wasn't until Saturday's meeting that I realized why I was left feeling odd after our conversation since we all know aboriginals and origami are an intrinsic part of French culture. So, Suzanne's teacher seems great but she's unfortunately under the influence of Hollywood. Too bad for her.
PS Mom, I proofread but am too tired to catch all the mistakes.
10 comments:
Don't blame you for ranting. It's not fair to Suzanne to ignore the fact that she's half-American if the teacher *is* going to put up a world map and do activities from other cultures. Maybe she'll be more receptive to Thanksgiving, do you think? Courage!
if she's not more receptive, I'll just have to force some pumpkin pie down her throat.
Here you loud and clear, find myself so exasperated sometimes when people won't even let you speak, no doubt because they are certain you don't have anything to say... so I'm not the only one... ooofff, for some reason that makes me feel better...
I gladly with a big American smile on my face completely agree with what you said. For all the Positive Pollys here, there are about 5 more Negative Nellys. Whether what's said is in jest or not, it's still annoying and offensive. I can't offer advice, just a big ol' "I hear ya, sista!" Bon courage.
You could offer to bring your gun to school to show the children. I think you might get the teacher's attention:)
english rider, LOL . I could send my gun to school with her for show and tell!
My thought, Exactly! Even if you only imagine it, it will make you smile whenever they tick you off. You'll be like Mona Lisa with a side arm.
I was going to try to be encouraging but English Rider said it all! And believe me, she knows...
Wonderful post! And I didn't catch any proofreading errors.
I guess the French just aren't into multiculturalism as much as Americans are.
Keep plugging away and do the best for Suzanne.
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