Confronting Americanness while Abroad

A challenging yet often overlooked aspect of moving to a foreign place is the feeling of not fitting in or being two steps behind in everything they do. This sensation can affect anyone, regardless of how new or distant the foreign place is. However, I would argue that for an American moving to a new place, a unique, outsider experience exists.

 

It shouldn’t be controversial to say that the United States is a one-of-a-kind nation due to its prowess as an economic and social powerhouse, as well as its contradictions and failings on so many issues. The U.S. can often be associated with ignorance and self-righteousness, especially in a place such as Europe, whose packed history contrasts sharply with the United States’ lack thereof. The tension between these two aspects of Americanism can instill in many U.S. citizens a cognitive dissonance of knowing the importance of their country and the respect that it can garner, but also feeling the ridicule of others around them. It forces Americans to resolve their inner conflict, doing so either by attempting to disassociate themselves with their home country or by developing a sense of American pride. But which of the two is the most effective for living successfully in a foreign place?

 

In my eyes, this fear of being American is reminiscent of the childhood fear of wanting to fit in. In grade school, it was natural for me to seek the same clothing as my classmates, wear muted colors and plain T-shirts so that I wouldn’t stand out, or follow classmates’ conversations so I could perform the same as anyone else in social situations. While everyone feels this social anxiety to various extents, the vast majority of pre-teens and teens are overly conscious of what others think of them and will do anything to be accepted. For me, as with others, my fears subsided with time, and I grew comfortable in my own skin. It was not until I came to Europe that my old instincts reemerged - to blend in with those around me.

 

Yet what’s ironic about this desire to fit is that it creates a sharp juxtaposition with being accepted or liked. How can one who is unseen be individually appreciated by those around him? The truth is, it’s not possible. Although wanting to be accepted in a group could be a survival instinct, it does not actually do much for the average individual. Mediocrity offers comfort, but comfort rarely allows for growth.

 

As I’ve considered these concepts, I’ve thought about how best to conduct myself, and by extension, how best to confront my Americanism. In reality, the place where you are from IS part of your identity, no matter how much you like or dislike that place. In fact, how you feel about your home creates a central part of your identity when those around you are not from that same place; if a stranger asks where you’re from (as will inevitably happen hundreds of times during an abroad experience), how you describe your home will demonstrate who you are, not just where your home is. Thus, there is no point in hiding your heritage when it’s really your conduct and personality that change how people view you. 

 

Of course, it shows effort and care when you try to match the culture of where you are, such as by learning the language or customs of the place. Yet through embracing your American heritage, you immediately become something different from those around you, which grants the opportunity to be remembered or celebrated that simply being a face in the crowd can’t do. I encourage all people new to an area to fight the urge to simply fit in and to embrace where you’re from as a way to stand out. In the end, your character should be the determining factor in how you are viewed, and if it’s not, then that’s not a place you want to be in the end.