Anti-Americanism

Unfortunately, I now understand what it feels to be discriminated against.  During my time living in Spain, I have met some of the nicest people, and some of the cruelest people.  Just like in any country, there are people that are not as well liked as others.

During my time spent in Spain, I have met some extremely nice, outgoing, carefree people.  They want to learn more about other people's cultures, language and way of life.  When I came here, I had the most open mind about everything that I could possibly have.  I wanted to learn how Spaniards live: the language, culture, food, transportation, anything and everything that I could learn about Spain, I wanted to learn.  Don't get me wrong, I love Spain and I have loved every minute that I've been here, but some things just wear at me more than others.

On our trip to Salamanca, which I'll post about later, we had very long discussions about how most of the people we have run into don't like us.  A lot of this has really hit me hard lately, and to be honest, I'm so sick of it that it's grinding into me and driving me crazy.  I am not a fan of politics what-so-ever, and the people that really know me understand how much I hate politics.  So I can't put my finger on why exactly other countries don't like America, and I don't care.

I am a "typical" American.  I don't believe there's a look for an American because we live in a huge melting pot, it's called that for a reason.  But while walking down the streets, the Europeans can pick us out like it's their job.  While walking through Granada, or taking the bus, I am stared at until I can't handle it anymore.  I KNOW I don't look European.. I get it, but that doesn't give anyone the right to stare at me until I'm so uncomfortable that I have to move seats on the bus, or lower my head so I don't see them anymore.  When we were walking through Salamanca, we watched a lady cross to our side of the street to purposely run into one of my friends.  Walking through stores we are cut off, pushed, shoved, and stared at, and no one ever says excuse me or sorry to us.  It amazes me that we are treated this way, yet American influence is on the rise in Europe.  There is American music played in bars, clubs and stores, American movies that are dubbed or subtitled, American phrases on TONS of clothing, and English signs on the streets.

You might be thinking that we are doing something to egg them on, but in reality we weren't doing anything at all.  We were minding our own business, not being loud by yelling or shouting.  We were keeping to ourselves and were still treated this way.  I'm tired of sitting at a restaurant and having to wait for what seems like forever to be served, and of course we're served after everyone around us has been taken care of.

I understand that there may be many Spanish people reading this blog.  I don't mean to offend you in any way, but I have to get my frustrations out.  This is not something I have experienced from every Spanish person that I have met, but it happens more often than not.  And I'm also not saying that I don't think we do this in the United States, because I know prejudisms exist, but being on the other side of discrimination is something I've never experienced before.

Coming to Spain has given me a different perspective on these types of situations.  I know what it feels like to be the outcast.  I understand the pain and suffering of people that aren't "normal".  But the bigger question is, what is normal?  It doesn't exist.  So, to everyone in the world, the next time you stare at someone for being different than you, or purposely bump someone because you don't believe in the same things that they do, put yourself in their shoes for a minute and understand the grief they will go through after you harm them mentally or physically.