Stereo-hypes

I've always wondered the linguistic origin of the word 'stereotype'. I would guess it's a French word since most -type words are. I don't think the French listen to stereos, because had they early 20th century, they would have heard the Germans invading them a lot quicker. Okay, that was mean. I don't care. =)

Last week was my second trip to Paris. This trip was very different because 1) it was fucking COLD there, 2) it was without Brian, which was very hard considering we had a wonderful time there Summer 2007, and 3) I gained a whole new perspective on the French, Parisians namely, altogether.

Parisians have a reputation for being rude, particularly to Americans. First of all, we elected the most embarrassing president ever, twice, and second, Americans tend to act like assholes when abroad. The more I travel, the more I see it and believe it. Okay, perhaps it could be this way anywhere in the world, but what makes Paris so different?

I think I've figured it out, or at least I may be onto something: the French, Parisians in particular, tend to be idealized and fantasized as being romantic and fairytale-like when that is indeed not the case. Yes, the language is absolutely beautiful through its several nasalized vowels and strategic liaisons, the Louvre holds some of the world's best arts, and the architecture of the buildings is like no other. Everything about Paris is absolutely breath-taking.

The Parisians don't take this shit for granted. They are proud of all the aforementioned. Also, they are human beings just like the rest of us. They are still practical folk that have jobs, friends, dreams, worries, and fears. They are ethnically, but not necessarily as culturally, diverse. Of course there are Asian, Latin, Arab, and African influences, but only that, the colors of their skin, really set them apart.

This awareness brings me to my next observation: I am by no means racist, but it just seemed very weird and different to me to see a black family on the street speaking French, just as it was odd seeing two Arab women wearing burkhas speaking French. Typically, black people speak English or 'Ebonics', while Arab women are usually heard speaking English with their thick Arab/Farsi accent or simply speaking some dialect of Arabic all together. Everything seemed intricately unified, and seemingly without struggle. How dare they do this better than America, the *true* melting pot?

Well, I kicked myself out of that box by realizing I wasn't in fucking Kansas anymore. It was lame and ignorant for me to have these thoughts, and it further validated that I've truly been guarded in a culture of White Privilege. Yes, I capitalize those letters to emphasize such a social phenomenon, especially of which happens all the time in America, unfortunately.

Fortunately though, because of this shift in perspective, my humility will forever be impacted, and I can most certainly understand why the French would typically be standoffish to American tourists and make it difficult for them to navigate without knowing the language. I could write a whole book as to why I strongly believe the French do this on purpose! And, I think the French are passive-aggressively showing Americans what a true melting-pot is and how to truly appreciate culture and history. Again, I could write a book on this as well.

In closing, and kind of going on a tangent, Fuck You george w. bush (I can't even give you the respect to capitalize your name, besides, you failed cursive). You have done so much damage to this country that I'm afraid it won't be fixed in my lifetime. You thrived on the ignorance of the American people, twice, and I really hope the door doesn't rip your entire ass off on the way out in TWO WEEKS. Please read this blog and dare call me anti-American or unpatriotic. My new President, Barack Obama, will burst that bubble you created around America, and will make Americans citizens of Earth - the ONLY bubble human should be in, is that of Earth.

Everyone: Get a Passport, See the World. It's a beautiful place. Remove your stereotypes of cultures and others that are different than you, and please don't call them Freedom Fries ever again. The French call them Pommes Frites (fried potatoes) and the concept was originated in Belgium.

Finally, when I arrived in Spain, it was absolutely okay to witness people of all colors speaking Spanish. The first Asian person I saw speaking Spanish, I giggled to myself wondering if she has an Asian accent to the native Spaniards. If she does or doesn't, who cares?

The great thing about Europe is the notion of: "I am because we are."