But once you break free from our "bubble" of America, it really opens your eyes. Not everyone loves us. haha But that doesn't mean that everyone hates us either. More importantly it is about the fact that America has created and projected a certain image of Americans. This image has been presented all over the world in the media and the internet. Honestly I don't want to be compared to the extreme versions of these images. I don't think they completely capture who I am. These images are not realistic representations of many Americans. However it has been amazing to learn how much other countries know about us, our country, and our history. Sometimes this even shocks me. This is the case with some of the Chileans I know or I have met. The understand our politics, our economics, our history. I am trying my best to learn about Chile as much as I can and as fast as I can. Maybe it isn't fast enough, but hey I am trying. I am taking a class called "Danzas Tradicionales de Chile." I am learning the traditional dances from all over Chile. I am also taking a class about the traditional songs, games and dances of Chile. I am always ready and waiting to learn something new. I am ready for new experiences. I am ready to meet new people and learn new slang.
Sometimes it has been a challenge to fight this stereotype while being abroad. Mostly because I don't really know if it should be necessary. It is like that saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." It is a beautiful thought, but I don't think it is always realistic. I know at one point in our lives we will make a judgment about someone or something, whether it is right or wrong. The reality is that we are individuals. We shouldn't have to be labeled. Not ALL women are the same. Not ALL men act the same way. We learn to fight the generalizations. I think this helps us better discover and define our identity. I think more than ever I want to be seen as me, Jenna, and nothing less. =)
For the mean time, I laugh at the "gringo" jokes and shake my head.
A funny story: So I tend to blend in with the Chilean girls more or less. So I don't usually get too much extra attention when I am walking alone. hahaha catcalls and such. Here they call them "piropos." However, when I am with one of my American or other exchange student friends who are blonde we receive soooo much attention. I think it is hilarious to hear the Chilean guys shout things out to us. I always start laughing even when I try not to. It is always some variation of, "hello beautiful...where are you from?...what is your name?..." We always respond back in Spanish. ;)
So here I am. Jenna- the traveler. Jenna, an American and still proud of it. Have I changed? Maybe so. Maybe I am a little less naive, ignorant, and sheltered. Maybe I am more mature, bilingual, and aware.
