(Foe English class as an assignment so don't pay these next two posts any mind if you aren't interested.)
In Henry James' novel, Daisy Miller, there is definitely a repeated comparison of Americans vs. Europeans. I have noticed that the Americans, especially while in Europe, are the tourists of the two. The Europeans are usually more immersed and more willing to immerse themselves into the culture around them whereas Americans usually want to be reminded of America and hold on to the homeland with all of their might. I have definitely experienced some of this in Spain because, of course, I miss my home. But I also know that I am not completely opposed to immersing myself in the Spanish culture and trying to live as best as I can as my host mom lives. I'm not going to give up everything that reminds me of my home in America but I am trying to choose my moments as to when I will do something as a true American or if I will choose to try to do it as an up and coming European or Spaniard. It's a balance and definitely a struggle most days. For example, in Spain I have to make my bed every day. Now this isn't a huge problem but it was definitely something to get used to. I didn't want to anger or upset Julia so of course I followed the rule of having to make my bed every morning and it really isn't so bad. However when I go back to the US, there is a good 98% chance I won't be making my bed every day. Sorry mom :)
Of course I'm going to want to experience more American things when I am homesick but the rest of the time I am willing to try to be more Spanish and more European because while I'm here why not immerse myself?!
No comments:
Post a Comment