BrasilBloggin

It has been very interesting witnessing and sensing the reaction people have when I tell them I am from the United States. While in Brasilia, I was around students and people who were more politically aware. The majority of people I met were very angry at and against the U.S. government and its international policies/practices. I always felt suspect when I shared where I was from. Most Brasilians, however, after I shared that I was here to work with MST (agrarian land reform) and to work as a volunteer/Franciscan missionary on social justice related issues, were very friendly and welcoming. One evening in particular yielded an especially interesting conversation with several Brasilians concerning U.S. international policies. I shared with them how I have often sensed people’s disgust when I tell them I’m from the U.S. They responded saying that it’s not that people dislike me because I am from the U.S. or that they are disgusted, but that they are rather fascinated that an American would come to Brasil to work on social justice issues.

I have come to realize more and more that one of the reasons why I am here is to do my tiny part in relaying a different image of Americans. The image most people around the world have of Americans is worsening due to many reasons. I hope that I will be able to show another side to Americans that does not include a propensity to war and conquest, over consumption and decadence, etc, but rather a side that shows sincerity and simplicity of spirit (and simple living), but also awareness as to the unjust social structures that exist and which my government takes part in creating as well as sustaining. It’s not that the U.S. is responsible for all the world’s problems by any means. I am just more conscious of the problems we are more responsible for and the negative effects they are having on people around the world. It truly gives me much sorrow.

The other reaction I have received gives me equal sorrow. When I say I am American, many people (who are most times less educated, less politically aware) respond with “Que chiqui”, which is an expression describing something elegant or fancy. This reaction stems from the false image portrayed on Brasilian TV (Soap operas, films from/about the U.S., etc) that the U.S. has no poverty, no problems, nothing ugly. It seems as if they immediately assume that I am above them due to the country where I come from. It really makes me sad and frustrated, both images.

I have met a couple people who have shared with me that before they met me they hated Americans-and they had not even known any Americans before me. It was just what America (our government and decadent society) has done in and to the world that fed their hate/disgust. I have also heard several people comment that it is good I am here so that I can show another side of America. My heart really is sore that so many people feel these harsh feelings towards Americans and my country in general. If we do not show a different side of ourselves to the rest of the world, these odious feelings will only increase. I know there are many, many people in the U.S. who are not excessive consumers, who are sincerely concerned with the world´s poverty and injustice (including our own) and who do their part to lessen that. I only hope that my being here never worsens the attitude people have towards the U.S., but instead allows more people to imagine the many Americans who are compassionate and just and who do their part.