On February 19th I posted a status to Facebook asking U.S. citizens what makes them proud to be American. I did this in hopes to start a discussion about the positive aspects of living here and to possibly discover a sense of pride for my country. My status is as followed:
"Yanno, I hear so many people complain about America that I almost feel as though I have no pride in being American. That is not to be confused with having no appreciation for the opportunities living in America has given me. There is not a day I am not thankful for the life I have. But tell me, what makes YOU proud to be an American? Only serious, positive replies please. I am not looking for a debate on what sucks or could be better. I want to hear something positive about America for once."
The people who did respond all made good points. However, I am still left wondering if the quality of life would be better elsewhere? I want to learn more about how other countries operate. I hear much praise about wages, holiday, and health care over in Europe which makes it is hard not to consider relocating. But, what exactly would the trade off be?
At this very moment two things are bothering me about the "world" I am living in. By "world" I am referring to the reality of my existence here in America and what affects me directly. Such as, the reality of unequal wealth distribution, as well as the constant struggle to get ahead (student debt, never ending cycle of internships, no retirement fund or savings). Entry level psotitions and internships are not what they use to be. People are being overworked, underpaid (if they even get paid at all), and then disposed of for the next noobie who is willing to slave away for nothing. We spend so much time working hard, losing sleep, and cutting ourselves off from our friends and family in order to do this. We hope by overly committing that we will be recognized, promoted, and gain a career. Instead, we get jerked around. By the time we finally had enough of being taken advantage of and decide to move on-- the next place bends us over too. Thus, making it look like we are unemployable because we often seek a better workplace.
All I really want is to do what makes me happy for a living and to make enough money to support myself , as well as afford time with friends and family. Apparently that is too much to ask for in America.
Whenever I see something going around the internet I take it with a grain of salt. However, here is some food for thought:
Here is a NY Times article written about the struggle of getting ahead: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/03/fashion/for-20-somethings-ambition-at-a-cost.html?smid=fb-share
An article with a little bit of personality on the matter: http://www.cracked.com/blog/4-ways-you-can-tell-economy-still-sucks_p2/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fanpage&utm_campaign=new+article&wa_ibsrc=fanpage%2F
Just look at the debate in the comments section! Whatever the answer may be, there is clearly a problem.
Again, whenever I am feeling bothered by the state of my country, I am also aware of the fact that it could be much worse.
For those who live abroad, what do you like and dislike about your country? What do you like and dislike about America? If you could live any place where would it be and why?
When responding (if anyone responds) please think before you type and be respectful. All rude, disrespectful comments will be deleted.
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