Segun yo

Submitted by Dan (Mexico), Feb 11, 2007 at 03:04

I am from the US and currently studying in Mexico for the year. The purpose for studying abroad is to learn more about Mexico and its people, improve my Spanish, as well as interact with the other international students. This goes against everything typical, or even more so stereotypical, of what is to be "American".

I agree that the majority of people from the US do not pay enough attention to international events and this is a major problem that cannot be emphasized enough. By not being well-informed, people cannot make good decisions or even form opinions on what should be done in the international arena. Now being a country that does throw a lot of weight around in the world, it is incredible that its population doesn't know a lot about current issues. The media has a great deal in this problem. We lack real different points of views, and our press doesn't confront the government like it use to (ie: Watergate). Besides the media there is a general apathy to world events and politics in general. One reason why studying abroad has been very enjoyable is that it has provided opportunities for the worldy discussions that are lacking and desperately needed in my country.

I am upset about the current situation not only for the grave consequences for my country, but also because it makes it harder for myself when traveling and meeting people from other countries. Imagine that when you meet someone, they have an exact opposite image of who you are and how you act from the instant you tell them where you are from.

Overall I have to say that there are a wide range of people that come from every country and that when meeting them it is necessary to put national stereotypes on hold and get to know that person for his or her character and ideas.

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