Yellow Taxis, Skyscrapers...

Individualism, celebrity, opportunity, religion, and poverty, all apart of America as described by the students of the University of East Anglia. When asked the question of what America represented to them, the students accurately described American history, popular culture, and the influence of the media and government. I found many of the statements true and agreeable, while others I felt uncomfortable with. I think that many Americans are aware of the flaws within our country and when they are pointed out it becomes frustrating and embarrassing. Similar to having a bad hair day while someone remarks, “Bad hair day?” I do believe that the United States needs to be critiqued and that it will only lead to improvements and a more informed and motivated population. For example, one statement identifies the contradictions that exist in the United States. The famous mantras of “land of the free,” and “all men are created equal” seem to lack significance and in the past have not translated of paper into everyday life. Also, the “American Dream” is another mantra that has developed around the immigration of people to the country seeking a better life, and ironically, this same country is constructing a multimillion-dollar wall with hopes to keep immigrants out. With these contradictions already at work, it is important to address the two party government system that revolves around money and functions through debt. To keep the mantra theme going, “divide and conquer” always comes to mind when I think of our current Republican versus Democrat and South versus North dilemma.

Aside from the contradictions and bad decisions, America has offered the world many positive things and has inspired many people. I think that my largest problem with many of the statements was that they revolved around popular culture media representations. Television and Hollywood movies do not provide an accurate representation of life in the United States. I cringe at the thought of the “Jersey Shore,” and movies like “American Pie.” Unfortunately, things like McDonalds, Disney, Fox News, and Starbucks have all morphed from corporations into culture. I find this frustrating because as an American, I do not identify my American citizenship with a fast food burger or an animated deer named Bambi. The beauty of the United States is that everyone has a different perspective of what it means to him or her. Forget the contradictions; ignore the media and what they say is popular culture. The complexities of our country and the constant judgment make it difficult to mess up with out a global reprimanding. In my America, I am hopeful that the future will hold more positive than negative, and that our diversity will unite us as one country under our iconic flag of red, white, and blue.