I become more convinced every single day that one of my roles in life—at least thus far—has been to observe the American zeitgeist from abroad. No, really.
Exactly ten years ago I was a wide-eyed exchange student to Spain, where I used my limited, poorly-pronounced Spanish to explain concepts I was barely familiar with in English: impeachment, perjury, and dare I say, fellatio. I was in Chile in 2003, when the War in Iraq began. My Spanish was far better by that point, but since my outlook differed so radically from my hosts’, I became uncharacteristically tight-lipped. Now, for the third time in my life, I watched from distant shores as America redefined itself yet again.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous last Tuesday. But as the BBC commentators relaxed and announced Obama the winner early in the night, all I could do was smile and follow suit. As Virginia came out blue and then North Carolina, Hawaii and then California, I knew I could sleep well and wake to a new day in American politics.
And that’s exactly what I did. I got up early last Wednesday, breathing a little bit deeper—head held just a little bit higher. When I went to the store for some croissants and milk, the owner asked me what I thought: victory or tragedy? I just smiled and told him I was “Contenta. Más que contenta, de hecho: contentísima.”
I don’t know if all Uruguayans are as excited as I am about Obama’s victory. People are generally distrustful of politicians here, and some, like journalist Edwardo Galeano, are skeptical a single leader will be capable of dismantling and reassembling our malfunctioning political system. He writes: “¿Podrá cambiar el rumbo asesino de un modo de vida de pocos que se rifan el destino de todos? Me temo que no, pero ojalá que sí.”
What does seem to have people abuzz in Uruguay, where voting is compulsory and everyone seems to have an opinion regarding politics, is that Americans from all walks of life came out en masse (and with so much passion!) for this election. Like most people here and the world over, we were patient and determined as we stood in line for hours and mailed in absentee ballots, just to have our voice heard. Here they seem less concerned about race than the fact that Americans finally motioned for other important changes—in ideology, rhetoric, perspective—and defended the nation’s founding principles. In fact, one friend even told me that, although he resents “Yankee imperialism,” he finds his respect for democracy in America renewed.
I have to say I agree with him. I’m proud that people my age overcame their disenchantment with the voting process, and I’m proud that people my brother’s age made their first experience so meaningful. And as long as I’m away from home and far from the people I love the most—and all things familiar—I’m proud just to be a conscientious observer.
2 comments:
It is más intresante to hear about what South America, Uruguay in particular, thinks concerning the American election. I couldn't being to count the times that people have asked me what I think and who I want to win and why etc. At first I have to say that I was hesitant. I knew that people didn't like Bush, but what I didn't know is how to tell them what I thought without making it come out wrong. The three time my social studies class met before the election my teacher had me talk to the class about the election and what each canidate would do and all that jazz. It was hard. I didn't know what they knew or what they didn't know.
Like you I was relieved when the election was finally over. I flipped on the tele come wednesday morning to find America plastered on every god forsaken news channel. Obama had won. It was a relief really. Europe, and Denmark in particular, was praying for Obama. It was like the only people who wanted McCain were only the Americans who voted for him.
It's interesting to see history made from a new angle.
Hey, Jenn!!! Thanks for reading/writing. I'm glad you're having these kinds of experiences in Denmark. We will share notes IN PERSON soon! Love, Rebbecca
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