There is an episode of 30 Rock where Alec Baldwin's character wants to hire a new actor for TGS. The catch is that he wants to hire someone from "real" America. Liz Lemon (Tina Fey's character) point out that there is no part of America that is more American than any other. Any person who lives in America is American.
I travel a great deal for work. In the course of these travels, I often go to places that are not normal tourist attractions. This has given me a unique view of how people are living around the country.
I was driving across South Carolina yesterday and thinking about how lucky I am to get to see lots of different facets of America.
Savannah, GA
I saw a sign reading "Joe the Plumber lives here" and I realized that it is a pretty common misconception to think that where we live and who we are is "real". Who really sees themselves as an elitist?
Hovenweep National Monument
Maybe if everyone could see that across the country we are all basically the same, life would be a little less contentious?
Sort of near Truth or Consequences, NM
We are all Homo sapiens, after all. There is no such thing as biological race, right?
Well, everywhere I have gone people are basically the same.
Sorry for the rambling. I had a long drive and bike ride this morning, so I lots of quiet time to think. This is what you get...
Great post Sarah! We are all "real".
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of us just don't get out enough or let go of our preconceptions enough to realize that "other" people are still people and with just as much authenticity as anyone.
I'm enjoying my little glimpse of Bahamian culture, which is both welcoming and different.