1990
3rd of July
Northern Mediterranean, Lipari Island
I was on a scuba trip a long way from my hometown of Long Beach, CA. .
One thing that travel taught me is that personal interaction with someone from a different country is far more rewarding than any tourist attraction or historical landmark. I struck up a casual conversation with a couple from England. They mentioned that on every trip they seem to run into Yanks… "You bloch's seem to have a lot of time off for someone who is supposed to be safeguarding democracy."
I like to push buttons. I was in a good mood and ready for verbal combat.
I said, " On this occasion, our time off can be attributed to an event of significance over 200 years ago. As my American memory serves, a decrepit, worn down colonial power in the twilight of it's reign met it's demise at the hands of a few ill-equipped but highly motivated pissed off Americans. Because we spanked the British bulldog, I have the pleasure of scuba diving with you here today."
My tirade was delivered with a smile, and in jest but in the back of my mind, I didn't know how it would be received.
There was a long pause.
The British couple seemed to be in a state of thoughtful contemplation but not angry or even the slightest bit rattled. "Come on you Limeys," I thought to myself.. "Let's trade banter." I held zero animosity towards the English but I was looking forward to some playful discourse.
The British, 40 something, scuba woman looked me square into the eyes and said,
"Yank, there are many reasons why the American insurrection turned out the way it did but that doesn't matter. When I think of America, I think of Tiananmen square and the paper mache effigy they built of the "Statue of Liberty" and called it "Goddess of Democracy." America is a beacon to the world and if England shared a part of birthing such ideals then we enjoy a common pride. You must be proud to be an American." Sic
I get goose bumps every time I think of that conversation.
Would the same conversation take place today?
3rd of July
Northern Mediterranean, Lipari Island
I was on a scuba trip a long way from my hometown of Long Beach, CA. .
One thing that travel taught me is that personal interaction with someone from a different country is far more rewarding than any tourist attraction or historical landmark. I struck up a casual conversation with a couple from England. They mentioned that on every trip they seem to run into Yanks… "You bloch's seem to have a lot of time off for someone who is supposed to be safeguarding democracy."
I like to push buttons. I was in a good mood and ready for verbal combat.
I said, " On this occasion, our time off can be attributed to an event of significance over 200 years ago. As my American memory serves, a decrepit, worn down colonial power in the twilight of it's reign met it's demise at the hands of a few ill-equipped but highly motivated pissed off Americans. Because we spanked the British bulldog, I have the pleasure of scuba diving with you here today."
My tirade was delivered with a smile, and in jest but in the back of my mind, I didn't know how it would be received.
There was a long pause.
The British couple seemed to be in a state of thoughtful contemplation but not angry or even the slightest bit rattled. "Come on you Limeys," I thought to myself.. "Let's trade banter." I held zero animosity towards the English but I was looking forward to some playful discourse.
The British, 40 something, scuba woman looked me square into the eyes and said,
"Yank, there are many reasons why the American insurrection turned out the way it did but that doesn't matter. When I think of America, I think of Tiananmen square and the paper mache effigy they built of the "Statue of Liberty" and called it "Goddess of Democracy." America is a beacon to the world and if England shared a part of birthing such ideals then we enjoy a common pride. You must be proud to be an American." Sic
I get goose bumps every time I think of that conversation.
Would the same conversation take place today?
