I try to sit and watch films of people from all over the world describing their daily lives, and what their hopes and dreams are, and talk to folks from other countries whenever I can, and it is crystal clear to me that people are for the most part in every country of every continent the same. They want the basic things of happiness, and no suffering, and the ability to take care of their families, and to love, and be loved, and most of all feel respected. It doesn't get any more complicated than that, and if someone tells you it is, then they are just applying their own personal ambitions to someone else. I am not talking about other governments or regimes, or any other ruling faction somewhere else. I am talking about the people under those situations. The true heart of other countries are the people who like us try to make ends meet, survive, have laughter once in awhile, and who have love in their hearts, and resilient souls that get beaten down, but get back up to try again. You don't have to be a world traveler to understand this. You just have to listen because if you do you will hear your own voice, and your own heart, but in another language, dialect, or accent. We are all connected as human beings, and our similarities are more striking than our differences. That goes for anywhere on this planet. If people can take the horse blinders off, and see people as people, then the process can begin, but there are folks here that can't even talk to their fellow Americans without calling them some political name because of how they think, or fighting them verbally or physically over ideas when everyone has the same goal, but different approaches.
Some people here think the term "Citizen of the world" means that you are not putting America first. So many people got up in arms about it, and for no apparent reason. I love America, and would not want to live anywhere else, but that is not what being a citizen of the world is all about. It is about accepting others and their cultures in the world as valuable and although different, it is important to them. Too many Americans think that America is the only place on earth, and that no one else has anything worthwhile to say in this world. Well this is a new day, and age, and the world is catching up, as the age of technology makes this planet smaller, and smaller. It is important to acknowledge and realize that there are places, and people who don't do anything like what you are used to, and their ways, and cultures are to be respected for what they are...Different. Barring violations on human rights, each culture has worth, and value, and under each of those cultures are people who are just like you and I but who do things different.
There are plenty of folks reading this who have been to other places, and far away lands, but you don't have to be one of those folks to understand that you are connected to someone an ocean away. A citizen of the world accepts the beauty that is in other people of the world, and appreciates the diversity of what they have to teach, and say. There is so much more out there than just your own back yard of ideas and concepts, that to shut them out because someone doesn't do what you do is almost an injustice to yourself. Too many times we lump people of other countries in with the actions of their Government, or a radical group that happens to be of their religion or region. That is also unfair in itself, as many Americans of various groups jump up and down screaming when they are labeled as racists, religious nuts, criminals, or xenophobes. Why should we label groups from other countries as the names that they get called?
We as Americans often forget that some may look at us as Colonizers, meddlers, hypocrites, and self absorbed whiners, who have more in our sole possession than most families have in theirs from another country. But a citizen of the world from another country can look past that, and see just the American people and their heart and souls, which is what we are proudest of. I am a true believer that yes people are different all over the world, but we are truly all connected to each other, and don't have to speak the same language to smile at one another, shake hands, or be of comfort if there is sadness, or feel empathy if there is tragedy. I love people and other cultures, and there is much to absorb and learn from people who live differently, no matter where they may be. I often get the opportunity to talk with people here about the country that they came from, and it is a reaffirmation of what I said above when I do. They are the same as me. Hopes, dreams, love, heartache, laughter, sadness. The same elements that make up so many of us Americans. There is a distinct difference between patriotism, and a distorted vision of how we view ourselves as America. As most people know, but seem to forget, this land was the Native American's land, and most people here are not indigenous. They are from different places, and historic cultures, thrown together to make a unique melting pot culture of our own. Yes America is wonderful, but it is not the only place in the world, nor is it the answer to all of the world's problems. It is an infant country compared to the age many other cultures, but you would never know that by talking with some folks. Being a citizen of the world allows you to be aware of that aspect, and lose the highbrow, "Well I'm an American so go screw yourself" attitude. America is not the root of all evil in the world, nor is it the flower of virtue. Understand that concept, and you can accept the fact that sometimes the answers you seek are not just between New York, and Los Angeles.
It is wonderful to be a citizen of the world, because I can look at someone from somewhere else, and not just call him/her brother or sister, but I can truly feel that feeling of unity that is so needed for all of us to get along and accept one another. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all considered ourselves not only Americans, but citizens of the world? The ability to accept, find beauty in, and share communion of friendship with other cultures and share yours is as fulfilling as anything you can look for because the affirmation that people are like us makes us feel not so alone in the world. Yes these ideas sound like Hippie talk to quite a few folks, but I don't see anything wrong with wanting the world to get along, and for people to feel connected to others that they have never met. As the question in the song asks, "What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding?" My response is..Not a damn thing.
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