I have lived in the US for the past thirteen years. In all my years here I had never left the country. Like most people I always wanted to travel and see the world, but just never got around to it. This year I decided it was time to see the world.
The past several months I traveled to three different countries; first to Mexico, next to Argentina and then to Greece. On my way back from Greece I noticed I have become more like an American. I have always looked at myself as an Ethiopian and nothing else.
Sure I lived in the US most of my life, but it never occurred to me to see myself as an American. I haven’t even applied for my citizenship yet.
In my trip to Greece I was surprised to hear my friends saying,
God, you’re such an American…”
They mentioned I was arrogant at times and unwilling to understand the ways of other countries. They also said I glorified America. In hindsight they are right. I did make several comments that started with, “This would never happen in the US…” or “If this were the States…”
It is true that I appreciated living in American much more than I ever did after traveling outside the US. I realized I was really fortunate to live here. So many things happened that showed me living in America is the best place for me, especially as a black person. You might be thinking I shouldn’t haste to make such a bold statement. However, I only say this because of what I experienced while traveling. Every negative experience reinforced by partiality to the US. There were times I felt there was no place like the US and found my self proudly thinking,
God Bless America.”
I wondered where this new nationalism came from. Without knowing it I have assimilated and adopted American ways. I found myself not understanding the ways of other countries. For example in Buenos Aires in order to recycle they have people that go around and go through people’s trash, leaving the opened trash bags spilled all over the streets until the trash company comes to pick it up.
This not only left the city dirty, but also gave it a disgusting smell. I couldn’t understand why they just didn’t have recycling bins instead of going through everyone trash. When I asked a local he said, “This is the only way to do it because otherwise no one will recycle.”
here was the instance where I missed my connecting flight from Houston, Texas to Acapulco and I had to fly to Mexico City first in order to connect to another flight to get to Acapulco. Everyone I encountered was so out of the loop about what to do it was so frustrating.
And rather than getting the actual help I needed I was met with either of these two responses:
- the wrong answer just to get rid of me; which pissed me off because not only do I not have my answer now I’ve also wasted my time.
- NO! That’s it. There is no “Oh I don’t know but let me find out for you.” Just NO! This also happened in the hotel I was staying in.
They don’t have the policy the customer is always right. In Acapulco I was told my private pool that I paid for will be rented out to someone else one of the days therefore I will not be able to use it. In Greece, my hotel didn’t have hot water and when I called to tell the front desk person she tells me it will be an hour before someone could come fix it.
I was upset since I had made plans to shower and leave my room in the next thirty minutes. Her response, “Well, I’m going to call the technician if I find him, then it will be less if not than it will be an hour.” This did not make sense to me at all.
These are issues that aren’t that important. The one thing I couldn’t get past was the race issues. I know racism exist in the US. I’ve experienced it so I know it does. But outside the US it’s different. In Argentina I was confused when people asked to take my picture, or walk up to me to touch my hair. I was hurt when a little girl screamed when she saw me with my hair curly or when a man touched my skin and looked at his fingers as if I’d rub off on him. I was furious to hear the locals talk about black people and tell the stories of how they simply disappeared.
In Greece, I was annoyed when people would say to me, “No, you’re not from Africa. They don’t look like you there.” I couldn’t really be mad at the people for looking at me like an alien. I was sympathetic for I was aware of their ignorance.In every country the locals talked about their country with pride. But they all complained about how their government was corrupt. They expressed their frustration about being poor and having limited opportunities.
In Mexico, even my rich friends complained about how the system is crooked and you have to give “gubo” to get anything done. These complaints reminded of the things my parents complained about Ethiopia. All these things made me feel grateful to live in America.
I know America is not perfect; but now I see it is the closest thing we’ve got to perfection. I also know there is corruption in the States, but at least if I’m poor I can work hard to move up. There might be a cap to my growth, but that cap is higher here than anywhere else in the world.
I say this with some reservation since I don’t know what it is like in countries like Switzerland or Australia. But I know the opportunities we have here are countless. If you’re poor, black, a woman, or crippled America is where you should live. I know some of you will disagree with me, but I honestly believe that America is the greatest country in the world, especially for a black person.
Published by June 5th, 2007 in Current Issues and Personal.
Wow meron. I am glad you had learned to realize what you thought you had taken for granted. My only suggestion would be to visit as many more countries as you possibly can before you settle on the
state-of-mind.
As you know, I too have been in more than 22 countries and I say to you in all honesty that America isn’t the greatest country in the world. If anything, its one of the worst. But of course, I too have my own arguments. But I am just glad to know that you have data to support your argument. So keep traveling…..its a wonderful thing.
Meron, this reminds me of a discussion I had with a guy on the bus. We were talking about traveling and he said he didn?t need to go anywhere because that America was the greatest country in the world. Not even Canada or Mexico, I asked and he said no. I said how do you know then? How do you know if it is the greatest country if you don?t have anything to compare it to. (I wasn?t saying the US was or wasn?t the greatest country in the world I just meant he wasn?t the best judge since his perspective was very limited.) I said he needed to travel and see other countries before he makes that assertion. You know what that ignorant a** said to me, ?I would rather be in America than be those people in your country with flies in their eyes.?
Anyway, I agree with Chele, the more places you visit the more you will learn there are places that are greater than good old US of A. They might not be as rich or as convenient as America but still great places. Happy traveling, Meron.
ere yemanesh?? sounds very narrow minded of you, or very immature of you. sure you are lucky to live in the states, you are better off than every person living in a 3rd world country…but god bless america? i wouldnt go as far as saying that…echoing others commnents, travel more and visit other countries.
Chelema,
I am stunned ..absolutely stunned…simply stunned! was surprised with your “..America is one of the worst”.
of course you have not backed up your “..America is one of the worst” in data, facts, clarity, comparision. so, you left it wide open for speculation, imagination.
I must confess, with all due respect, I said to myself, s/he must be one of the most privileged (past + Present) and or something needs explanation here.
But I tell you what!? With all due respect. To me, Your comment absolutely doesn’t reflect the reality of blackness and being simply black on this planet. Wherever those 22 countries are, you must have been the invisible GHOST.
Let me hypothesize and say this to solidify my argument on America first: Let me assume you were born in Ethiopia and left after the age of 10.
Thatmeans, you are old enough to know our collective mind-set, our culture. our culture, like other collective mind-set culture, imposes something immovable to your inner and outer freedom.
Now what thatmeans is, you absloutely don’t feel that inner freedom, individualism mind-set. you follow status-quo. It makes you feel like a Turkey not being able to fly, that can only circle around the barn. That may be good enough for some. But, for those Eagle type who want to FEEL that inner freedom and exercise that outer freedom to extract their potential to the max and fly, the burden is felt so deep to the bone. the soul is restless.
And my Homey, that is what America has given each of us –A CHOICE- to either be Turkey or/and Eagle alike. You will never find this inner freedom, let alone outer freedom, any place on earth but America. No WHERE!
Go and live in those 22 countries (including Ethiopia), with no resources in your pocket, and see if you can have that basic necessity and inner/outer freedom that you desrve to have and do anything you want that you do in this blessed America.
America, with all its deficiency is a dynamic country that makes its rules dynamically, progressively to benefit both the privilege and the ordinary alike, regardless of the gap. I rather be homeless in America than ordinary in any other place on earth. I mean it , I realy do!..at least I can go to the bathroom and find toilet paper. I was in Addis last year and stayed briefly in both D’AfriQue and Harambe hotels and couldn’t find tiolet paper. Their argument? People keep stealing it so you bring your own even if you are a guest. so you get my drift.
Look at us, for Heavens sake?
Would you have been able to go to Addis Ababa Univ or even Commerce college that simple? would you have unless you are one of the best!?
Would you have been able to go to college in Europe that simple? Not so.
Would you have been able to throw away your 5yr. degree if you are not fulfilled later on in real-world and plunged into another field, anywhereelse? Only in America Baby! ONLY in this Nefes Neger land!
Millions of us have achieved in the path we choose. And live a decent life that even Americans don’t. ONLY in America! Can you believe this? God bless America in deed!!!
Of course, to my analysis and interpretation, your comment is cornered in a very narrow-angle and and its spectrum apppears to be scanned only by your individual experience + your satisfaction of things in life.
I was going to write a lot more, nonetheless, I feel, you are giving a blind-eye or are in denial to every cruelty and injustice that is happening especially to the black color and our continent.
Our being Sedetegoch is the result and parcel of the world’s political order. But, we are the luckiest and blessed ones. We are in the most blessed land on earth.
I would love to comment on Meron’s so forgive me i have to depart. I think I have spilt over more than you can pick. No offense. I just would like you to awaken your conscious and get it to scan from various Quadrants.
Our skin-color is part of our dignity and when we get treated the way Meron and I experienced it, I say people like us better not say ..oh, it dosen’t happen to me so.. .. Ene Kemotku Serdo AyibeQel Kefelege.
Injustice anywhere is injustice Everywhere!!
P.S. also to those of us with dark skin like Meron and I, it is another extra hurdle.
African best soccer players are facing racism everyday on the field of Europe. These are the best in the world. But, their Africanism matters to what the world label who we are in their eyes.
Even North Africans (Egypt, Lybia,,) treat us harsh. ..so you can see the attitude towards our skin color. I could have taken it to another level within our country. but, let it stay for now.
there is so much cruelty, people, especially towards us Africans ..whereever we go, whatever status we may think we have/had ..so stay conscious wherever you go to protect your pride, feeling and security.
Forgive if i hit you hard. but, you hit the wrong button and caused the volcano to explode.
with regards,
FOB:
wow ..wow .. That is uncalled for!
If you have something to offer, then, show your mental power and educate and elucidate the writer and us. Learning is a process that we can all learn from eachother.
If in your perspective, travelling to resorts or countries only were to expand our mental horizon, perception, then you surely sound you lack one. you need to travel a bit more and also mingle.
Kiki:
nice argument but the issue is a whole lot deeper than just travelling around. you may want to open up a bit more. In my belief, Meron has opened up and experienced a lifetime experience that has changed her for good. Its good side outweighs its bad side.
As I said .. those of you fortunate, who personally have not experienced, you may want to open up your other eyes.
Meron,
Nice article! too bad you had to experience this agonizing thing in its ugliest form. They say, good things come outta bad things.
Without, a doubt, this will enrich your soul and open up another horizon within you.
Everyone of those things you experienced, due to yuor skin-color, had been experienced by many of us (me in Germany, others in europe and everywhere).
In fact, by comparision, yours was ok. you approached it as a tourist and as a confident American/Eth and so your expectation of these things was at the bottom..that is why in my view that hurt a bit more.
But, us, the sedetegoch, the insignificant black humans, African immigrants meant nothing to them.. to them we had no pride, feeling, honor, etc… (Huh.all that Ethiopianism pride bravado that we were bombarded by did a darn thing to even console our emptiness, our void.. .. HUH.. that even hurt more.. a useless myth that doesn’t prepare every citizen to this cruel world’s reality. )
Nevertheless, those experiences solidify and hardened many of us. Some sadly broke down.
So, homey, see it as a Rude-Awakening to your conscious and build something good upon it.
What hurt us Africans is the fact that we, due to our culture, give strangers unreserved respect. And that come to haunt us. They misread it as inferiority. what a lesson we have learned, the hard way! Let them call you arrogant if yuor confidence makes them inferior. keep yuor heads up.
Our African culture and way of life need to be re-evaluated.
Hope, you will never have to go thru it again…
FOB, you are such an I can’t even say it…
first she is entitled to her opinion… second if you disagree disagree with …
and there is discussion 101 idiot
Have we opened the Pandora box??? Safe to say where we live is the best place, be it 3rd world or amongst the world leading countries. Because for most of us, it’s what we are accustomed to. When I lived back home as young adolescent, always thought and heard that Ethiopia was the best. Far from the fact and the reality, we were poor. Transition to the teenage years of living in the US and realized how much underprivilaged, deprived, and mistreated we were living in a beautiful but poor nation. America is truly the land of the free, race/gender/creed, etc might divide us individually or as a group, but we have a right to exercise with a cap of limitation. I don’t know whether to say America is the best in the world, ’cause I haven’t lived in other nations. But the fact that everyone wants to come here and make it someone justifies why this nation looks so attractive. Do we work hard, slave, sweat to make it, yes, and is it worth it…well, that’s for the individual to answer?
I think why other individuals get frustrated on accepting as to why this nation is comfortable to live in is truly based on other issues; be it the foreign policy, international laws, pick/choose countries the US wants to support, etc.
When we choose to live in any nation, accepting the circumstances comes as a common sense. Afterall, most of us choose to live and belong in this soceity, right???
We should refrain from personal attacks, rather take a point and support your argument. Period.
my 2 Cents.
merisha…
sounds like u’re talking about convenience/comfort…opportunism (chances @ self advancement to obtain “more”…)…the chances of not being spectacle-ized because of ‘blackness’ and the service/tourism industry’s treatment of individuals.
wouldn’t you say those are very selective criteria to rank for the “best country” category of this pageant?
some jargony big language:
capitalism, individualism, commercialism, consumerism
Meru, amen to that!..God bless America
The best?….. am sure that’s an intuitive opinion based on what you have experienced. Each one of us is limited by what we know, thus I can’t see why some here are disagreeing with that….after all, she is not declaring America to be the best for all….but for her, it is the best! beqa! But I read your arguments, and see why another country does it better for you. If I understand what Meru is saying right, there are imperfections in America as in other countries {so, she isn’t claiming America to be perfect}, however, as a black person weighing the pros and cons of living in America VS in other countries, America is the best.
Personally, I could say life in Great Britain is better in many ways….and maybe not so in others (owwww…Rule Britannia, Britannia, rule the waves………) but after weighing the +ve and -ve…and comparing with what America has to offer, Meruye, I’d help you say America is the best! God bless America!
Fob, of all the things , “God bless America” offended you? my! then I suggest you reserve the words you used (narrow minded/immature) for yourself……..nothing describes you better.
Inspite of all the bad things I saw and experienced, I say god bless Ethiopia, the only palce my inner being is in bliss. I guess everyone has her/his own way of seeing things and measuring the quality of their existence whereever they are.
FOB—im not even going to dignify your comment with a response!!!!!
for those of you who disagree with me id love to know where in the world you think is the best place for you to live…
like i said America is the BEST place for any immigrants especially for one who is black. if all the countries in world opened their gates, i suspect America will be the only one with people flooding in and no one leaving!!!
wudnesh— thanks, that’s exactly what i mean! furthermore i can see why life in England or anywhere Europe might be more appealing because they have a better standard of living than the US. but no amount of high standard of living can justify the injustice you experience as a black person.
im not saying there isnt racism here in the States. nor am i saying life is blissful here. but here thanks to capitalism for the most part it comes down to your dollars instead of your color. and even when poor your entitled to a certain amount of fair treatment. the laws and legislations here are so that they protect the weak.
i met an Ethiopian family once whose father used to beat the wife and children. one day the kid went to school with bruises and the teachers found out what was going on. now the dad is an American citizen, but the rest of the family was waiting for their green-cards to come. but that didnt matter when social services stepped in and took the family out they gave them a place to live, assisted with rent, gave them food stamps, helped the mom take some training courses so she can find a better job, and paid for a lawyer for the immigration paper works to be expedited. in the mean time since they didn’t have a car someone was assigned to give them rides when they needed to go to lawyers office, they even paid for the kids to take music lessons, one kid got to go to summer camp which was paid for, and eventually they helped them find a decent car to buy. All this and these people are not even American citizerns!!! now tell me if this family was in Ethiopian, what the ET government will do about a drunk man beating up his wife and kids.
now dont get me wrong i love my country, even with its flaws. but we all leave ET and come here for a reason. no country opens its arms accepts everyone like the states.
bgFelasfit— so what would have me rank it by? i ranked it based on the quality of life. that for me included opportunities im presented with as well as my daily treatments and encounters. you can give me all the money in the world, but if im treated like a second class citizen no matter what…what good will that money do for me?
i also think opportunities are one of the important things in a persons life. it is only opportunity that allows you not to only personally grow, but to make a difference for families now and for generations to some. look at education for example. i know of a girl who went to addis ababa university. although she’s a bright girl she cant choose the major she wants to study because choices are given in the order your “matrik” (sp) score. now if you dont have the top score then youre limited to the choices that are the left when your turn comes around. furthermore i dont even need to explain the treatment you get from professors when youre a female and this is in our own country by our own people. now here in the states i dont have to be the top student in my class to choose whatever major i want! even though i do get different treatment in the engineering department because im a girl and a black one at that, there is but so much a professors can do to me. if i earn the score i dont have to do anything more to get my grade. sure he can be surprised when i set the curve or initially brush me off when i ask questions. but at some point i earn his respect when i show him im able to do the work. but this is not the case in most places.
chelema—please tell me what i can do about not being hired based on my color in the 22 countries you visited? i presume nothing! and even if they do have some law that says that is not allowed i doubt the law is really carried out as much as it is in the states!!!
in the end after reading all your comments i am even more convinced that i am right. indeed God Bless America!!
mindwithoutC, I am not going to comment or respond to your judgments with supportive data. You are entitled to feel as you will. So I will let it be. oh and don’t worry dog, you didn’t hit me hard. You didn’t even come close.
Mernoniye, like I said, the more countries you visit, the more and more perspective you will develope about the different cultures in the world. So enjoy yourself and visit more places. Its fun.
To me the subject of where on earth is most fertile.. Meaning the best place to live..
Foremost, we have to acknowledge the fact that preference is relative
That said, a lot of people preference is the US of a like meron mentioned mostly because its truly the most capitalist state in the world…. And that is a negative for some but a positive for a lot…
But for me America is too conservative… the “small government agenda” is pushed so much that I feel the gap between the rich and the rest of America is large.. I would even argue as large as the any place in the world… the only difference is that the “rest” are not doing too bad in the us…in comparison to the rest of the world
The concept of living life in such a fast paced manner is also not too appealing to me… I mean do Americans get a second to stop and smell the coffee.. no but the rest of the first world is not like that… they actually enjoy life..
I think what meron likes about where she lives is the fact diversity is widely accepted… and that truly deserves a god bless…
Meron,
I am with you. We all love our country. If our country provides us with the opportunity and the peace of mind USA does, few of us would stay here, if any. I haven’t lived in Europe, but I have visited and saw the opportunities my friens have. Wudnesh made that point.
It’s very easy to start taking this country for granted because it gives you the freedom to do that.
I’d like to hear specific examples from those who disagree because I do want to know if there are other countries better for us immigrants. Maybe I’d consider moving there.
With all its faults, I still say USA is the best country in the world.
chelema—you didnt answer my question! id really love to know if you could live anywhere in the world where in the world youd live…
i disagree. infact its the opposite. sure that was the case in the 50s and it seems we’re moving in that direction with the current economy, but america actually has one of the largest middle class.
indeed diversity is widely accepted here and that is great, but im talking about more than that. nolawi sure you can stop and smell the roses in other countries, but what does that do for you if everyday youre viewed as a second class citizen and there is a cap on your growth?
ababiru—thank you…yes please those who disagree please offer some examples!!!
I don’t live in America but I see a big chunk of truth in what Meron and MWC are saying. America really is a land of freedom, democracy and opportunities like no other.
Honom gin, no body compares with Enat agerie….for me that is.
I don’ think this needs elaborate answers. I think the key to living outside of the U.S. is the ability to adjust to the country. Some ppl have a harder times than others. Pluse it will be boring if everywhere you go was like the u.s. what will be the purpose in going to another country
)
well said nt !
Meron you made a good point. I’m happy for you the fact that visiting some of these places really opened your eyes. Knowledge is contegious. Ignorance is nothing but living in darkness and this is what most people around the world (including people you came across during your visit)are suffering from. It’s a natural reaction to be intimidated at times when facing racial remarks from people, including people from other cultures. My father who spent over 12 years overseas mostly in Munich, Germany and Montreal, Canada in the 70′s and 80′s has seen it all. Those days were ruthless when it comes to racial discrimination, especially in Germany. But a poor young African kid had no choice but to live through it but continued to pursue his education. His resilience in those unpleasant days thought him a strong lesson. My dad had always told me ‘you can change the color of your skin wherever you live when you find yourself ahead of others and continue to learn’ …
[quote comment="48748"]I don’ think this needs elaborate answers. I think the key to living outside of the U.S. is the ability to adjust to the country. Some ppl have a harder times than others. Pluse it will be boring if everywhere you go was like the u.s. what will be the purpose in going to another country
)[/quote]
nt—so as long as i adjust and accept the crap i get in other countries then its ok? come on!! im not saying everywhere should be like the us. i even accept that other countries will do things and differently and in their own way whether its more efficient or not! but youre missing the point about this being the best place because of the treatment you get here and the opportunities!!!
dinich—do u live in ethiopia? if not…why not since no other place compares to Enat agereh?
nolawi—
[quote comment="48750"]well said nt ![/quote]
on what basis? please!!!
meron
you’re right…you choose those criteria because of your values
some food for thought: At what/whose cost have these ‘privelages’ become available to you – politically-economically-historically? -how has this affected the conditions of other countries as the US focuses on its interests and profits – primarily to cater to the puruit of happiness of its select fine habitants…such as yourself?
yes…”God bless” …God bless the effects of decisions by America/Americans all over the world.
wow Bg–and what are your values? youre right i was assuming my values are the values of others as well. specially since what i want is fair treatment and id think everyone would want the same…
as far as the cost of my “privelages” i dont think the US doesnt do anything that no other country wont if they were in the place of the US. the main goal of the US is to preseve the best interest of its people. therefore i cant fault the US for doing just that!
I think there is a lot to this discussion than just making a bold statement that “USA is a great country to live in”. We need to ask ourselves the question, what is really considered great? I personally think that it’s truly the land of opportunity. So long as you work hard and play by the rules you will get ahead in this country. Not to mention the fact that everyone is equally entitled to freedom of speech and security, and everyone is equal before the law.
However, I also think that there is a huge price to pay for freedom. This is a society that wants to enjoy the “American way of life” without sacrifice and inconvenience. I don’t want to get into this right now, but a look at U.S’s foreign policy towards other countries will give you a good idea as to where I’m heading with this…
nt, …I think you are referring to the anxiety that comes with moving into a new environment. I think that is just a cultural shock, and if you are ready and willing to learn the norm you can adjust to that. But then again, the question is being a second class citizen, add the “race” element on top of that, would you be able to exercise your basic rights and freedom as a human being?
Meroniye, to answer your question, if I had to choose, it would be any where in the Scandinavian countries. They have countless records of due-deligence on many things that should be of our concern. Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Denmark etc. Even Japan is one of the greatest.
someone said something about a homeless having access to a toilet paper here in the US and not back home. One thing I could say to that is ….”Try being a homeless for three days and tell me if toilet papers are your most immediate necessities”.
Bottom line is, on discussions like this, we have to experience the many different cultures ourselves before making such a claim. And if that is not possible, then we have to rely on credible sources for making our claim. I like this country for what it is and for the opportunities it provided me. But it isn’t the best country in the world.
Here is one credible info I hope you guys would find interesting.
so here is the list:
#1 Sweden
#2 Denmark
#3 Netherlands
#4 Finland
#5 Germany
#6 Canada
#7 Norway
#8 Switzerland
#9 UK
#10 Austria
USA is not even in the top ten.
The United NationS produces an annual Human Development Report which includes the Human Development Index. The factors taken into account include life expectancy, adult literacy rate, schooling and Gross Domestic Product.
Norway has been the top of this list since ousting Canada in 2001.
Source:
United Nations Human Development Report, 2005 and 2006.
Top 21 Country & Rank on Human Development
(2006 report) 2005
Norway 1
Iceland 2
Australia 3
Ireland 4
Sweden 5
Canada 6
Japan 7
USA 8
Switzerland 9
Netherlands 10
Finland 11
Luxembourg 12
Belgium 13
Austria 14
Denmark 15
France 16
Italy 17
UK 18 15
Spain 19
New Zealand 20
Germany 21
One more: ECONOMIC FREEDOM
This index measures and compares factors such as the access to funds, legal stuctures and property rights, freedom to trade and the goverment’s regulation of markets. Many countries that normally come in the top ten on this page, such as Finland and the Netherlands (12th), Denmark (17th), Sweden (24th) and Norway (30th), do not perform as well on this criteria. 130 countries are compared.
Rank – 2004
Hong Kong 1
Singapore 2
New Zealand 3
Switzerland 3
USA 3
Ireland 6
UK 6
Canada 8
Luxembourg 9
Iceland 9
Source:
Economic Freedom Network, 2006 publication of result from 1970-2004. http://www.freetheworld.com.
Thank YOU UncleB!
I thought I was alone on this. To add to it: Europeans even treat Africans and African Americans differently in Europe. Not because they like their skin color than ours. But, onething is that b/c they are from the powerhouse and the rest is things that bundles with it.
But, the core issue is that -human dignity-. we face the worst -treatment- and our -human dignity- is subjected to immense cruelty & ridiculness.
During slavery AA “House negroes” used to live comfortably in the house comparing to their brethern out on the field. But the question is: as a human being: is that all we expect: comfort, Meznanant regardless of our dignity? what is it like to be treated without the desrved Human dignity? what is comfort w/o human dignity?
So, whether I live or travel in a place, unless I own (at least if I feel I own it, that is onething) that God-given gift human dignity then what good is it to pretend I am ok while I am flaming inside and feel the burden of it on top of you?
My perspective and experience is based on my personal experiences.
I GUESS people have to experience and be made to feel that they are stripped off their Human Dignity.
Dinch:
You are right. No place like Home. The reason?
no matter how resource destitute one is, one owns one’s inner dignity. What makes one feel less inside than another fellow rich is not the color of one’s skin, but the resources one lack.
being denied of material resources only makes one angry and its impact doesn’t leave a scar in one’s conscious. One lives and leaves with bitterness but intact with one’s human dignity! as soon as we get the resources that we need to live by, then happiness re-springs.
However, with racism, in a land that is not mine, it doesn’t matter my resource gains, the inner ballon of my happiness doesn’t go back to its original source and fly high. At least, in the States, especially, the MetroAreas, it makes me feel at home, myself. Even, in the States, i saw the difference between Montana, nevada, and CA. Here in CA, I feel like I am in Addis to a higher degree. There is always that systematic “cap” but, that I can deal with.
If there was rule-of-law, distribution of resources to citizens, millions of us would Definitely have stayed Home and would not even have known the XY factors of skin-color.
Chelema,
hate that slang.
don’t take it personal. don’t feel like i was tarnishing you .. it was a challenge to your post and sharing experience. Challenge my writings instead of calling me “dog” …
The way I saw it: the topic touched 3 main things:
-racism
-customer service
-attitude
so discuss on those if you can.
Interestnigly, we have even become part and parcel of it.
-We demand/provide good customer Service,
-millions of migrants brought along our junk (good and bad) attitude as well, caused Americans to constantly adapt and accomodate us. This I call a blessed land.
it ain’t happen even in our land.
God bless America, indeed! I was invited to a forum to talk about how it is like to live as an immigrant in this country. I started by saying “I don’t compare countries, it is apples and oranges…” It is not fair for Ethiopia to be compared to America. Each has its own virtues and vices to offer. In America, I feel free…to my own choices. That sounds a cliche but it is a loaded word. No where in the world could I use the word so sparingly. And I did travel. Even to other African countries. Now, the devil in the details and I will leave it as that. I feel happy in Ethiopia. No where in the world would I feel so loved and content. We all make sacrifices when we choose to live in any country, including our own. It is a matter of what matters to us. A question of priority for those of us who are lucky enough to make a choice. Sorry but I love the USA.
Mr mindwithoutc, don’t worry about it broa. I don’t take these things personal. Sorry I used the slang word “dog” on you. my apologies.
Chelema,
HUH… ! from your postings you gotta no clue what I am talking about. You have no understanding of where I am comng from? you mentioned Scandinivians, Japan… and so forth…
I guess, we value East and West “dog” . you sound you only look for comfort. I guess, You have no slightest regard and concern as to where your, as a African race, -Human dignity- falls.
You may live in Sweden (I have my cousins there) and my best buddy who migrated to the State why, they just don’t feel their inner freedom. I don’t think you are getting my drift. So I give up on you. Best wishes for you.
…and ..oh …talk about being sarcatic here..ayieee!
The “toilet paper” is just an example of what basic necessity we take it for granted here in the States that can be the most vital thing anywher else.
Go to Addis and hit by Diarrehea and see if you can run into LongsDrug store, or WalGreens, … and hit the shelf and pick up the pill you want that gives you the biggest relief ? and come back and then tell me.
Be a realist dude! ..
[quote comment="48777"]what are your values?
[/quote]
meron — i wasn’t questioning the validity of your values/mine or others — I was simply restating that the criteria you chose are EXTREMELY SELECTIVE to rank the “VERY BEST country in the world”
exactly the things that are making it the best for you are most probably making it the worst for another individual across the world…
[quote] i dont think the US doesnt do anything that no other country wont if they were in the place of the US. the main goal of the US is to preseve the best interest of its people. therefore i cant fault the US for doing just that! [/quote]
1. whether any other country could/would/may do what the US does or not…cannot be a valid excuse for US to do things it does… (most european countries supported the slavery/colonialism for centuries!!)
2. U.S is just exceptionally powerful – no country to compare, making its chronic selfobsession …obscene, imo
3. the people of the world should really just then do their very best to become “ITS PEOPLE” to have their interests protected aydel?
Meronisha
I agree with you America is great but there are plenty of issues you stated that indicate your inexperience.
You sound like you live in the isolated Suburbs of America. I don’t think you can generalize the experience of Blacks in America by saying they have so much opportunity. Maybe those who live in your super hot suburbian area. I for one was just like you. I lived in one of the richest suberbs in a town only supper rich lived. I think my family was the poorest there. We were survants for a disabled girl. So they gave us room to stay. I was ignorat thinking all is well coz i have only exprienced the high life.
Now i am living in the ghetto literally. The places you only see in crime tv shows such as The WIre. It is not a tv show for me. it is my reality. Places like this trash is not picked for days. In summer time there is no AC. So u got to go out on your steps to get warm. Outside you will have to face the rotten smell of unpicked up trash. I wonder if you have ever seen this part of the country. I am sure it is only a few miles drive. No need for air tickets. Your third world life is surrounding your suburb. Come check it out and please report your findings in your next blog. PEACE!!
chelema,
Thanks for the stats. I’m moving to Sweden.
Wait. I just remember what someone who lived there for many years told me. He said, when you meet the locals, they first ask where you are from. Their second question is when you are going back. Call it anecdotal evidence, but I’ve never been asked that here in the US.
BTW – from immigrant point of view, are those stats applicable?
As for foreign policy, I don’t know any country whose first priority on foreign policy is to serve what’s best for other countries.
I guess whoever called it personal pereference is right.
Semegn,
Nobody said it’s perfect, but if you are not happy where you live and want to move to a better place you have the opportunity to do it here. I can’t say that to the poor folks living in Ethiopia.
We all have the opportunity to better ourselves throuth educatio and/or by simply working hard. I am sure you are living there until you can do just that.
Chelema–thank you! thank you! that is exactly what i was looking for. now ive never been to most of those countries on the list. but i did stop by in Switzerland and ran into an Ethiopian who worked at the Zürich airport. when talking to him he said the country is a great place to live with one exception…you have to have your papers, meaning you have to be a Swiss citizen. and the biggest hurdle youll face is trying to get your papers. theyre extremely tight on granting citizenship unless youre married to a Swiss.
he also said although standard of living is very high, like i said before, there is a cap on how high you can grow, financially. i was told the same thing by DawitK who lived in Sweden for most of his life.
MWC–i definitely agree. there is no price for my dignity and that is exactly what im talking about!! i cant explain what i felt walking down the street and people looking at me like im an alien or something.
Chelema–i have a friend who is currently living in Shingani, China. from what he tells me his expereinces are not pleasant. also one of my friends, recently visited Taiwan. she tells me at some point she broke down and cried because of the stares and comments she received. now imagine having to live that way everyday? so i doubt itll be different in Japan. i believe yes these countries are a great place to live…but for whom?
i wish all of us asks ourselves why we chose to come to the US than anywhere else in the world?
sure the US is not perfect, i say this again!!!! yes there is racism here and my life would be a whole lot different had i come here during the 60s or 70 and lived in the south. even now if i live in some parts of the south my life wouldnt be the same. but im saying this is the best weve got as black people.
mindwithout—(whatever)….Okay may be I am not getting your drift. And I am glad you gave up on me ’cause the more I try to teach you, the damner I get. So yeah, I guess I have no clue what you are talking about. And to confirm your judgments, “I do look for comfort” don’t you?
Chelema,
I think you are missing the point bud. It’s all well and good you listed all these countries with ‘economic power’, human development report, or example setters for the rest of the world. That’s not the topic, and I believe Meron is talking about the comfort level of how it is to be living in the US as a minority, infact a black African. What is the standard of living for foreigners in these nations? What’s the process of applying and being accepted as either a resident or a citizen? Will you always be treated the same as the folks who always lived there? Look at Japan, a homogenious society that doesn’t accept others to be citizens (give you a resident card that can be taken away anytime), even if you are married to a Japanese citizen. Is that freedom and acceptance of others? The same goes for the Scandanavian countries you mentioned. We are not talking about how good the country is when it comes to rankings, I can just look at the GNP and rest my case…Ranking is just a number and it’s about competetiveness. All these countries welcome you as a tourist, but when it comes to choosing to live with them, a different story…
My 2 Cents.
Interesting read and discussion indeed!
Anyway Chelema…let me discuss why I think America is the place for me. I like many others I grew up in Sweden “Stockholm” and it’s a place I call home. I have most of my family and friends there and I frequently visit the country.
Anyway, Sweden is a country that has been very openhanded in accepting refugees and immigrants. The new wave of immigration to Sweden started in the late 70s and early 80s. Most experts usually don’t like to call it immigration because most including my parents came as asylum seekers or as part of family reunions. Roughly 1 million of Sweden 9 million people are born outside the country. Most immigrants as we know are from African nations, Asia, South America (mostly from Chile) and other European countries. As a foreigner in Sweden you are free to practice your cultural customs as long as you don’t interfere with the constitution.
Sweden also attracted many foreigners that had settled down in Germany, France, and other European courtiers because it had a more welcoming policy towards refugees. For instance Sweden has free education for everybody, elementary through University level. You have a great welfare and medical system where everybody has the same rights.
But unfortunately the attitude towards well educated foreigners is not always good in the eyes of Swedes. It is still very unusual to see foreigners in high position in the Swedish society. I have seen and heard people that I know who have changed their names in order to get to a job interview, which they most of the time will get turned down on once the hiring manager see their face. I have friends who have double Master Degree’s in different profession and still cant get a job while their classmate who they used to tutor have high pay position. I also know so many people who came to Sweden as doctors, engineers, and business men, but had to work at hotels, with elderly care, at postal services just to mention a few…
Even though I consider Sweden as home and it is the only place I know the most…the real Swedes are reluctant to accept a “svartskalle” (black skulls) like me as a true Swede.
So at the end of the day the U.S. with all its negatives..including it’s foreign policy, is a place for me where people of foreign ethnicity can engage in economic activities and make a corner store to become a supermarket, holes in the wall can become a real restaurant, a dream of becoming a doctor or lawyer one day is actually not impossible just because you’re black.
Life is indeed tough in the U.S., but it’s good and if you have a dream you can realize it! God Bless America!
dawit, thank you for the insight. You lived in it so I believe your comments and judgements to be credible. But it boils down to “What is important for each and every one of us?” based on that answer, we can say …this country is the best country for (ME).
My responses on this post so far was on the claim whether or not “America is the BEST country in the world”. I think NOT. Anyway, great discussions and debates.
semegn– i sympathize…but let me ask you what your life would be like if you lived in the ghetto in South America or Ethiopia. and you know it might not be fair to compare the US to third world countries so let compare it to first world countries. sure countries like Switzerland dont allow these types of standard of living to exist in their countries, but that is only when it comes to their citizens. if you dont have your papers what do you think happens? they send you back to your country where the living conditions might be worse. but in the States you have an opportunity to fight for a better life.
as far as my experiences, yes ive been fortunate to live in the Washington Metro Politian area. i actually live in Fairfax County which one of the wealthiest counties in the nation. but ive also lived in nyc, both in Chelsea and in Harlem. and i was able to see the difference between living in Chelsea and living in Harlem. for the most part ive been fortunate not to experience tough hardships, but my life has not always been rosy. ive also had to overcome my share of obstacles. But looking back if I was in another country i dont think my outcome would have been so pleasant.
again im saying whether you live in the ghetto or in the suburbs…here is where you have the highest chances of bettering your life.
Chelemaye—esti ebakeh..tell me what it is that you dont like about the US?
Bg–well said and i hear you, but im confused as to what about my selective areas would make the US the worst place for someone?
like MWC said,
isnt the us the best place even for these areas?
wudnesh–i would like know some of your experiences in England.
Well said LoveJones…
Chelema you are correct when you say that Scandinavia is one of the best places to live at…if you are among the chosen color. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you can’t make a good life living in Europe…it’s just not the case for most people.
http://www.sr.se/cgi-bin/International/nyhetssidor/artikel.asp?ProgramID=2054&Nyheter=&format=1&artikel=1391996
Why did you not include the African American civil right movement. If you are truly greatful for the life of luxury you claim to enjoy. Who do you think gave you that life. Ungreatful immigrant. This is all u do.
There is still more struggle being fought. Like the right to quality schools. You say it is easy to jump from the ghetoo to the super hot suburbs through education. Why don’t you join the movement to improve the inner city schools. How could a child in inner city get educated and win against the kids in your area of Fairfax. It was easy for you to move from Harlem to Fairfax maybe you had basic education in Ethiopia. Which helped you. You are just a lost immigrant who thinks she is American without being granted citizenship. Just because you live in the white county. Shame on you.
Chelema,
“’cause the more I try to teach you, the damner I get.” … Hmmm .. !! really!?
am glad, at least, you can see DK’s drift though.
what is comfort w/o my dignity, and inner freedom bro?
A killer that is in the US prison can sleep and walk comfortably with his/her own prism. That is a comfort within a cage, bro! That is exactly how you feel and are made to feel as an African in those environs.
That is not what I want for me. I, want to be free inside-out and also live with comfort without feeling as if the skin of my body were to being peeled off due to the environ I am in.
In short: let me advice you to read the “INFIDEL” or “The caged Virgin” by non other than our fascinating own Somali sister “Ayaan Hirsi Ali” ..i.e if you have not done so. She will teach you as to why some people are not content by just “individual comfort in their comfort zone”. she exhibits how some people are not just content with just comfort that is defined by other human beings.
a piece of advice, don’t call yourself a teacher. One can never claim one is one, that is, if one have in deed, an iota of wisdom.
Everyday life bears a new A,B,C before one even excells on the yesterday Ha Hu he …. so plz.. Temar wegen!..
LoveJones: you said it RIGHT very well!
DK: yes in deed. That is what makes America Unique. It provides a platform of -individual FREEDOM- to pursue an opportunity. The bright, the not so bright, the fool, the evil, the righteous, the ketema ARADA, the ketema Fara ..everyone can do freely, regardlesss of the degree and elevation of those obstacles. and that can be beaten !
with regards.
I agree Meru.
And for most of us who grew up in Europe, DK has summarized the sentiment analysis very well. I always say thank God for Britain for fair treatment of refugees and immigrants {not many countries welcome immigrants with open arms and beautiful houses -until I left the country, the bigger the family, the bigger the house(so as the number in a family increases, one was moved to a bigger house)- and benefits which include free medical check ups, free education}……but at the end of the day (even with all the equal rights and everything), as DK said, America is better for black people.
Semegen, the issues you stated are not unique to America….tell me if there’s any country, in Africa-Europe-America..or anywhere that doesn’t have those issues?
Chel, I see the list….personally I don’t agree (never mind they r official stats..or whatever)….I know many people who live in the NL, Germany, sweden, denmark and canada…..am sure they are grateful for the medical and education systems, but I doubt they will tell you any other area where their system is better than America. (As someone who lived in Europe, I can tell you that life is easier….and less stress than America, but u can live the same way eko izihim….as long as you have no plan to improve yourself. I am surprised you even ‘copy and paste’ Finland….bro, I should let you talk to some abeshas who used to live there…….We know what the stats show concerning Ethiopia, don’t we?(makes it look like the country produces NOTHING…..that’s all I have to say about the reliability of compiled stats data)
Again, I guess BG’s point is well taken….it depends what you think is most important,…..on the other hand Meru is right that there are some things/neccessities common to most of us. So, my opinion on this is that although medical treatment and education is expensive in America, at least you have the opportuntiy to make it…and afford it all. A friend of mine who went to medical school here in America recently travelled to Saudi Arabia for a ‘trial employment’…..and came back saying proud to be an American! Their pay scale/rate was
1-American
2-European
3-Canadan
4-Indian
5-African and others…..and that’s without the extra benefits extended to Americans!
Huhhhh…God bless America!
meron..great article. thouight provoking. controversial. although i agree that America is the best place to ‘make’ a living given the circumstances such as language, race, opportunity, democracy, i do believe there are so many beautiful places in this world.
i think what you experienced is homesickness. i lived in Ethiopia most of my life and even though the internet there is slow, there is constant power outage, it takes you one month to renew your license, no disneyland, hollywood..the list goes on i still miss it and wouldnt mind living there. i rather drive a Volswagen in addis than a beamer in DC…
Yes America has a lot to offer but how much of what you felt is because you are accustomed to life here and how much of it is really because America is the ‘greatest’ country in the world?
I wonder if you would feel the same way had you grown up elsewhere
so what’s the next destination..do tell
my god! please get off your high horses. i read 46 comments that have been re-hashed by the same individuals. mindwithoutc (there is irony in a name), i will try to elucidate and educate you on what i meant. i was being being rash and everyone jumped on the “hate on FOB” boat, lol. sad. be it as it may, meron et al. i can only say that most of you seem like you were forced to migrate to the states due to the past political regime(s) in ethiopia i.e. Derg, monarchy…hence your undying love for america. [I am ASSUMING, but dont we all?!
]
i feel as though, yes america has a lot to offer in terms of education, personal growth, career building…(you get my drift) but how many of you had to go thru hell and back to be where you are? and STILL reaching those goals, soaring heights, are being treated like [excuse my francais] shit?! yes, shit. thats what they call every goddamn immigrant behind their backs. america is not as free as we think. leave the suburbs and go to the hood, see how your next of kin [if you consider yourself black...but thats openning pandora's box] live? have you seen how african americans are being treated in their own COUNTRY?! there is soooo much injustice being done to the AA i dont know where to begin. some of you may say its a vicious cycle and that they need to stop killing each other, selling drugs, being knocked up at the age 17. i would tell you to go back and read a few books and understand why they are here.
also, so most of you are satisfied wit the life you are living? ever heard of brain-drain? there are more doctors in CHICAGO alone then in ADDISS!!! are you here to make those millions and not go back? whats all this education for if you are not going to help your ppl? if you are disgusted by the current ethiopian govt, public policy, education, health system…do something about it. starbuks hedo, or bernos lay quch bilo mawerat yetim ayderesenem. i’ll be the first to stand up and be accounted for. am i going to do something about it? you’re damn skippy i am.
meron, so you have travelled to 3/4 countries, enjoyed your stay in resorts, spent your time with rich kids, and you dare talk about a country’s social/moral/economical values? i have no idea how/what you went through in the states, but that doesnt give you the right to talk about other countries.
ok punks, i’m ready to tackle all of you. who’s next?
*sigh*
Visiting a country and living there are two different things Meron.
But to keep my comment short and simple, your expectations on others is quite high (as usual), but I do agree that opportunities are better for some black people in this country vs. others (that are most commonly known).
my point about your privileges working against someone’s prosperity is based on the fact that it all boils down to the U.S being a country with primary values of accumulating wealth and power (opportunists, criminals, servants and rejects/’the different’ came here 400yrs ago for what??)
in the international arena where the scale tips and capsizes in terms of money and power is in the direction of the U.S in most if not all of international business/power-play
no need to go into world bank policies, imf, multinational corporation, militancy, political rhetoric, UN decision making, aid allocation, anti-communism/anti-terrorism, consumerism, cultural globalization, commercialization, individualism blah blah blah blah…
simply put…
meron as a 15 yr old working in a chic levi store in lovely suburbia earning well above minimum wages/ flexible hours/ not much hard work/ great benefits/ stock options/ scholarship opportunities/ able to finance loan/car payment blah blah… is reaping the benefits of a system that works against
Lahn Anh 30+ yr old working in a levi sweatshop ridiculous hours/ dangerous and unhealthy conditions/ getting paid peanuts cos she can’t go unemployed, while she has to smuggle factory products out and sell out on the streets to feed, cloth her family
my basic point is that the U.S. is a country with selfish values focused on accumulating wealth and individual ‘success’ …
everyone else in this world?… screw them.. let them freaking immigrate here!!!
Who cares if the girl likes america for whatever reason that’s her choice, she has been to three of four countries as a tourist and she has enough understanding to make an educated to guess. The main thing that I would like to emphasis is that if you have enough money you can do what ever you want including the 22 poorest countries. To me there are a lot of people here who are educated smart, free spirits what ever you are we should be discussing on how we can propell our country of birth to the same standard as us sweeden norway rather kiss their behind, because there is a difference of being thankful and kissing a behind any way be cool
ayeee FOB–
first i didnt stay in resorts…i actually prefer to live like a local for whatever number of days im staying…
second i attended a wedding for one rich friend in mexico…
third that is exactly what the States gives me a right to do. i can state my opinion whether you like or not!!!
story—
ok no need for the name calling?that?s a sign of a week argument. now if im grateful about anything its about the African Americans who came before me and paid the price for the privileges i enjoy. if you knew me youd know that?
what youre trying to argue is completely different then the point i made. i never spoke of white America, but rather America as a whole?
also im saying traveling showed me things i took for granted. also being myself an immigrant i was shocked by some of my experiences even though i came from those experiences, therefore realizing that i have actually assimilated.
how presumptuous of you to think i dont know there is more struggle to be fought. also i never claimed it was easy to jump from the ghetto to the suburbs. i specifically said i have a better chance for a fight here than anywhere else?again as a black person!
again, youre assuming a lot?
in the end, i would think that ?God Bless America? included African Americans!!
[quote comment="48864"]meron..great article. thouight provoking. controversial. although i agree that America is the best place to ‘make’ a living given the circumstances such as language, race, opportunity, democracy, i do believe there are so many beautiful places in this world.
i think what you experienced is homesickness. i lived in Ethiopia most of my life and even though the internet there is slow, there is constant power outage, it takes you one month to renew your license, no disneyland, hollywood..the list goes on i still miss it and wouldnt mind living there. i rather drive a Volswagen in addis than a beamer in DC…
Yes America has a lot to offer but how much of what you felt is because you are accustomed to life here and how much of it is really because America is the ‘greatest’ country in the world?
I wonder if you would feel the same way had you grown up elsewhere
so what’s the next destination..do tell[/quote]
aliaba—arent you living here now instead of your beloved ethiopia? and how is life in the big city treating you? do u think your ivy league education can get you this far if you were in ethiopia? or europe for that matter? think about all the benefits youve reaped from this country…
[quote comment="48918"]*sigh*
Visiting a country and living there are two different things Meron.
But to keep my comment short and simple, your expectations on others is quite high (as usual), but I do agree that opportunities are better for some black people in this country vs. others (that are most commonly known).[/quote]
in2uition–youre right that it is one thing to visit and another to live there. but im wondering how my expectations are high? because i expect a standard that is comparable to the US…?!?!
my basic point is that the U.S. is a country with selfish values focused on accumulating wealth and individual ’success’ …
everyone else in this world?… screw them.. let them freaking immigrate here!!!
bgFelasfit—come on BG you cant blame the US for this!!! it is the responsibility of those countries to protect their citizens!!! the US cant be accountable for the welfare of everyone in the world!!! and those products don’t only end up in the US. im sure theyre also in Europe. In the end the US does what any other country would do in its place!!!
Okay people, God bless American, and Somalia, and Sudan, and Ethiopia and the rest of the people around the world. This discussion has turned into something more than an educational debate or argument. It is now becoming a forum of “name calling” based on a lot of assumption.
Meroniye, I see your point and that of Dawit’s and I do believe that you are both arguing your points based on your personal experiences. That is the way it should be. if we don’t agree, then at least we’re matured enough to say we “agree to disagree”. So, great work for keeping your discussion clean and mature.
FOB & Story, I think you can do a lot better in arguing your points if you simply just stick to your point of view and try to make that point without name calling. Everyone is entitled to their views and opinions without any kind of oppression. So leave the moron talks and argue if you have any facts or data to support it. Meron had put out the article because she believed in it and because she had her own facts to support it. If you do have that of your own personal experiences or credible data, share it and let it be the basis for your arguments. But this kinda talk will just go on and on and on forever.
I have decided to “agree to disagree” with meron. Plus, she is too damn cute for me to keep arguing with her.. lol. or sbs as we would say in BP.
meroniye…God Bless America indeed! I have learned tons and reaped tons. Most of us are somewhat hypocritical as we are all here enjoying the many benefits here but surely you must understand if we still believe there are other places with opportunity for success and happiness.
Is America the greatest country in the world or the most accepting? I find many contries amazing for different things. They might not accept me as one of their own but look at the things they are contributing to life, arts, technology, culture, religion etc etc
Is America the greatest country in the world?
All thanks goes to African Americans for making America relatively the best place for black people. Few decades ago, America was the worst place for black people. No place in the world has the old European ideology–or Arab–of superiority been challenged and debunked. I like to say outside of Africa, but even in Africa, the world is a mean place to black people. And African Americans are the vanguard of that struggle.
Thanks injera.
Ms. Meron thinks her life is hot now just because she is in America. She is too selfish to thank African American struggle for it. What a selfish ungreatful immigrant. Meronisha you got a lot of growing up to do.
You need to open your eyes to the lives of others. Just because you moved from third world slum into your white suburbs, it doesn’t mean that’s what America is all about. You also have to be legally granted citizenship before you can declare your Americanism. Stop boosting you are American without having citizenship to back it up. Most of us who got citizenship are not blind like you living in white suburbs. We are aware of who we are. We know we don’t belong in white suburbs we belong in the hood.
People, it seems to me when you can’t back up your arguments against the points Meron mentioned you are attacking her personally…
Which can only say two things…
either you can’t defend your position then you attack her opinion…
Second you don’t have a position that opposes that of merons!
You’re absolutely right, Meron and MindwithoutC! America is the best place in the world.
I mean stuff like these would never happen in America, would they?
This!
or this?
or this?
or this?
or this?
and of course, God forbid this!!!
href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSC_kFRavFM”
Oh, wait a minute, this is…ooops, never mind.
bgFelasfit, couldn’t have said it better myself! Min largih/largish? Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Here are the links…
http://g1g3m.com/katrina/images/001myfam_Superdome_Trash_Everywhere.jpg
http://www.mikesjournal.com/Homeless.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/pspauld/QuestionItNow20Katrina20Flag-727748.jpg
http://www.themilitant.com/2005/6941/NOcop41.jpg
http://answer.pephost.org/images/content/pagebuilder/49077.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSC_kFRavFM
sorry!
Story
She is entitle to her opinion. Beside where on the post did she ever say that
Only injera and Story make sense in this demn blog.
Meron you said ” I sympathize” why do you sympathize. I don’t need sympathy. I love my ghetto. I am just frustrated why it is neglected? It’s time my inner city gets the attention it deserves. It’s time to open good schools here. Don’t tell me if you don’t like that area move out. Most say you have a chance to move out to better city. Why would i leave behind those who are struggling. By the way i am in the medical field. I can easily move out and earn more money in so called ” good places”. I am needed here. I disagree with those who say you have chance to change. The chance you mention is to forget the hood and move to suburbs. I want to have a chance where i live. It is where I want to have a chance and I deserve it. It is not happening but i think it will one day.
-Character Assassination-
why is it done and when is it done and by who it is done.!?
by who it is done:
by one whose writings reflect as to who that person is.
why and when it is done:
when arguers have no DEEP/wider understanding of the platform:
-that they are engaged in
-when arguers overwhelmed by emotions and overlook what is discussed about
The main root of the topic being
.Racism,
.Customer service,
.Attitude,
if common sense wins over emotions, the topic only explains the branches of the =matter-of-fact= but the root cause is left to be xtracted by readers -as to How America is the best ONLY on those 3 things and in RELATION to us Black Africans in comparision to anywhereelse on earth.
The writer, again, applied these experiences ONLY to us AFRICANS (that is black Africans). Hard to see!? not by me.
Put aside, all the other -rasun Yechale- argument (best places, African Americans, etc..) those have nothing to do with the topic. The topic is directing its LIME-LIGHT at us the INJERA Belitawochu ..and our black ass…and our REALITY as a black African.
That is about it! Ameirca is not the best place on earth if we talk at a deeper/wider level and touch everythingelse. But, If we were to do so, so is Ethiopia.
In case if you got no clue of the reality in Ethiopia (or Africa), ONLY 10 to 15% of our population live lavishly. What does that tell you? I leave it to those with common sense and compassion.!
So, see the lighter side of the topic and leave the Author (any Author) intact with respect, I am.
The point is, Meron is only seeing one-side of the coin. It is a lot easier for immigrants that are viewed as unthreatening to easily maneuver their way to success undetected as opposed to Black America that is constantly and intentionally targeted to remain under the system by this so called democratic and free society.
Some of us just happen to see the irony.
Story & Semegn
have you guys actually read the article? what point are you arguing? the points youre making are not relevent ot the topic at hand. how dare you assume things about me who i am, my struggles, and where i come from?
have you guys actually read the article? what point are you arguing? the points youre making are not relevant to the topic at hand. how dare you assume things about me who i am, my struggles, and where i come from?
again my point—these changes you dream of happening one day in the hood…they can only happen in a country like America, anywhere else…the battle would be even higher!
in addition according to you…even though ive lived here for 13 years+ and have chosen not to apply for a citizenship…but there is someone whose lived here 7 years and has citizenship…somehow theyre more American than i am?
this blog was not intended to offend anyone, but rather to share an experience and a realization…
im saying here, even though its not great, is where there is the best threatment of black people. if you disagree tell me where else its better for black people??
Meron, thanks for the article. I enjoyed reading all the comments also. After a recent visit to Ethiopia, you will learn to appreciate a lot of things you take for granted here. True, there are tons of reasons as to why one dislikes the US, but we have to admit that at least u have better choices in determining your destiny. U can be who u want to be as long as you work hard and use the system that’s in place.
On the other hand, U can’t compare it to living in your country…so like Chelema said…its all about what you want as a person. America is great in some accepts and other countries are better in others……so it all depends on what you want…..but generally speaking….
America is the shit for ppl who had no opportunity else where….It’s a land of opportunity…
“sigh”
cece, well said.
America is indeed a great place for immigrants. But you Americans carry this arrogance and entitlment with you wherever you go. I have witnessed it often times even in Ethiopia. The friends I was with (from America) were always complaining that the service was poor, they didn’t make the ice cream with REAL chocolate cookies ( endew short of requiring Oreos), the poor Ethiopian waiter didn’t make the drinks, whatever fancy name mix they wanted, as good….. the souvenir shop owner ( on a Chat break) was sooooo rude AWW MAAY GOOWD!!
But everywhere is not america and america or american is not everywhere and can’t be. I understand the whole opportunity thing (I believe it 100%) I have witnessed what our brothers and sisters the hell they go through in Europe.
I feel the same about Canada, have had renewed appreciation after a tour in Germany, France & Switzerland. But have never met any Ethio-Canadian or Canadian for that matter that expects to have the canadian experience ( how do you do EH?) in Europe, Africa or Asia. This is typical American thinking.
Nothing wrong with how you feel Meron. It’s just the American in you. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Thanks Chelema !
Thanks Chelema ! U know I’m still waiting for another Dramatic episode of yours…..
cece, there is one coming. It won’t be long…this one will certainly be hot hot hot…tssssssst. lol
*degressing on a blog ahem.
wawaweeewaa lots been said but I just want to say that America is many things to many people and I think it helps to specify which America you are talking about before you say America this and America that.
As many have pointed out we are the fortunate beneficiaries of the countless who sacrificed before us. But I don’t know of any other place where idea of true freedom is completely confused with the freedom to consume at any means necessary. It is a place where the masses are somehow convinced to thoughtlessly identify with the narrow interest of the elite. In the mean time they do what they do and the masses gets screwed. That to me is a disgrace and an insult to those who sacrificed and died and to the universal ideals America was founded upon.
Story? wow
You?re a little off the subject, but you are contradicting yourself.
You kept on saying that ?She is too selfish to thank African American struggle for it.?
But it seems she is living the very life that African Americans fought for, which
was to have the freedom to pursue your dream, choose the life style you want, to have equal opportunity?..just like any other American and for that God Bless America indeed.
But here you are saying ?we don?t belong in white suburbs, we belong in the hood?, which is the exact mind set that African Americans fought against. So who is ungrateful?
The way I see it, she is more grateful than you are.
Not to be totally off subject, but if you are going to Ethiopia in any near future, please bring a book (educational book) for donation. They are counting on us to build a huge library to benefit the youth. I am not affiliated with anybody but I understand the value of education and power of books. Good educational books are like medicine in Ethiopia, so rare…
oh THANK YOU SSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and i ask again, if you disagree with me, then please tell me where is the best place for a black person to live in the world?!?!?!
i never claimed America is PERFECT!!! again, only that its the best we’ve got!!!
God Bless America for all of you who trash it have the freedom of doing so without persecution…try that in China and see what happens?
please change the subjec. Things are geting to be repated again and again.
I’m surprised this discussion is still on……geeeee
I think that a lot of folks here are backpedaling from the main subject. I reiterate that of course it is possible to adjust and live anywhere in the world so long as you will be happy. But ask your self this question, would you still be able to achieve your ambitions and exercise your basic rights as a human being in other parts of the world. I haven’t lived in Europe, but I’ve now learned how it feels like to live over there as a black person from ppl on this blog who have experienced it first hand.
Chelema, just so you know, the Human Development Report indexes countries around the world based on factors like distribution of income, quality of life, and what have you. It’s a good measure in a sense that it looks at the living standard of the average person in each country. So, don’t be surprised to see the Scandinavian countries rank high by that standard. But then again, as a black kid you probably will have a better shot at life here than in those countries. Again, I’m saying this based on what others have stated how it feels like to live in those countries.
FOB, Story, Semegn & co. all mentioned the other side of America. Well, there is no doubt that AAs went through a lot in this country and all of us who came over on a boat
should be grateful to them. Life would have been probably tough for immigrants had it not been to the struggle of AAs. Racism is still a problem in America. But it’s not like it used to be 50 years ago. I think this society has come a long way and we are entering into an era where we need to revisit our mind-set towards the issue. I’m from Bill Cosby’s school of thought on this…..”AAs must take responsibility for their own lives and stop using racism as an excuse for everything”. I do blame parents more than anything for not growing up themselves and teaching their kids to listen and learn.
I reiterate that whether you are White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and what have you, so long as you work hard and play by the rule you can get ahead in this country. Amy Chua is one of my favorite authors of all time, and in her book, “The world on Fire”, she made the statement that AAs are the ones that are most likely to disagree to the notion that ‘no matter how hard you work you can succeed in this country’. Again, it will be a mistake for me to say that race is not an issue, but if you are going with that mind-set, then you are doomed.
Finally, I don’t want to turn a blind eye to the price that others pay for freedom, as well as the foreign policy towards other regions…. The whole issue is a lot bigger that we think it is. I will leave that for another day…..
I’m throwing the ball back to Meron and I’m out……..
P.S. no offense & nothing personal
If you really think about it you can’t make anyone change their mind. Meron likes america it has been good to her and probably will be a good servant to it. But how about the rest of you to majority of you who are angry that she likes america what have you done and what are you doing to change for the better the lives of ethiopians in ethiopia? You all seem to be offended about what the girl said but all of you are here in confort while ethiopians in ethiopia are fighting for a change.
[quote comment="49113"]The point is, Meron is only seeing one-side of the coin. It is a lot easier for immigrants that are viewed as unthreatening to easily maneuver their way to success undetected as opposed to Black America that is constantly and intentionally targeted to remain under the system by this so called democratic and free society.
Some of us just happen to see the irony.[/quote]
i completely disagree. the same can be argued by the immigrant…not feeling like it belongs here as much as the AAs. however lets say youre right…my point is, the plight you speak of is even worse in other countries!!!
there is a lot wrong with America and much much more to be done! yes and i agree its not a completely fair country and yes there is racism, etc. but it is still the BEST country in the world for black people. here it is more feasible a change for the better is on its way than anywhere else in the world. where else in the 1st world countries do you see the possibility of a black president in the near future?
im so sick of people who live here and hate this country and everything it stands for… you live here yet you bitch about how terrible it is and tarnish its name, yet you still LIVE here!!!! even after you get educated, get your fancy job, save some money, STILL you continue to live here and say America is shit…PLEASE!!!
i agree with meron a hundred percent. what wrong has america done for immagrants? It gave us an actuall way to live. maybe its just the anger that ethio. has not reached its freedom and america soaks in it is what gets you upset and not thankful for the life u have? dont waste your time on hate and anger for america when you can have hope and love for ethiopia. as it goes for african americans i only see it as most of them put themselves where they are. You cant expect to strive and accomplish something by sitting there and playing the race card(its cause im black)everytime. period. if u want to be something than get up and stand up.
Ted…you are so on point. Couldn’t have said it better.
Yes, God Bless America and God Bless Meron!! I am with you all the way!!
Chala
I completely agree with you. It is right on point.
It’s easy for immigrants to menuver so easily. But way way hard for my AA brothers. Most men are in prison systems.
The only coin these recent immigrant arrivals see is their experiences in Suburbs. There are many other experiences that the media doesn’t cover. People think it is not too big of a problem. How do they know if they have never left their suburbs to come and see reality on the other side? Chala once again I appreciate your knowledge.
come on semegn–stay on the topic!!! besides, youre making a lot of assumptions about people ant their experiences which you have no idea regarding. just because we appreciate the system implemented here doesnt mean we dont identify with the struggles of AAs. Nor does it mean we dont have an appreciation…
Meron, I agree the US is the best place for a minority.
So my question to you is….you never had the “God Bless America” state of mind until this year?
As far as traveling I didn’t agree with you downing what other countries don’t offer outside of your comfort zone. I’m sure you’ve heard of “When in Rome do as the Romans do” If you’re not happy with other countries or their way of life then exclusively travel within the US. I had this same argument on a trip once with someone because she kept on repeating “Only if it was in the US” Well….we weren’t in the US.
If a local wants to touch your hair or skin then what’s wrong with that? Enjoy the moment and try to understand their side as well. Always remember you’re in their territory. You must’ve never been in the real southern states. The US is not all that it’s blacked up to be.
The point of traveling is to experience the world not to take your world with you on a flight to a desired destination.
So yes the US is good to us but don’t compare it with any other country on your visits. Love your vacations and if you can’t take a shower because there is water shortage then improvise.
There are times when I’m on a travel and I count my blessing for what I have waiting for me at home and not because I’m in the US.
Believe me I know of plenty of people who have traveled back to Addis to “God Bless Ethiopia” and find the happiness and peace they didn’t find here in the US. As wonderful as the US can be it’s equally as cruel. If one doesn’t have the money and the right connections the US aint sweet either.
MOC – glad to see you back missed you.
“If you’re poor, black, a woman, or crippled America is where you should live”
You’re not real? I all ways thought that the US was a country that values, unfair and inefficient distribution of wealth and power; imperialism, exploitation and promotes social -alienation- inequality. But thinks to Meron, I have now learnt to see the beauty of the US.
I can t wait to reap the fruits of Babylon, I mean the US….
p.s has slavery been abolished, in US yet?
I forgot the page number but meron you should read lies my teach told me, i think it will change your perspective.
celebrate–i didnt nor did i want to have a US lifestyle while visiting other countries. i appreciate the good and the bad i was exposed to. however, i was merely appreciating the order of operations that the US has in place.
whats wrong if a local wants to touch my hair and skin? well, after about a week in argentina i was fed up and annoyed by the treatment. i cant possibly imgaine what its like to live there and everyday have people look at me like theres is something wrong with me. not only is ti annoying its offensive!!! especially since you know theyre doing it only because youre black.
to the rest—yeah yeah yeah…the US us not fair and there is injustice here too…ok, but if you disagree with me, please tell me where else i should live, as a minority, in order to have the same opportunities as well as get the same “treatments” that i do here in the US…please…
In my humble opinion I would rather be down under than USA especially after I watched the movie ?CRASH? I said to myself America “egrem derese ayele”. I know too many of you wouldn?t agree with me but America is? yesew bela agree new?.
? In america there is no Minimum Wage Rates in a lot of states. Even if there is, there is a huge difference between various states. For instance, if you compare the minimum wage rate between Australia and America there is about $ 4 per hour difference.
? If we talk about lifestyle do I really want to live in a war zone where everyone and anyone is permitted to carry fire arms. For god sake this days it seems like deadliest mass shootings are committed almost every 6 months.
? Not to mention the highest crime rate!!!!!!!
by any standard I don?t know how America could be the best place to live in. may be because you guys lives in it you are blinded to see the worst of America. However for us America is far from being the land of freedom or opportunity.
As far as god bless America I say AMEN AMEN since my African (habesha) brothers and sisters lives there.
selam
baher… it was goood to read ur comment…
i hope those in canada/new zealand/china/amsterdam…
would also express their views
the U.S is a land of opportunity…
whether its the BEST country – whether to live in or simply based on comparision with all the others on different facets… each individual is entitled to their own opinion…*shrug*
[quote comment="49263"]im so sick of people who live here and hate this country and everything it stands for… you live here yet you bitch about how terrible it is and tarnish its name, yet you still LIVE here!!!! even after you get educated, get your fancy job, save some money, STILL you continue to live here and say America is shit…PLEASE!!![/quote]
you are being a bit emotional here. I never said I hate this country. I was merely pointing out that it isn’t the ‘Garden of Eden’ for everybody. Big difference! By the way you can’t compare US with Europe when it comes to politics. The US is a land of immigrants but Europe belongs to Europeans just like Africa belongs to Africans. Comprehende?
hmmm… how bout south africa? for a black person to live in?
“in order to have the same opportunities as well as get the same “treatments”” <– if looking for these… you wouldn’t even be a minority in SA…
meron. With all respect, anyone has the right to choose were they want live and don’t have to give any reasons. However to say that your adopted country is “the greatest country in the world” signifies that, you may have an identity issue. After all even Black and white Americans, would never say such comments without some motivation.
So it is interesting, that someone, who is an immigrant, can be more patriotic then say some one like Malcolm X.
Sorry if this is a generalization but, a lot of Ethiopian Americans give the impression that they have identity issues. Some identify themselves with American blacks just on the bases of color, just to fit in.
I would really love to understand; way someone would try to adjust their identity.
Eyob. With all do respect, I think you have completely missed the point. You should focus on why Meron is saying America is a great country. People who have never lived in America come to the same conclusion based on similar points.
This is not a question of identity nor is there a rule that says you have to say whichever country you’re born is the greatest country in the world.
Frankly, I find your curiosity about identity interesting (maybe another article) but do not see how it applies here.
Eyob,
I am black and identify myself with blacks, not just to fit in but I don’t even have a choice because that is how I was created.
Oh ya, I am abesha, ye addis ababa lij.
[quote comment="49838"]celebrate–i didnt nor did i want to have a US lifestyle while visiting other countries. i appreciate the good and the bad i was exposed to. however, i was merely appreciating the order of operations that the US has in place.[/quote]
Meron, my apologies for jumping to a conclusion. I thought you were viewing other countries as “not good enough”.
celeb—no problem.
baher–i did some research and it seems Australia is a pretty decent place to live. thanks for your perspective, i plan to visit the country on my next trip.
Bg–although south africa is developing at a vast rate, i dont believe it can compare to the opportunites that are present here in the States!!!
Eyob–im not sure if i get your point, but you should know that first i see myself as a black woman, than an african, than as an ethiopian; in no particular significant order. i dont have identity issues, i am black and identify with american blacks!! and yes your generalizing…thanks for making a note of it.
I would never calm another nation?s identity just on the bases of skin colour. Your ancestors never went through, what black Americans went through, so how can you relate to them? Is it the music, food, language, culture or history?
Yes my skin colour is black, and anyone that is black is my brother, but I am first an Ethiopian, then an African. The biggest problem with, Africans in generals is that we do not understand the concept of the state. Nation must come first before skin colour. Black Americans were forced to identify themselves as black, because they were never given the chance to decide there destiny. Just look at what Malcolm X or the pan-African movement was all about; it was about self-determination, freedom economical opportunity and rights. It was nothing to do with skin colour.
When an Ethiopian says that, he or she sees themselves as ?black? is a mockery to the suffering of black Americans. To be honest I have got more respect for American Jews than Ethio-Americans, as much they relate to the Blackman?s anguish, they would never trivialize.
You rock, Meron. I think I love you.
I’ve been to twelve other countries for different lengths of time, and several I could see myself living in, but only as an expatriate. America has a lot wrong with it, and the way we’ve been addressing those issues the last few years has been lousy, but the combination of things we do right together is too much to abandon.
P.S. I think you once told me in real life your age when you came over. I know you hate the question, but…
raybury–hmm…when i came over??? thats funny i dont ever remember being in Carol Stream, Illinois!!!?!?!
do you?
The Hampton Inn there is quite nice, and there are some great restaurants – I particularly recommend Brian’s Charhouse.
lets seen when was the last time i was in Atlanta, GA…
Meron, Man please, GOD BLESS AMERICA AND A THOUSAND TIMES MORE. Its funny seeing so many Ethiopians in America talk about they love Ethiopia and this and dat walking around with a flag, BUT HAVE NEVER EVEN LIFTED A FINGER TO MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR THOSE IN ETHIOPIA, they wont even help thier own family members back home. I admit I am also part of the problem, as I always talk about how the “man” is racist towards me because Im black or how the white man is doing this to me and that. But given where I came from and where I am at, I find myself to be lucky and blessed way more than others.
We all love Ethiopia, no matter how long you have been in the U.S. That is where we are from and that is priceless. However you have to be in denial to live in America and not see all the blessings we receive. THIS IS NOT SAYING AMERICA IS PERFECT, however I am saying America is as perfect as it gets living wise in the country. wher else can an immigrant from another country come to the United States, get free lunch at school. Get tax credit to help your mother out. Send you to college with government grants. Go from the bottom and clim the ladder, where? I am sure there are great countries out there but to me America is not a country it is a beacon of HOPE for all those who suffer around the world (not just ethiopians). Again I am not saying America is perfect but I just agree with the statement GOD BLESS AMERICA.
I have been here for most of my life and this is how I came to see this situation. United states is like your two divorced parents. You grew up with one parent (ethiopia) at one point and now you grow with your other parent (whom you have spent most of your life with). This doesnt not mean you love one more than the other, but you have to be a fool to not say GOD BLESS AMERICA. I will articulate it better, but I am in a rush and I have to go lol..
GOD BLESS AMERICA,yea I said it lol
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