Mary Wisniewski
Overseas Columnist
“We just got a drag queen in. Is it OK if he comes in to try some dresses on?” asks the sales clerk at Top Shop nonchalantly. I nod quickly but am certainly caught off guard. I mean, the only thing I’ve ever been asked before by a sales clerk is how everything fits. Life in London certainly has a daily surprise.
I suppose, like any city, there are an abundance of people, and therefore, an abundance of types of people. However, London seems to be especially interesting. From the side-street musicians to Edward Burns to productions of “Jerry Springer the Musical,” you never know who you are going to meet or what you are going to see.
However, you also never know who is going to meet you.
Living my whole life in America, I have never been subjected to anti-American sentiment. I just see people pledge allegiance to the American flag wearing their red, white and blue. However, living in Europe is another story.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to a gig in Camden with some fellow London programees. As we were waiting in line, we overheard a young Australian male laugh and say, “Like, I’m American, like.” Moments later, he realized we were Americans and apologized. “You can say what you like about Australians,” he said.
My Islam professor tells us the United States is known as the Great Satan in other parts of the world. Many hate not only our politics, but our loud mouths, too. When the London group goes on the tube together, some will roll their eyes while not averting their gazes. A group of Americans seems to be their worst fear.
Although at times it seems that Europe has a dislike for Americans, it certainly is not every single person. Like with everything, there will always be some supporters, even if it is only because of their enthusiasm for “The OC.”
Last weekend, I went to Amsterdam. There, I met a couple of Italians who barely knew any English except what Webster’s translation could provide. One introduced himself as John Travolta and proceeded to sing Phantom Planet’s “California.” He seemed strangely enthusiastic and fascinated simply because we were American.
Sometimes it seems the United States is equated with President Bush and the WB. For the world, the United States is a pop nation whose purpose is to entertain. This often makes me wonder what I know about the rest of the world. Our Islam professor always says “ignorance is not neutral.” And he is right. Obviously, America is not just about presidents and Hollywood, just like Italy is not just about gondola rides and gelato.
Next week we will be in Ireland. Hopefully as we travel, others will realize we aren’t all characters in “The OC,” even though we do go to school in Malibu.
02-17-2005
