Wenchy said:
I hear you loud and clear.
I prefer places that are not "Americanized".
Do you like Emily's? There is a woman who is Korean, and she specializes in Philippine food. The cross segment of the society I saw cross through there was diverse, to say the least. We were all there for the food, and there were smiles all around (even when the cell phones rang...it was a "quickie")
It was about respect.
People sat patiently as they waited for their food. We had ours, and just watched what was going on around us. The children see this.
I do believe if one of my kids started stereotyping because of race or religion, that I would just about knock their heads off their necks.
Politics? My daughter has her own opinions there, and that is fine.
Wait! I thought we were talking about sunscreen?
Tolerance is good, but it is not the be all end all to multiculturalism.
Might I suggest the Marine Corps or the Navy. They have a good program for visiting non-Americanized places. Most tourists off the cruise ships and tour agencies never get to see the "real deal"
Some wonderful things they can experience from other cultures:
Thailand; Wonderful food, beautiful beaches. After a long day at the beach, have some coconut shrimp and see people pimping their 13 year old daughters in the sex trade.
Saudi Arabia; Hot, sand, beautiful architecture (imported from Europe) cars (imported from America), buildings (imported from Europe and America) excellent service (imported from Philippines) ample manual labor force (imported from Ethiopia) and after dinner they can take a crap and wipe their butt with their left hand. The next morning they can just skip a shower, everyone else does.
Israel; Interesting ethnic food, ancient Biblical landmarks. Friendly people- strike up a conversation with the 50 year old lady waiting for a bus carrying an Uzi and have her lecture you on how the USA has abandoned them just because we wouldn't loan them 100 trillion dollars interest free.
Philippines; Pork Adobo, lumpia, shiat river tours and $10 hookers.
Italy; Rome, ancient ruins, outstanding food, having your purse/camera/shopping bag snatched right out of your lap by a guy on a moped while you sit at a traffic light.
Mogadishu; Well lets just skip this place.
France; Wonderful art, food, ambiance. Just act like a deaf mute because if you utter a word and they discover you to be American you can expect to be shat upon.
The Netherlands; Old Europe, windmills, tulips, junkies passed out in parks after shooting up with a clean needle.
Why would anyone expect their kids to think a Nambian who uses clay plates to stretch their bottom lip 70 times farther than nature intended to be cool?
How about if the kids REALLY embrace multiculturalism? Your 14 year old daughter starts turning tricks for CD money, has her BF peirce her nose with a knife and sticks a bone through it like a Nambian Princess? The son starts snatching purses and highjacking trucks to support his hash habit?
We are Americans, we are supposed to crinkle up our noses and say "Eww" when we see crap. Thinking that the Dinko tribe from Zaire "Cow blood dance" is deeply moving and spiritual doesn't make you better, it makes you whacked.
I feel too bad for him being in agony right now to still be pizzed he didn't listen and got himself into this mess. Oh well, it wont kill him and he might start listening better.
