Book 1 Post 1

 

I have never lived, let alone immersed myself, in the United States of America. Yet, I find myself amidst them right now, following a series of personal and professional decisions that led me first to the US, then to California, and finally USC. As I was reading through this class’ book selection, I fell upon America Ferrera’s “American Like Me”. The blurb explained that it provided “a vibrant and varied collection of accounts about the experiences” of growing up between cultures, immigrating to the US, and adapting to unfamiliar spaces, and people. This resonated with me, as a mixed race child who, by following his international parents around, struggled to ever call a place, or people, “home” and ended up leaving the closest thing to it in order to move to the distant US. Goodreads writes that this book “will appeal to anyone with a complicated relationship to family, culture, and growing up”, and they couldn’t be more right. “American Like Me” was an obvious choice, and up to now, the worst part of the book was having to sit around for two weeks before receiving it, as I awaited with greedy anticipation. 

As I write this, I have read almost a third of the 300 pages, which are split into 31 individual accounts (of which I have read 9). Amidst stories heartfelt and hilarious, unique and eye opening, I was struck by the sheer richness of the text, especially after only a hundred pages. Unfortunately, I lack space and time, and so will now focus on just one, poignant story. Bambadjan Bamba is an Abidjan-born American-Ivorian immigrant, actor and filmmaker. On page 37, he explains that being American “has nothing to do with speaking perfect English, trying to be the American version of cool, or fitting into a mold.” Rather, it is “about celebrating the diverse cultures and heritage that enrich this country” and “playing your part to help make it a better one.” I must admit that prior to my arrival, I had never thought of what constituted an “American”. As a European, I can describe, draw, and write a typical French(wo)man, Italian, Spaniard, Pole, or Russian. As I got to the US, interacted with communities, and got to know “Americans”, I slowly came to understand there is no such thing as an American. I have lived in the US for almost 6 months now, and amazingly, if you asked me to describe, draw, or write a typical American, I’d be at a loss for words, shapes, and colours. Today, the American is even more elusive than before my arrival, but it appears as if the very thing that defines an American, amidst all this confusion, is his quality as a “multi” person. Bamba explains that the traits we typically associate with the image of the American, such as perfect English, have nothing to do with him, or his Americanness. I have discovered the very same thing, as men, women, and children of all ages, backgrounds, races, cultures, religions, or careers, have, in our conversations, proudly introduced themselves Americans. To me, this is exactly what makes this country, and its American people, so beautifully unique. What constitutes an American is not a specific skin tone, income bracket, or favourite meal (though, incomprehensibly, I have yet to meet an American who dislikes Mac & Cheese). Rather, it is a diversity, a multiculturalism, found nowhere else in the world. The American’s pride in his culture, traditions, and roots, which may revolve around Chinese New Year dumpling-making, debutante balls, or “tamales and apple pie” at Christmas, is exactly what makes him American. Through continuous racial tension, political conflict, and socio financial crises, I admire Americans for their ability to draw from their endlessly diverse backgrounds, and celebrate these, simultaneously, to form a people unmatched in their varied richness. 

Ultimately, the European has much to learn from the American. Many (tiny, to the American) countries make up our continent, but with the popularisation of far right nationalist ideals and rise to power of abrasive chauvinists, the (symbolic, cultural, and geographical) separations between our member states are becoming more apparent. If the European was humble enough to look over the horizon and beyond the Atlantic, he would discover (a) people who inspire to accept, even celebrate, the notions of diversity, multiculturalism, and integration I have been so glad to find, in America.