Representing America
I have been in New Zealand for 10 months now, and my nationality has not been an item of distress or question until quite recently. For that, I realize I am extremely privileged. I didn't run from my country to be here, as I encounter in lots of immigrants. I didn't come here in search of better or freer government or way of life. I came here to serve, not knowing my country would be facing turmoil of the like that it hasn't seen in many, many moons. I love America and being American, but right now, patriotism isn't coming as naturally as it usually does. (photo above taken at Black Lives Matter protest in Auckland City) I learned from living in Australia and have been reminded since stepping foot in New Zealand that there is a full range of feelings for America amongst the rest of the world, from idyllic admiration to pure spite. There is respect for the fact that we, as a nation, lead the free world, but there is also a huge amount of fea