“The Birthday of America”

"Is today the birthday of America?” -a child asked a fellow classmate in Italian

 Generally I don’t care for the holiday, mainly because I dislike fireworks. However, in attempts to stay connected to home while living in a foreign country, I choose to be an overtly obnoxious American in celebration. I wanted all the potato chips, and Budweiser, and McDonalds’ Big Macs and Coca-Cola I could get my hard working American hands on. So I was quite elated when the majority of our study abroad group gathered for a good ol’ American hot dog on the Fourth of July. I had my country accent in full effect and my red, white and blue as bright as possible. It was a great time for me. We even convinced our Italian resident director to dress for the occasion! Throughout the day I would randomly bust out in song, “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free…” I would say that all my antics were a victory for America by themselves.

Despite perpetuating all the stereotypes that we’re all egocentric, loud, rude, that all we eat is hamburgers and fast food, and that we expect everyone abroad to speak our language, the Italians were kind and hospitable. It was hard to keep up with the over the top dramatics because the Italians in Viterbo were so calm and desirable to follow. This year my holiday was unlike any other, but I loved it. Out of the past five Independence Days, I have spent three outside of the United States. I love my country, but I think it’s a tradition I’d like to continue. (Minus the obscenities.)