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As an effete intellectual, when I was younger many exchange students used to say that I did not seem particularly American. They meant it as a compliment, but I soon realized that I took offense, because a.) deep in my bones I am an American, even if I don't watch football and like fine art; and b.) I love my country; but finally c.) I like my countrymen, the rich array of them, especially "the huddled masses yearning to breath free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores", among whom were my ancestors, even my English ancestors, who came in the late 19th century. I might sometimes wish that they were better cultivated and educated, but I think they are pretty good as they are, most of them... |
