The Impact of the Inauguration...

This past Tuesday, I got to watch the Inauguration of Barack Obama in a pub in London. Now, regardless of whether you are in favor of him or not, that is a pretty neat thing to say you've done! I feel pretty darn lucky to have been able to witness history go down in London! If someone would have asked me three weeks ago if I thought this Inauguration would have a large impact on the Brits, I probably would have said no...just the Americans. After living in London for a few weeks now though, my answer would be completely different. It is amazing to see just how much Obama has affected Europe. All over London, I see billboards, posters, and signs about Obama. Out of all of these signs that I have noticed, never have I ever seen a negative or nasty thing written or shown about him. Not only does America love and appreciate Barack Obama, but it seems as if most of Europe does as well. As I watched Obama take the oath of office, I was surrounded by Brits, Scottish, Bulgarians, Irish, Australians, Japanese, and who knows how many other nationalities. It was amazing as I looked around and watched the diverse room grow silent and saw tears rolling down many of the faces present. My view of the world has certainly changed since I have been here. I never really realized what an impact America had on the rest of the world. I have truly come to appreciate my own country so much more by having the experiences of living in a country other than my own.

Over the past few years, the view of America has been very negative. Not too many people have had high opinions of Bush. I feel like that day in the pub, though, changed everything. Watching those peoples reactions was a very neat experience. It is an awesome feeling when people come up to me and congratulate me on our new beginning. When other nationalities congratulate me and tell me how happy they are for not only America but for the world, I cannot help but feel proud to be an American. I know that America is going to do well. We have the support of the entire world. You know something is pretty amazing when you see the world come together and have hope. I am looking forward to seeing what the next few years will bring for not only America, but for the world.

American Culture vs. European Culture

Although I have only been in London for a little over a week, I have already noticed several differences and similarities between the European and the American Cultures. I've seen more differences than I have similarities, especially when I compare it to my hometown in Kansas City, Missouri. London seems so much faster paced. I feel like people here are always in a rush, whether it be driving, walking, or taking the tube. Also they seem impatient, for example it seems like every time I go to check out or pay for something, they get very frustrated with waiting for me to figure out which are the right coins to give them. The food...there is a lot I could say about this particular topic. Let's just say, it's very very different from what I am used to. Sometimes that can be a bad thing and sometimes it can be good, depending on what it is. I have also noticed the way they dress and what they wear to class. They seem to get more dressed up. Unlike most Americans who usually wear their sweatpants or pajamas to class. Also the toilet trees may look similar, but when you actually use them they are definitely not the same. My roommate got a bottle of shampoo, which leaves her hair all greasy when she gets out of the shower and some hairspray that smells and tastes terrible and does not work...at all. But...I love the fact that you can walk anywhere and if you can't walk, you can take the tube. No need for cars! I wish it was more like this back home. It has been so nice to be able to walk to the grocery store whenever I need something and the tube station is right down the street. There are Internet cafes on almost every corner! No need for your own computers, just head down the street and use theirs! Very convenient!
One of the biggest differences that I have noticed here is how religion is viewed. Dr. Wendy Stokes came to talk to our British Life and Culture class about the history, all the way up to the present, of London, England. She brought up many interesting points during the lecture. But one thing in particular that stood out to me was more towards the end when she started talking about religion in England.
I had always thought that the people of England were very religious and strong in practicing their faith. This was before I ever visited. The reason I always thought that England was so religious is because of all of the amazing, beautiful, and historical Churches that there are. Little did I know that these Churches are not really used for the purposes they were built. Dr. Stokes explained to us that they use them now more for yoga, AA meetings, and other various clubs/meetings. She also mentioned that if the people of England are asked about their religion they will most likely say C of E, but not really mean it. The C of E ministers even doubt if there is a God or not. Sundays are the biggest days to go shopping, instead of the day of rest.
Realizing that London, England is very secular really surprised me. I do not understand how such a large group of people can be so non-religious. One of the reasons she gave for the people of London not being religious was that people never really settle down here. It is hard to find a Church you really like when you are always all over the place. The elders are more religious because they have been in London for a longer time period and have had the chance to settle in and find a Church. I think that it is very sad that England is more secular than not. It just makes me realize how good I have it. In the American culture, religion just seems to be more appreciated and very actively practiced. I am so happy that I get to have this experience though; I have already learned so much and I am very excited to learn even more. It is so interesting to pick out and learn about the differences and the similarities in a different culture than your own.

Welcome To My Blog!

This blog is for my politics and culture class. I will be posting things on here from my field trips around London, my British Life and Culture classes, my politics and culture class, or anything pertaining to politics and culture in the 20th century that interests me. Hope you enjoy!