Travelling Consideration
by J. W. Murphy
Friday, September 12, 2003
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*Aug. 31, 2003.
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Travelling the world has taught me tolerance, patience, and acceptance--
It has vanquished egotistical "American" phrases from my vocabulary
Like--"That's not the way we do it back home," or, "Why do they remove their shoes at the entrance?"
Replacing them with, "How does this country do it?" and, "What traditions are customary?"
Nothing bothers me more, than to hear my fellow citizens bitch and moan
About how that country does this or that the wrong way.
As if we "Americans," who live in a relatively new country, have the right to groan
About an old country, perhaps ten times older than ours, from which our ancestors came.
As they say, "When in Rome . . ."--we should respect, learn, and obey the culture while visiting there.
For, making the attempt is all that really matters to most people, anyway.
They'll be flattered, simply, at the attempt to observe and communicate, most anywhere.
Truly, acceptance and respect can help the "ugly American" slogan to fade away.
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| Reviewed by Sara Coslett |
9/12/2003 |
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| Hi J. Murphy. To me traveling is about learning how other people live. About other cultures and ways of life. It is not about me imposing my ways onto them. I do that when I get visitors, that is why they come here. But when in Rome, do as the Romans and your world will be expanded. |
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| Reviewed by Tami Ryan |
9/12/2003 |
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J.,
You expressed the desire for genuine critique... I won't critique your words written here, but I'll critique (Read: Critique, not criticize) your work/form. This reads as though you're posting on an opinion board. Obviously, these words mean much to you. So, take these very thoughts and mull them over in your mind for a bit longer. Then, write a POEM about those thoughts.
"To create a poem is to compress the primary weight of a rock into a feather." (Source Unknown)
Very best regards,
Tami |
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| Reviewed by Tinka Boukes |
9/12/2003 |
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Well written J!!
Love Tinka |
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| Reviewed by Carolyn Red Bear (The Bear Paw) |
9/12/2003 |
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Consideration IS what matters, J, in all areas of life! Thank you for this...
In Spirit,
Bear |
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| Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader) |
9/12/2003 |
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| I, for one, am sick to the teeth about hearing how uncouth we here in America are. Being so much older than we are really doesn't mean much in my way of thinking. my grandmother was over a hundred when she died and couldn't even remember her name. I'm American and I am proud to be one. |
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