When I was a first year at a university far, far away from here -- a couple of islands deep in the South Pacific named New Zealand, to be somewhat more exact -- I was enrolled in a course that proposed to "engage" with relations between religious communities. One of the readings about Islam for the class contained a passage which left a permanent mark on me. The writer of the passage claimed (and I will not butcher an appropriation by attempting to quote verbatim off the top of my head here) that there is in fact no singular, universal form of Islam. People lead their lives, both through worship and daily routine, with seemingly endless variation and intent. Furthermore, or at least as this particular scholar claimed, there is no Islam, only Islams. Now, as my poor Cav Daily editor is probably wondering, how is it that this example relates to an overseas student's first impression of the University of Virginia?
Whilst the answer may not be readily apparent, this piece is an attempt to resist the generalizing about "America" and "Americans" that too often occurs abroad. Unlike the forms of American life that are shown through the myriad of mostly banal representations offered to the rest of the world through so-called "popular" film, television and music, America does not fit either the homogenous society of ignorance or the binary of violence and consumption often suggested in these particular entertainment forms. Of course, I am aware of all the rewarding cultural product that has got out from America to the rest of the world (I am still buzzing about living a short walk from Poe's old room!), and yes, I am aware that you can find the worst strains of stereotypes here in America if you go out looking for them. Regardless, it is the aforementioned trio of simplistic media portrayals that for whatever reason seem to most readily disperse to other regions of the world.
Conversely, my short time in the United States has taught me that just like the practicing of a religion (to use that Islam example) or even in the way in which people talk or eat, there is in fact no singular, universal America. Even in this small Southern town, I have truly only found a multitude of "Americas." Despite what some people back home and around the world would like to think, there is in fact no absolute opinion here; politics and experience continue to divide opinions, and just like anywhere else there is all the disagreement and messiness of life anywhere. I for one like and trust in that messiness.
Furthermore, to be sure, there is no general, all-encompassing bland homogeneity. People here -- at least so far at U.Va. -- appear to be willing to talk about difference. This kind of pluralism for the most part breeds diverse sub-cultures, which multiply the total number of "Americas." Perhaps this is even a significant reason why "foreigners" -- let us use that term for all its flaws over and above the frigid "Alien" tag that U.S. Immigration holds on to so dearly -- ultimately fall in love with the people and life within this place.
To be honest, there are many things I thought about America before I came here, a list that I will not begin to bore you with. Imagining a destination is what one does before embarking anywhere. It is the dream work, the very best part of research. I went on the Internet and looked at pictures and read a guide book and directed questions at strangers -- all the silly sorts of things tourists do. However, America is markedly different than many other destinations (Japan, for example) of whose cultural products I enjoy. This is mainly because, as any international or exchange students will tell you, it is difficult to avoid representations of America when you grow up in certain parts of the world outside America. Not only is there the ceaseless tide of American pop culture that I mentioned previously, but the fact remains that U.S. foreign policy, even the "minor stuff" that may be overlooked domestically, affects the rest of the world in local means.
I was three years old when my country's military alliance with the United States lapsed due to our government's hardened anti-nuclear stance. Understandably, this is a minor interaction for the United States, but for most New Zealanders this event had huge significance, if not economically then certainly symbolically. Ask any student who is "not from here." They too may well have a similar story of their own nation's involvement with the United States that has become a defining moment. This is elementary stuff, of which I am certain you probably know better than I do. However, foreign policy is certainly one of the Americas that the rest of the world encounters viscerally. This does not mean it is the only America that exists.
So, to finally address the topic given to me by the editor, what else can I tell you about my short time here? Perhaps some anecdotal evidence? A lovely couple called Dan (he's from Georgia) and Liz (she's from Virginia) showed all of the Southern hospitality of which I had heard so much about. The bartenders on the Corner have some considered political opinions and generous ways. The dean of Arts and Sciences spent more time talking to me than some of my professors ever have back home. There are rich kids here, and there are kids who are scraping through. When I was playing basketball one afternoon, I met a guy who had been shot in the chest three times; he finds it hard to dunk as well as he used to. Guys here can tuck pink polo shirts into short shorts and wear boat shoes with a straight face. I was lost and someone offered to walk me to class. Frat parties are, on the whole, pretty ridiculous. There appear to be many Americas.
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