On Being White

This past semester, my Old Testament professor walked in and shut the door, cleared his throat and said, "folks, we are so white. In my class of cookie cutter Wofford students, he was right--we were so white. He had a challenge for us: study abroad. But don't go to Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or any other typically white country. He told us that our time at Wofford college will teach us about cultures, the nature of humans, places on a map, and the politics of those countries. However, our time at Wofford college will not teach us how to be less white.

In the short month I've been in chile, I've never felt whiter in my life. Besides the fact that I don't look like the people in Chile, I don't act like these people either. My whole life, I've been provided for, above and beyond. (Thanks, Mom and Dad). Take a moment to think about it--we have hot water tanks, washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, 2+ cars--only because it makes our lives easier. Our lives rely on things like these because it makes things easier for us. Chileans, on the other hand, do what works--regardless of the time or work required, or if there is an easier way. If it works, it works.

I've also never felt more ignorant in my whole life. Sometimes, I think whiteness and ignorance go hand in hand. When it comes down to it, I went to a country that I knew NOTHING about. And it's a shame. I learned about a history that I've never been taught in school. And it's a really terrible and fascinating history all at the same time. Did you know that Chile had a prominent political war during the 1970's? Did you know that a military junta took over the government, and thousands "disappeared" and thousands more killed under this government--in their own country. Did you know that Chile was communist for almost 20 years? And they're socialist today? Yeah, I didn't either.

The other seriously disturbing thing I've encountered is the fact that our whiteness is rubbing off on them. (I got a glimpse of this in Australia, too, but I attributed it to the fact that they are also a white country). So many things in Chile are American; it's almost as if they're losing their culture because they're taking in ours. And it's really sad. Just some examples:

1. Chileans don't watch TV, they read it. 95% of their TV shows are in English, with Spanish subtitles.
2. McDonald's--McDonald's is hoppin', ALL of the time. Even at 5 AM.
3. During world news on the nightly news, 90% of it is US news.

I almost hate being American. Not because I have anything against our country, but because we are ruining other cultures and we're not even aware of it. We're not all that great, and we're not all we're cracked up to be, either.

So after a month, my Spanish is still pretty terrible. The only thing I really have to show for my trip is a sunburn. But, if I've learned one thing, it is this: Being white is not always good.

Dr. McCane was right. When removed from your comfort zone and put into a place where you clearly don't belong, the experience is more rewarding than anything I have ever learned from a textbook. I'll admit, when I stepped into the Santiago airport and heard EVERYONE around me speaking Spanish, I FREAKED out (read: had a slight panic attack and debated finding the nearest ticket counter and getting on a plane to go back where I came from). However, staying in the airport, outside of my comfort zone and jumping in feet first is probably one of the best decisions I have made and will make in my entire life.

I only hope that I am a little less white because of it.