Americanism

I have never really understood politics well or been able to explain various democratic ideals, but since being in Spain I have never missed the American system more. My first frustrating encounter this week, with the Spanish way of life, was my attempt to purchase a notebook. Who knew such aganst could be created from the simple desire to purchase paper. Several problems arose as I ventured to buy my much needed school supplies. Firstly, store hours. I have previously disscused how Spainards see work as a means to obtain food...solely... the thought of working for more hours than nescessary is unimaginable. Stores are open for an average of 48 hours a week, literally (people here are still struggling to understand the %18 unemployment rate). So when I was finally able to skid into a popular department store to purchase my notebook, I found that the selections avalible cost an average of 10 euros. In AMERICA people can buy paper for 10 cents! What is happening in this country that to buy class notebook is the equivalent to 2 hours of work! So after scrounging around for about a half an hour to find the cheapest possible option I went to purchase my goods. I had also picked out a cardboard folder, for which the woman at the desk wanted to charge me almost 4 euros. I decided not to buy the cardboard and save my money for food, the reason for existance to a Spainiard. My largest encounter with socialism so far, is undoubtedly my attempt to volunteer to feed the homeless. Because offering cups of coffee to complete strangers is an extremly risky venture, the Spanish governement has taken the necessary steps to make sure you wont sue the country if you accidently burn your hand on the hot coffee. Clearly, the best way to accomplish safty while serving drinks is to mandate a class to prospective voulenteers, warning them of the dangers they may face while encountering a new species of people: THE HOMELESS. For the low, low price of 20 euros you too can be educated on the dangers of your ignorant compassion. During this two hour informative session you will be given a 220 page ¨Manual del Voluntario¨ all in Spanish so that you may educate yourself on the dangers of serving others. The also provide a complementary list of all laws and rights affored to you by the Spanish government. Of course, no participants are allowed under the age of 18 and the most productive environment for all the volunteers, is if we all respect each other and each other´s viewpoints. There is to be no relgious propaganda, or political innuendos in your disscussions, you must simply encourage the person with simple words while gingerly cooling their coffee, so as to avoid any painful burns.

Some of my fellow students do not share my hightened appreciation for our great country. I suppose it will always be so, but it is difficult for me not to be nostalgic for target notebooks and Belle Glade soup kitchens after my most recent experiances. Since I have been here, I have loved learning and experiancing the differnt flavor of the people, but I will never be able to call it home. America is truly such a wonderful place and I cant wait to buy my next bottle of shampoo from the cheap shelves of capitalism.

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