How I see the US after living in Europe for 6 years

Summary

The video explores the narrator’s evolving perspective on the United States. Initially disillusioned by divisiveness and the country’s issues, the narrator embarks on a journey to Colorado, where a friend lives in a small mountain town. This experience immerses the narrator in a different side of America, showcasing its beauty, simplicity, and the strength of community. The narrative reflects on personal growth, the search for meaning, and the realization that issues are universal, not uniquely American. Ultimately, the journey highlights a complex, yet more appreciative, view of the country and its diverse experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Pledge of Allegiance in the U.S. is a deeply ingrained practice, but it raises questions about its meaning, especially for children who may not understand what they are pledging.
• 😀 The narrator questions whether pledging allegiance limits one's ability to criticize the country and the actions of its government.
• 😀 Growing up in the U.S., the narrator felt stuck, disillusioned by societal problems such as divisiveness and gun violence, and sought an escape from this environment.
• 😀 Spending time abroad led the narrator to realize that the issues they were running from were not uniquely American, but part of broader human struggles in the 21st century.
• 😀 The narrator traveled to a small mountain town in Colorado, where they were introduced to a different perspective on America, emphasizing the importance of nature and community.
• 😀 Despite initially feeling out of place in the small town, the narrator was able to appreciate the lifestyle, which focused on outdoor activities and a tight-knit community.
• 😀 The narrator reflects on the universal human desire to escape places that feel confining, which is evident both in their own experience and in other people's desire to leave rural areas for the city.
• 😀 A key aspect of the narrator's time in Colorado was experiencing the beauty and vastness of the American wilderness, which helped shift their view of the country.
• 😀 Schaefer, a local filmmaker, shares how he learned to appreciate his small town life after initially wanting to leave, highlighting the importance of perspective and choice in finding satisfaction.
• 😀 The narrator recognizes that fulfillment and meaning come from engaging with others and being a part of a community, a lesson they learned from their time with Schaefer and his friends.
• 😀 Although the narrator continues to struggle with the U.S.'s issues, they have developed a more nuanced view of the country, appreciating its beauty, its people, and the complexity of their own relationship with it.

Q & A

Why does the speaker reflect on the Pledge of Allegiance?

The speaker reflects on the Pledge of Allegiance because, as a child, it was a routine part of school life, but they question its meaning as they grow older. They wonder if pledging allegiance to the flag contradicts their ability to criticize the country's actions.

How does the speaker's perspective on America evolve over the course of the video?

Initially, the speaker feels disillusioned with the U.S., critical of its divisiveness, gun violence, and politics. However, after visiting a small town in Colorado and experiencing its natural beauty and sense of community, they gain a more balanced perspective, appreciating the country’s landscapes and people.

What does the speaker mean by the 'real wealth' of America?

The speaker refers to the vast, stunning natural landscapes of the U.S. as its 'real wealth.' They contrast this with the country’s economic focus on GDP, military power, and the wealth of billionaires, suggesting that true value lies in nature and community.

How does the speaker's personal background influence their view of America?

The speaker's background in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon, where they felt disconnected and stuck, shaped their negative view of America. Their desire to escape was rooted in a sense of being trapped in a lifestyle that didn’t suit them.

What role does Schaer play in the speaker’s journey of rediscovery?

Schaer serves as a guide, introducing the speaker to the quieter, more peaceful side of America in a small Colorado town. Through Schaer’s experiences, the speaker learns to appreciate a different way of life that contrasts with their previous view of the U.S.

What is the significance of the speaker’s trip to the mountain in Colorado?

The trip to the mountain symbolizes a personal challenge and a way for the speaker to reconnect with nature and overcome their past discontent. It is also a literal and metaphorical climb, where the speaker feels awe and a new sense of perspective on life.

How does the speaker’s view on freedom and life choices evolve throughout the video?

The speaker initially thought that leaving the U.S. would grant them freedom, but they now realize that the issues they faced were not unique to America. They come to understand that personal freedom and fulfillment depend more on one’s mindset and actions than on geography.

Why does the speaker highlight their time in France and the concept of 'third culture kids'?

The speaker mentions their life in France and being a 'third culture kid' to illustrate that identity is complex and not bound to one country. They emphasize how people like them, who blend multiple cultures, may feel more connected to individuals who share a similar, non-nationalistic identity.

What does the speaker mean by the phrase 'escaping the places we feel stuck'?

The speaker refers to the universal human desire to escape situations or environments that make them feel confined or misunderstood, whether in small towns, big cities, or even countries. It’s a metaphor for seeking freedom, meaning, and connection.

What is the speaker’s takeaway from their experience in small-town America?

The speaker’s takeaway is that community and human connection are crucial for finding fulfillment. Even in a small town with limited opportunities, they learn that satisfaction comes from active participation in life and embracing a sense of belonging.