Wow, it's been a while! I've finished my papers, midterms, presentations, etc. (for now), and therefore, it's about time for a rant!
With my Europe trip coming closer, obviously my mind is already over there - even though technically I should be focusing more on my schoolwork, my future, and how I'm actually going to get my room packed up before I go home. But I can't help it! I can't stop thinking about my trip! I have no idea what to expect, and I hardly know anyone who has been to the places I'm going. Think of the stories I'll be able to tell!
First of all, I would like to share one of my most important goals with you. Obviously, down the road I plan to get a degree, a career...good, wholesome things like that. But right now, one thing that surpasses the others in my mind is this: I would like to have visited every continent before I turn twenty-five. Okay, maybe not Antarctica. Six out of seven continents sounds ambitious enough, doesn't it? By this summer, I'll be halfway there. I know that I can do it, it's just a matter of time, commitment, and, alas, money. Once I've touched every continent, I'm not going to stop travelling - don't worry! It just means that I've covered the basics. Think of it as the warm-up run if you will.
Now, why am I really here tonight?
Lately, I've been planning to take on the world and see as many different places, meet as many different people, and experience as many cultures as I possibly can. I'm thrilled to say that I've met tons of like-minded people who value culture and travel.
Unfortunately, I'
ve also met a select few who are complete polar opposites.
I don't mean people who simply don't travel. I understand that travelling - especially backpacking - isn't for everyone. For differing personal, social, or financial reasons, many people choose not to travel. For some it isn't even a choice. Whom I'm addressing here are the ignorant people.
I have heard some pretty unbelievable comments in the way of cultural stereotyping. I am totally, 100% against racial discrimination. When I hear people saying things about these groups which they know nothing about, it drives me absolutely insane. I personally try to take every step I can towards keeping cultural ignorance to a minimum. I feel that the way the world is today, it can't be stressed enough how inappropriate cultural stereotypes and ignorance are - not that they weren't always.
I understand that not everyone is interested in travel or culture. That's fine! Everyone has their thing...mine is travel, yours may be sports, video games, music...the possibilities are limitless! I'm not saying that people who don't travel are all culturally unaware. I know lots of people who haven't left North America who are VERY culturally savvy. I also know people who don't travel, don't know a whole lot about other cultures, but are still very respectful to other groups. Thumbs up!
But if you just don't bother being considerate of other groups, or think it's funny to make inappropriate statements, THAT is what gets me. Before you make a comment that could be offensive, please think before you speak.
On a brighter note, I'm loving the support from my followers! Keep 'er coming!
Also, my brother is washing his Nudies in a matter of weeks! Things are looking up!
Questions? Comments? Criticisms? I'd love to hear them all! the-wanderingjew@hotmail.com
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