As we waited for the next Bordeaux tram to arrive, my friend and
I amused ourselves by cracking ridiculous jokes about dating. In my
peripheral vision, I noticed an older man dressed in a suit slowly
make his way toward us.
Our laughter was placed on pause as this man asked in faltering
English, “Are you American?”
Seeing as how we were speaking in English and given my
friend’s white complexion and blonde hair, it probably
wasn’t too hard to guess. In the dim street lights, I
couldn’t read the potential animosity in his eyes. With a
menacing grin and finger pointed at us, he began his tirade in an
even voice.
“I hate United States … You all die … We kill you one
day.”
Cool and composed, I replied in French that while one could have
hatred toward a government regime or military operation, it was
unreasonable and ridiculous to go so far as to wish for the death
of human beings.
He didn’t quite let me finish, as he actually considered
all Americans responsible for the mistakes of their military and
politicians.
“You used vote to choose these people. You vote for Bush,
and Bush make war,” he said.
And you know what? This illogical man actually got me thinking.
While it’s true that many left-leaning students travel around
the world and inform foreigners that we don’t support the war
in Iraq or President Bush, how far did any of us go to protest the
war or the president?
Furthermore, how many of us will make an educated vote this
election?
Viewing the elections from a European perspective (which clearly
favors Sen. John Kerry) is fascinating. My regional newspaper
covers the race every day, my students ask me who I support and
documentaries highlighting the Bible Belt and Midwest America
(which French people find so bizarre) and the war in Iraq are all
the rage here.
Whoever you choose to support on Nov. 2, remember that the whole
world is watching.
Kim is a UCLA alumna. She graduated in 2004.