Today the FedEx delivery man came into the office to drop off a package and asked why I always look so unhappy. To make a long story short, I ended up telling him about how I was unhappy at my job and I was planning on going to Thailand in 8 months. He just kind of stared me, his mouth dropping open.
“BUT THAILAND IS FULL OF HOOKERS AND DRUGS!” – his shocked reply.
“And so is LA….” I calmly replied.
He looked somewhat embarrassed, fumbled to get my signature and almost ran out of the office.
Why do we as Americans feel everywhere outside of the US is terrible and hooker/drug ridden? America is one of the biggest sex traffickers in the world, and the national crystal meth problem is growing. Yeah, sure, there aren’t any ping pong shows and prostitutes just openly on the streets here in America (at least none I have seen), but it is happening. It’s a way bigger problem in America than most people would like to know, and we just seem to turn a blind eye to what is happening in our own country. I don’t know how anyone else feels, but to me, having it hidden behind doors is way scarier and dangerous.
Now, this goes to say that I am well aware that there are parts of Thailand that cater to sex tourism and drug use. I’m not saying that it doesn’t exist, just saying that there are parts of the US that cater to the same things. Vegas, anyone?
I just wish we as Americans would make it a priority to learn about other countries and not just the “world history” we learn growing up. It’s the information age; there is more knowledge to be found than we know what to do with. With a click, we can find out who the popular pop stars are in Korea or what current events are happening in Croatia. We can learn about Japanese technology and the cuisine of India. We can watch movies and TV in other languages. We can learn Thailand is a country with a rich culture, awesome food, gorgeous temples and amazing beaches. With all of this information available to us, it’s really sad how misinformed a lot of people are. There is more in the world than hot dogs and Jersey Shore.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
I am constantly having to remind people of such things. “Out there” is so scary to so many people, that they forget that many places nearby them are actually just as bad or worse. I’m with you on feeling like being up front about things is little less scary. You know what you’re dealing with. And I think the fact that things are more undercover in the States is part of what makes people so afraid of what is beyond what they know!
Exactly! I was watching a documentary about sex trafficking in the US and it was shocking just how much I didn’t know. It was completely terrifying. I made a vow to myself then to make myself more educated and allow myself to step out of my comfort zone.
But there would be less time to watch The Biggest Loser then!!
Haha, I know what you mean, have actually just been working on a post myself about how everyone thinks the world is such a big scary place beyond their own borders. It’s really sad, these people can miss out on so much…
LOL! Biggest Loser! I have to admit, I love that show!
Some people just don’t want to open their mind, or educate themselves about places outside their own borders. It’s kind of sad really! There is so much of the world they are missing out on.
It’s terribly sad. It’s amazing to me how many people don’t even know what even exists outside of their own city!
But since most people get their knowledge about world from tv, than no wonder they think the world is so dangerous. Media has been doing fantastic job of putting stereotypes in people’s heads. Positive news are almost non existent….
Yeah, I barely watch the news anymore. It really makes me depressed!
I believe we as Americans have such a parochial view on everything outside of the US that we tend to blindly reject the things that happen in our own backyard. Our provincialism is what keeps us from truly seeing our Dear Country for what it really is and every other place for what we believe it to be. I’ve began to realize that the world doesn’t revolve around America.
This post is filled with all true statement (or ones I totally agree with)! It is time for people to look beyond their own world and discover the rest of the world. It is time to learn about other cultures rather than degrading them.
And congrats to you on your upcoming move!
Thank you! We all need to go explore!
I spent a semester of college studying in Thailand and while I was there, I had friend come visit me. He hadn’t spent a whole lot of time outside the U.S. and sent me this laundry list of reasons we should be concerned. It basically sounded like we should never leave the hotel because Thailand was unsafe, which, to me, having been there for for 4 months already, was utterly ridiculous. The thought that someone who had never set foot in Thailand could somehow tell me what we needed to be careful of was just absurd to me!
Sadly, it’s not just limited to Thailand. I went to China last year and had numerous friends at home tell me how I needed to be careful. I have a feeling that New York City is more dangerous than 99% of the places I was at. People just don’t get it. They see one thing on TV and let their imaginations run wild!
wowwwwwwwww!!!! That is just insane. A whole list!!?! I feel sad for people like that. I feel the same about LA…pretty shady areas here!
Haha that’s so true. I live in LA and I would have been completely dumbfounded had someone told me the same thing about Thailand having hookers and drugs.
This is my first time on your blog btw and I really like it! You should check out my blog and if you like it, we should do a link exchange!
http://www.mypeacelovetravel.com
Hi and thanks Jessica! I was just going through my spam and somehow you were in it! I’d love to do a link exchange
Great post Sheryll.
People have a hard time to put things in perspective. Keep going with your blog, it’s always interesting to read!
Definitely.
You have no idea how often I’ve heard the “Mexico? But you’ll get kidnapped/murdered by the Cartel!”
Yeah, I might be if I decide to become a drug addict/get involved with gangster or drug dealers/live in the Northern territories of the country. But I don’t plan on doing that any time soon.
A lot of people in this country are closed minded in so many ways. I found out the other day that only 24% americans have passports WHAT?! That is a crime in my book.
24%?!?!?!?!? Oh my damn. *sigh*