Letters

The View from Europe

Here is a brief observation of Europeans in general. I know it's dangerous to generalize, but I will do so anyway. I think that Europeans are more genuine (less superficial) than Americans. I think they reflect their actual individual economic situations in their actions and responses to government policy. Most Americans, however, seem trapped by this Reagan "mystique," and/or image. They are easily led to act on simplified surface information rather than the reality of their own economic condition.

The political spectrum is much wider here. All European countries have major socialist and/or communist parties, although I doubt they offer much more than the rest. It also seems like it's more acceptable to involve yourself in political protest. I think the average American sees an activist as someone who is on the fringe of society, or somehow separated from reality. In Europe, Britain specifically, all people are quick to be critical or analytical of government policy. After all, they've won and lost empires many times over. To be critical of U.S. government policy is to be unpatriotic, subversive, communist, or whatever in Reagan's America.

I have learned to appreciate the comforts of home, however. This does not have anything to do with politics. Home is where I was born, raised, socialized, etc., and where I feel most comfortable. My dad might chalk it up to the "good ole U.S.A.," but home could be anywhere, regardless of political orientation, economic situation, etc. It just so happens that home for me is Ann Arbor, and when traveling, it's nice to have a place associated with such comfortable feelings to think about. I look forward to returning to Ann Arbor at the end of August and seeing what's happened without me.

Steve Meyers

Florence, Italy