Comments on: Interview with me now available as podcast http://blogs.saintanselmcollege.net/bethsalerno/2007/10/28/interview-with-me-now-available-as-podcast/ My South Korea Blog Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:47:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 By: Paul Calzada http://blogs.saintanselmcollege.net/bethsalerno/2007/10/28/interview-with-me-now-available-as-podcast/#comment-26 Paul Calzada Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:37:06 +0000 http://blogs.saintanselmcollege.net/bethsalerno/2007/10/28/interview-with-me-now-available-as-podcast/#comment-26 Hey, Beth, Lovely interview. Lots there to comment about. I like what you said about feeling representative about all Americans--it's not fair, really, but just about everybody does it all the time. So, for example, if a person has no experience with African-Americans, the first time he or she meets one, all African-Americans become associated with that first interaction. It's a lot of pressure on minorities in America. Second, there's that apparent superficial familiarity with what people wear. Yes, American fashion does have a global appeal. What does it mean? I don't know, but there's a real interesting contrast--have you seen relatively young Americans tatoo or wear kanji? I met someone who had the kanji for "strength" tatooed on her ankle. And the kanji for "peace" or "love" is sometimes on t-shirts. What does it mean when those Americans display a foreign language in ways that the native speakers never would? I don't think I ever saw a Japanese wear the kanji for "love" on their clothing. Something to think about. Take care, and I'm so glad you're enjoying your experience (and that Tod will visit!!). Hey, Beth,
Lovely interview. Lots there to comment about. I like what you said about feeling representative about all Americans–it’s not fair, really, but just about everybody does it all the time. So, for example, if a person has no experience with African-Americans, the first time he or she meets one, all African-Americans become associated with that first interaction. It’s a lot of pressure on minorities in America.

Second, there’s that apparent superficial familiarity with what people wear. Yes, American fashion does have a global appeal. What does it mean? I don’t know, but there’s a real interesting contrast–have you seen relatively young Americans tatoo or wear kanji? I met someone who had the kanji for “strength” tatooed on her ankle. And the kanji for “peace” or “love” is sometimes on t-shirts. What does it mean when those Americans display a foreign language in ways that the native speakers never would? I don’t think I ever saw a Japanese wear the kanji for “love” on their clothing. Something to think about.

Take care, and I’m so glad you’re enjoying your experience (and that Tod will visit!!).

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