Well, that is one way of looking at it. Am I just another white person going abroad to tell people how they should live their lives? Yes. No. Maybe. I suppose the answer is dependent on who you are and why are you looking at me. Furthermore, thank you for letting me know. The concept of being just another white person telling people how to live has crossed my mind many times. Over the weekend a more than stranger but not quite friend took the time to verbalize her totally valid thoughts to me while we were not having sex (however that is a different story entirely). My response..."No." Followed by a beautifully executed change of subject.
So, Lynly here are my thoughts on the subject of being another white person going abroad to tell people how to live. On paper, the Peace Corps has three main goals...
1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of peoples served.
3. Helping promote a better understanding of peoples served on the part of Americans.
As it turns out, the world is not a book and what looks great on paper has ambiguous applications in reality. Which is perfect. I constantly get asked by complete strangers why I decided to join the Peace Corps. Honestly, because I wanted to, and I tend to do the things that I want. Whatever that means. Yes, I am still trying to figure that out myself. Also, perfect due to an abundance of wiggle room. This endeavor has one certainty and that is uncertainty. Therefore, I intend to focus on the present moment. It seems like the best way to go. I am here, I am now. What am I going to do about it? Aside, from not have sex. (Also, another story entirely.)
And now some words of wisdom from my tea:
"Books have the same enemies as people: fire, humidity, animals, weather, and their own content."
-Paul Valery (1871-1945)
Eloquently said. Peace corps service is not a cushy deal. For two years plus training you will be emersed in another culture. You will no doubt experience severe culture shock, and again when you return home, and out of it... you will have done some good in the world by doing the only thing that ever makes a difference. Trying. Doing. Talking about white privilege is one thing, but using it as an excuse for not following your passion, for not truly experiencing the diversity of the world, well it doesn't cut it. I don't know you well, but i'm both proud of you and excited for you. Can't wait to read about your adventure.
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