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Happy 4th of July
Jul. 4th, 2004 03:36 pmAnyone who reads my blog with any regularity knows that my relationship with the nation of my birth is diffident. At best. But the US of A is my homeland, and I feel compelled to give credit to some of the (many) things my upbringing in the US gave me--being fully aware that my NYC upbringing probably doesn’t resonate in some respects with someone from Kentucky or Wyoming or Hawaii. Or even other parts of New York.
I was raised to believe that my opportunities were endless--particularly with respect to most little boys around the world. Perhaps not endless, but I could presume an entitlement to a good education, work opportunities, and excellent hygiene.
I had access to a first-class public school education, where I was taught by a number of PhDs, with high academic standards. My elementary, middle and high schoolshad expectations of all students, teachers and staff. I learned the rudiments of Greek and Latin roots/suffixes/prefixes, French, calculus, university-level history, woodworking, and home economics. There was access to computers starting inyeargrade six (in 1976). Over 75% of my peers went on to university college immediately upon graduation: about 10% went to elite schools. I learned to understand how my native tongue was constructed; I learned how to write. And I learned to think critically.
I acquired a work ethic that allows me to apply a modicum of focus to get things done. Mostly I acquired this while working at McDonalds. I learned how to multitask, how to analyze large productions into manageable tasks, how to keep my person and my area clean. And I learned to communicate clearly and politely--with customers and colleagues.
As the son of a trade union member (NYPD) I had access to high calibre medical care. If I were sick we could seek care. When I needed surgery, it was paid for. A congenital eye problem was diagnosed early and treated quite successfully. Speech problems were attended to by a speech therapist. Medicines were also available.
I’ve chosen to not live in the US for a long time. The reasons are personal, and of little consequence today. Today I acknowledge the priviledge of my upbringing, the role being raised American has played in shaping the person I am today.
Happy birthday America!
I was raised to believe that my opportunities were endless--particularly with respect to most little boys around the world. Perhaps not endless, but I could presume an entitlement to a good education, work opportunities, and excellent hygiene.
I had access to a first-class public school education, where I was taught by a number of PhDs, with high academic standards. My elementary, middle and high schoolshad expectations of all students, teachers and staff. I learned the rudiments of Greek and Latin roots/suffixes/prefixes, French, calculus, university-level history, woodworking, and home economics. There was access to computers starting in
I acquired a work ethic that allows me to apply a modicum of focus to get things done. Mostly I acquired this while working at McDonalds. I learned how to multitask, how to analyze large productions into manageable tasks, how to keep my person and my area clean. And I learned to communicate clearly and politely--with customers and colleagues.
As the son of a trade union member (NYPD) I had access to high calibre medical care. If I were sick we could seek care. When I needed surgery, it was paid for. A congenital eye problem was diagnosed early and treated quite successfully. Speech problems were attended to by a speech therapist. Medicines were also available.
I’ve chosen to not live in the US for a long time. The reasons are personal, and of little consequence today. Today I acknowledge the priviledge of my upbringing, the role being raised American has played in shaping the person I am today.
Happy birthday America!
