The author continues on her journey to find out what international students think of Americans. There is a general consensus that international students feel that American's are unaware and uneducated of the other countries. When American's are asked where countries are located, or about world history, and current news, many are unable to answer properly, if at all.
The closing paragraph to this chapter:
"American college culture is a world of engagement, choice, individualism, and independence, but it is also one of cross-cultural ignorance and self-delusion that cries out for remediation. It was a Somali student who summed up all of their hopes for "America": "You have so much here, and so many opportunities. I wish America would ask more what this country can do to make the world a better place."
This takes me back to the 60s to the famous J.F.K. speech of "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country".
Maybe this began a culture of doing for America, and not worrying so much about other countries, unless if it benefits us??
Interesting. I wonder if we were more aware of other cultures prior to this possible shift. to some degree I'd have to agree with the Somalian student.
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