Life in USA – Part II

“…in God we Trust…”

During the last two months and especially after the events of September 11^th a question has been roaming the entire country: Why they hate us? This question has been traveled all over the country, either in writing or in air waves, and more often though the digital channels.  It is very important understand the significance of the question because it contains the most honest intentions of the inhabitants of this country.

The typical American, meaning white Anglo-Saxon protestant, trust is one of the pillars of this society. They trust what the government says, what the newscaster says, what the priest says. They have faith in the system, loyalty to the symbols and fully convinced that this is the best place in the planet and all the people who come to live here, have to embrace these values.

As I mentioned previously, the media plays a very important role as ideological conductor, portraying every action of US foreign policy as if it was a good-will event. The education system also contributes to this image, showing the American soldiers, in any war, as freedom fighters. These are the remaining baggage of the cold war and there is progressive change in the history books.

I have to admit that this is a better place to live; there is no question about it. I trust in the police and the judicial system, something that I could not do in my “old country”. The economical security, as a whole, is by far more stable that the rest of the world. There are many amenities and services that only exist in this country, and their efficiency is above any standard. The core of the values is resuming in the Constitution and in the premise that “…all men are created equal…”

It is evident that the American people are proud of this society. The overall feeling is that this society is open and free and the social environment is very safe. You can trust in your neighbor, in the police and the government. This concept is radiated to all immigrant people that plead to live in this country and all countries that “receive humanitarian help” from USA.

Humanitarian help is part of the lives of the Americans. The contributions to a very extensive network of non-profit societies are considerable. There are many programs sponsored by private institutions to send help and resources to all places in the world. One of the most famous is the Peace Corps, created during the John F. Kennedy administration. Every week we receive information and brochures of many groups that help children in Latin America and Africa. In the eyes and minds of the average American, USA helps the entire world to be a better place.

That is why, when a terrorist attack is perpetrated against a building or in the hearth of this country, the entire population is shock. Why the hate us? If we are good with them, if we help them, if we welcome them? These are the questions that a typical American is asking.

The protected environment in which the average American is living doesn’t allow them to see what the other hand is doing and has done. It is sad that the past event change the perception and confidence of this society. The almost naïve trust to all immigrants has changed forever.

For most of all new immigrants, or second generation immigrants that still are in contact with the “old countries”,