  Those who know me well would agree that my moments of patriotism are few and far between. Most frequently, I am struck with American pride when I happen to pass by the Civic Center just before the start of the monthly naturalization ceremony. Hundreds of new citizens and their families will be waiting in a long line, dressed in clothing often representing their native countries, there to celebrate the reward of years of work, and waiting, and work, and waiting.
It's a reminder to me that many sacrifice much for the freedoms our country offers...it's a reminder to me that I have a great deal for which to be thankful. And I do consider myself blessed. I suppose it makes sense that encounters with foreign-born people could bring forth patriotism. And yesterday I had one such encounter. I was working at the bookstore when a man walked up to me and said, "So, do you sell a lot of books here?
" I wasn't sure if he meant "here" as in the bookstore, or "here" as in the bargain section, where I was standing when he asked. So I asked, "do you mean 'here' as in...." "Here. This bookstore," he said. "Well, yeah. We sell quite a few books here. " "Oh. That is very surprising to me. I am from Europe, and it is my understanding that people in the United States don't read...they only watch T.V.
" I should say that his tone was not at all surprised. It was simply sarcastic...like he'd really been looking forward to having the chance to say this to me [to somebody , some American, anyway]. "No," I said. "A lot of people read here. " Again. "Really? Yes because this is such a big store, such a selection. I am very surprised you sell books. In Europe, we all believe that you don't read books in America.
You only watch T.V. " Didn't he just say that? Was it that great a line it warranted repeating? I was surprised to find myself feeling a little angry. "Well, when you go back to Europe you can tell them people actually read in the United States...Not everybody in this country is as dumb as our president. " "Yes. I didn't think you read here. " What the? The thing is, I can't completely blame him.
The fact is that a lot of people DON'T read here. And a lot of people do a lot of T.V. watching in Europe, too. It is frustrating to me that Americans have such a bad reputation to overcome. And yes, I understand its origins and the commonly encountered nationalism--coupled with ignorance--that keep the reputation alive. But a stereotype is a stereotype, and it's annoying no matter where it comes from. 
