Nattaproblem

It is September 15th, 2020. Six months into the Coronavirus Pandemic and four days after the anniversary of the cataclysmic events of September 11th, 2001. I am having Jasmine Green Tea at a cafe on Al Khaleej Road in the heart of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The Lebanese woman sitting across from me is teaching me more about Mortal Combat and Anime then I had ever intended to learn. It’s a very universally popular topic of conversation among the artistically driven or “nerdy” types. She is half Lebanese and Saudi, and I’m half Thai and American so collectively we represent 4 unique perspectives of the world; 2 more than the average person. We discussed a range of topics: Lindsey Sterling, Pixar, the philosophy of a teacher to the emerging EMT program in Saudi Arabia (she teaches at an EMT and nursing college and I learned all college studies in Saudi Arabia are taught in English). Then, we segued into the topic of current events, and she said something that brought on a wave of thoughts that I’ve had since a young age; one I continue to develop within my conscience to this very day:

“It’s ironic that America is such a diverse country that was founded over 244 years ago, yet still struggles with accepting the very diversity that fuels its existence.”

Moments like these would usually cause a defensive knee jerk reaction from an American whose perspective is slanted towards white nationalism. Lucky for her, I’m not such an American. I instead reacted by letting the comment sink in, before replying:

“Yes, America is constantly changing and although the fabric of many countries is ripped and torn by politics and economic competition, it is a shame that we can’t portray our country in a way that welcomes global unity. Especially since we think of ourselves as powerful and ‘helpful.’”

That seemed to shock her. I consider myself multicultural and tri-lingual; blessed with the benefits of living in multiple countries while growing up. In fact, it was this up-bringing that makes it difficult for me to stay put. I am after all, working in the middle east. Despite the physical geography that distinguishes my dual citizenship from hers, we are both blessed with fully understanding two societies that function as a collective. People in America represent the entire world, and I have noticed that we often times get too comfortable in our little bubble. American companies consistently rank among the top earning companies around the world, but that doesn’t change the fact that China can cut that profit by a wide margin should it choose to block businesses like Disney, Amazon, and Huawei from either being sold in China, or exported. Every country functions similarly and the oligarchs of the world consistently target the countries with the largest economic potential. This bottom line for profit complicates politics and undermines any diplomatic efforts to erase the duplicitous and manipulative nature of trade negotiations.

The conversation I had with this highly understanding individual was very illuminating and enjoyable, because we both didn’t harbor any hatred in our hearts towards the “other.” It takes continual effort to leave the judgement and criticism for the high courts and the “powers that be” (what I like to say instead of a religion to maintain the productive nature of any conversation). Our place is to either pursue a course to positively change those powers or responsibly vote as citizens for the ideas and principles in which we believe.

It’s unfortunate that people cannot automatically understand the “other” from a young age. It’s even more damaging that not all parents of future generations are mentally equipped to nurture such attitudes into forceful catalysts for change. Therefore, whenever I have an opportunity to ameliorate someone’s biased or tarnished point of view of America or of “the West,” I try my best to balance their perception. Recent events have diminished the chances of someone extolling our nation. Now when I talk to someone, they seem to dismiss America as sensible altogether. I’m here to remind people around the world that in the same way that no two snowflakes are alike, every American deserves to be heard independent of the news and of the “public perception” of America.

Whenever a black man or woman gets shot, the world watches. Whenever there’s a shootout at a school or public venue, the world watches. Whenever Taylor Swift or Elon Musk (whose ancestry is South African) makes a pivotal move within their industry, the world watches. Good news and bad news (it’s mostly bad, as that’s what “news” is for the most part) is seen on a global scale and the pride that America has for winning has to be evaluated through the very checks-and-balances system that serves as the fulcrum of our constitutional government. It would be prudent to both check our rah rah “USA is the best” pride, and learn to accept the world. Taking action is also much more nerve-wracking and stressful than sitting back and letting people live with their misconceptions. I haven’t always been greeted by smiles after the points I make, but I know for a fact that I make a difference every single time, just by speaking up. “If not you, who? If not now, when?” -JFK.

Having been educated within an International School for 5 years for the duration of my primary curriculum, and now teaching middle grades at one such school in Saudi Arabia, the omnipresence of multilingual students is always humbling. I have always admired and appreciated the perspicacity of opinions by students at such an institution. They represent various countries, and that is truly an ideal educational environment: global, founded on respect, integrity, and acceptance with the continual efforts towards an increased understanding of the world in which we live. After all, languages express the ways in which we are all unique.

We had spoken for over 2 hours, and I look down at my empty tea mug thinking about how much better we really are as human beings from the people that sat in the VERY PLACE over 5,000 years ago during the early times of Mesopotamia. Technology aside, have our abilities to work optimally among one another really improved to justify the time-lapse of 5,000 years? I leave that for you to decide.

There’s strife and turmoil across the border of every country. America happens to be one of the pillars and driving forces of the global economy so eyes and ears are always tuned in to our progress. It is incumbent upon us to lead by example and remember where we all come from. Like teachers in the classroom, we are being watched and even emulated; the biggest form of flattery. Lately however, I don’t think too many people want to imitate us and that should make us stop and think. When we travel, we’re proud to say we’ve lucked out and managed to embed our hearts and minds in the fibers of the USA. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness can only be achieved if we continue to seek understanding and focus on integrity. Yes, we are American. However, America is part of a world that is but a speck in the universe. Let’s not forget that this world is indeed a small one. A “thumbs-up” signifies a job well done in the modern world, regardless of race, creed, nationality or culture. Travel is great, but I’ve found that conversation and the resulting increase in understanding is far greater.

Tea, such a gracious commodity. We enjoy various types of tea in every country and fuel our bodies with products like it from all around the world. Let’s not forget that as we Tik Tok our way into the future.

Cheers from the Middle East,

Nattapon Jontom Abbett