Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away: A Journey of Rediscovery and Reevaluation

I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away

by Bill Bryson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3427 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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After two decades of living abroad, I returned to America with a mix of excitement and trepidation. I had left as a young man, eager to explore the world and find my place in it. Now, I was returning as a middle-aged man, with a wife and children and a lifetime of experiences under my belt.

I was eager to rediscover my homeland, to see how it had changed and grown in my absence. But I was also apprehensive. I had heard stories about the increasing polarization of American society, the rise of populism and nationalism, and the growing gap between rich and poor. I was not sure what to expect.

My journey of rediscovery began as soon as I stepped off the plane. I was immediately struck by the sheer size and scale of America. The roads were wider, the buildings were taller, and the traffic was more chaotic than I remembered. I felt like a stranger in my own country.

Culture Shock

I soon realized that I had experienced a significant amount of culture shock. The way people dressed, spoke, and behaved had changed. The values and norms that I had grown accustomed to were no longer the same. I felt like an outsider, looking in from the outside.

One of the most striking changes I noticed was the increasing commercialization of American life. Everything from healthcare to education to justice seemed to be for sale. I was appalled by the way that corporations had come to dominate so many aspects of American society.

I was also shocked by the level of inequality that I saw. The gap between rich and poor had grown even wider in my absence. I saw homeless people begging on the streets, while luxury cars and designer stores lined the avenues. It was a stark reminder of the deep divisions that existed within American society.

Politics and Society

I was also deeply affected by the political climate in America. The country was more divided than I had ever seen it. People seemed to be entrenched in their beliefs, and there was little room for compromise or dialogue.

I was particularly disturbed by the rise of white nationalism and the increasing acceptance of hate speech. I had always believed that America was a country that welcomed diversity and inclusion, but I was now seeing a different side of my homeland.

Race and Identity

As a black man, I was particularly sensitive to the issue of race in America. I had grown up in a relatively diverse community, but I was now living in a much more segregated society. I was often the only black person in a room, and I could feel the stares of people who were unaccustomed to seeing someone like me.

I also noticed a growing sense of racial resentment among some white Americans. I heard people making disparaging remarks about immigrants and minorities, and I saw a rise in hate crimes. It was a disheartening reminder of the deep-seated racism that still existed in America.

My return to America was a bittersweet experience. I was grateful to be back in my homeland, but I was also deeply troubled by what I had seen. I realized that America was a country in transition, a country that was grappling with its past, present, and future.

I am not sure what the future holds for America, but I am hopeful that the country can overcome its challenges and emerge as a more just, equitable, and compassionate society. I believe that America has the potential to be a beacon of hope for the world, but it will only happen if we can come together and work towards a better future.

I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away

by Bill Bryson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3427 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE