Would you accept $1,000,000 to leave the country and never set foot in it again?
Yes. This would be a difficult decision and would involve a lot of anxiety, but at the end of the day I think I would do this. I like this country (in an ambivalent sort of way), but I certainly do not love it. I have always felt displaced here; maybe this is because I am second-generation Korean-American.
It has always been my dream to live in London and if not there, then Paris. I love Europe and I think they have their values sorted out properly in a way America does not. Once I remember hearing on the radio someone make a comparison between Americans and Europeans. He said: “In Europe, you belong to something. In America, you just have your belongings.” I think that about sums it up.
I yearn to be a part of a community. I like the fact that in Europe they understand that smaller is better. America is just too big, too cumbersome, to create any kind of social intimacy or governmental centralization. All countries should be no larger than France.
I also yearn to live in a society that is less competitive and less materialistic. Sure, I know Europe has its problems, but I would be willing to deal with that as I feel their problems are not as severe as the problems we have here in America (such as crime, extreme economic disparities, a general and pervasive anti-intellectualism, a sort of rugged individualism that leaves one feeling lonely and anxious all of the time because everyone is only out for himself/herself).
My only regret is that I would not be able to see my best friend and father as frequently as I do now; this would be the most difficult aspect of this decision.
What about you? Please indicate what country you are from.
Yes. This would be a difficult decision and would involve a lot of anxiety, but at the end of the day I think I would do this. I like this country (in an ambivalent sort of way), but I certainly do not love it. I have always felt displaced here; maybe this is because I am second-generation Korean-American.
It has always been my dream to live in London and if not there, then Paris. I love Europe and I think they have their values sorted out properly in a way America does not. Once I remember hearing on the radio someone make a comparison between Americans and Europeans. He said: “In Europe, you belong to something. In America, you just have your belongings.” I think that about sums it up.
I yearn to be a part of a community. I like the fact that in Europe they understand that smaller is better. America is just too big, too cumbersome, to create any kind of social intimacy or governmental centralization. All countries should be no larger than France.
I also yearn to live in a society that is less competitive and less materialistic. Sure, I know Europe has its problems, but I would be willing to deal with that as I feel their problems are not as severe as the problems we have here in America (such as crime, extreme economic disparities, a general and pervasive anti-intellectualism, a sort of rugged individualism that leaves one feeling lonely and anxious all of the time because everyone is only out for himself/herself).
My only regret is that I would not be able to see my best friend and father as frequently as I do now; this would be the most difficult aspect of this decision.
What about you? Please indicate what country you are from.
