During my time here in India, the question I am asked the most is ‘what is it like in your country?’.  All of my students want to know what it’s like the the USA.  The questions I get asked range from; If you break the law in the USA do the police shoot you on the spot? To… Is it true that they teach sex education in school? And big questions like…Why is the USA the richest and most powerful country?  How did it get that way?

It’s funny that every time my answers lead back to one word…Freedom.  I then explain that in the USA we have a lot of freedom and we believe in protecting that freedom.  I explain that in the US as long as you follow the laws and don’t hurt anyone else you can pretty much do what you want.  You can dress the way you want, you can marry who you want, you can divorce, you can be straight or gay and the list goes on and on.  Freedom and how fiercely we protect that freedom is the only way I can explain to the boys what it’s like in America and why Americans are the way we are. It’s not that Indian’s aren’t free it’s just that they have an ancient society and culture that makes it difficult for all people to be free the way we are in the US. I love my country and feel very lucky to have been born an American. One of the best things about traveling all over the world is how much more I learn about my own country while I’m away. So in honor of Memorial Day in the US, thanks to all those who protect our freedom.