America is a land of freedom, choice and expression. It is also a land of too much insurance, over processed food and ignorance of other cultures. There is a tendency, within the general populace, to assume that the idea that is America is the greatest idea to ever reach the mind of man. Yet, Americans (at least those born and raised in the states) are probably the most collectively ignorant of other cultures. There is a general notion that is indoctrinated within minds of the people that America is the end-all-be-all of the world; as if no other land or people have anything worthwhile to offer. A friend recently put it beautifully by saying "Americans often only learn about other cultures through the Discovery Channel". Sadly, this is true. Even those who do venture beyond the borders seldom seek a dose of the reality of the outside world. Those able to afford the pleasures of exotic vacation spots find just enough culture in the "odd" native who brings their cocktail while wearing a mockup of his or her traditional garb.

The world has much to offer; far more than your cable television and La-Z-Boy can provide. Every nation and every person has something to teach, whether they realize this or not. One who aspires or considers him or herself to be a progressive individual will find the best classroom not within the confines of the air conditioned college, but on the foothills of foreign territory.