Drew Hayesbrazil 2013
Liberation By Multiculturalism Published on July 10, 2012
I remember a family friend, who had recently emigrated from the Philippines to my hometown in Minnesota, describing her bilingualism as “having two machines in my head.” Makes sense, I thought, just like people have machines in their heads for doing math or playing instruments. As I grew older, though, I came to believe her bilingualism was different than most mental “machines.” Whenever she talked on the phone with Filipino relatives, it wasn’t just the words that changed, but also the speed, the range of emotion, and the intensity. It was as if she became a different person. The Filipino Language isn’t just a “machine” for her, I thought, but almost another mind, with different ideas and memories attached. Her two languages were her two cultures, and through them she could be two people.
When I was younger, I used to harbor the suspicion that everyone in the world was pretty much the same, that national character was a romantic fabrication and culture was a wishy-washy term for a whole lotta nothing. But after encountering people like my Filipina friend, I realized that what made her seem like two people was that she carried with her two places, two cultures, and she could choose between them. Culture, I’ve come to believe, is a wishy-washy term for a whole lotta something.
After realizing that culture runs deep, I’ve developed cultural claustrophobia. I feel stuck in my Midwestern, Anglo-Saxon, upper-class world. I burn with the desire to be thrust into a language and culture different from my own. It’s not that I don’t like the society in which I grew up, I really love it, I do. But one culture is not enough anymore. Maybe I’m being whiny, but I prefer to think I’m reacting to the times. When I’m constantly encountering people of different backgrounds and histories, I can’t help being struck by a sense of cultural inadequacy. What if ideas from another country are good too, maybe better? What if the uncertainties and doubts I have about the way I live can be remedied by the wisdom of a people half a world away? There’s only one way to find out.
So I decided to spend a bridge year with Global Citizen Year. For about six and a half months, I’ll live with a Brazilian family and work with a community-based non-profit in Brazil. I hope that the work I’ll be doing will be important and impactful, but I also know that on a global scale, my work will be miniscule and practically imperceptible. When I return home, however, I might carry pieces of Brazil with me. I won’t be Brazilian, but in the way I think, they way I treat others, and the way I look toward the future, I might no longer be entirely American. I hope to have a Brazilian “machine” in my own mind that enhances my personal and civic life. In short, I believe in the power and necessity of global exchange and I want to be a part of it.
There are 22 comments by other visitors:
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WOW- you are going to have impact- everywhere you go!!! Powerful stuff
Response shared by Grammie — July 15, 2012 @ 8:26 pm
Sounds great Drew. Best of luck to you!!
Kyle Klarich (friend of your mom and dad)
Response shared by Kyle W. Klarich — July 16, 2012 @ 11:31 am
Drew… well said my friend. I look forward to reading more about your adventure and following you as you soak up Brazilian culture. From what I’ve heard from my Brazilian friends, soccer is the great unifier. I hope you’re ready to play!
All the best for a safe and amazing journey.
Howard
Response shared by Howard Green — July 16, 2012 @ 2:21 pm
Excellent, All the best.
Response shared by Henna — July 17, 2012 @ 12:45 am
Hi, Drew, this is wonderful! Sounds like you are already well on your way. I look forward to reading more about your adventures!
Response shared by Dawn Davis — July 17, 2012 @ 2:11 am
Drew, Im so proud of you and all your achievements. Have fun in Brazil. Will be praying for your safety.
Response shared by Jesselou — July 17, 2012 @ 10:56 am
Drew- a very mature perspective. Congratulations on reaching these conclusions and for having the courage to try a different culture. You inspire many of us
Response shared by Scott Wright — July 18, 2012 @ 3:12 am
I know you will do extremely well in Brazil and all your future endeavors having witnessed firsthand your work on ASP and commitment to making a difference. Look forward to following your journey. Best wishes for a safe and healthy adventure. Jim
Response shared by Jim Francis — July 18, 2012 @ 3:19 pm
You are an amazing young man! I look forward to following your blog during the next chapter of your life. You will impact lives in a multitude of ways just by being you! Have fun and embrace every opportunity! (maybe you can build a deck too)
Response shared by Wendy Francis — July 18, 2012 @ 3:28 pm
I wish you all the best, Drew! This will be an incredible year for you and for those you come into contact with. Sit back and listen and watch, absorbing all you can.
Response shared by Lois McGuire — July 18, 2012 @ 3:35 pm
What an amazing opportunity for both you and those you meet along the way! I’m so proud to call you my friend. Jen
Response shared by Jennifer Hazelton — July 19, 2012 @ 11:34 am
Thank you for sharing your wonderful perspective. You had an idea, you set a goal and now you are off to reach the goal. There is no doubt in my mind you will continue to make a difference in this world we live in. I wish you well. Be safe.
Response shared by Kula — July 19, 2012 @ 12:34 pm
I am glad I got to share some time with you on ASP. Best of luck with this journey. Great insights. Tammy Dickinson, Sarah Owens’ Aunt.
Response shared by Tamra Dickinson — July 19, 2012 @ 4:10 pm
You are wise beyond your years. Very much looking forward to witnessing your achievements in the years to come. Best wishes and safe travels.
Response shared by Randy Johnsrud — July 23, 2012 @ 3:40 pm
Thank you for sharing your story and the beginning of this journey with Christ United Methodist Church. You never know who you may inspire to grow so adventurously and serve so selflessly.
Response shared by Katie Arendt — July 24, 2012 @ 4:22 pm
Drew,
What a wonderful experience you will have this coming year. The opportunity to live and understand a culture very different from the one you know, will influence you forever. I will enjoy following your adventure during this time.
Carol
Response shared by Carol Allred — July 28, 2012 @ 9:07 pm
Best wishes to you for a fun, safe trip!
Response shared by Jennifer Reich — July 30, 2012 @ 12:29 pm
Drew, thanks so much for sharing your adventure with us all. This year will truely have a life long impact on you and those you touch!
Response shared by Linda Matti — July 30, 2012 @ 4:40 pm
Drew,
Sounds like a once in a life time opportunity, I commend you for taking on such a big challenge at a young age. Congratulations!
Jennifer Warmsbecker (I work with your mom)
Response shared by Jennifer Warmsbecker — August 1, 2012 @ 5:30 pm
Drew,
I appreciate your comments relating to your own culture — as you continue to explore and be immersed in another world, you will take with yout the best of all expreiences and build your culture to be meaningful to you and then share with others — one person at a time, the world may shift. Blessing!!
Response shared by Ann Loth — August 9, 2012 @ 8:20 pm
I look forward to hearing more about your adventure. You are an amazing and inspiring young man!
Response shared by Tracy Stevens (friend of your parents; old Mayo CV Fellow) — August 24, 2012 @ 2:35 am
Blessings to you,Drew and we will watch you life in brazil with great interest and support! jkc/mec
Response shared by Jane and Mary Campion — September 17, 2012 @ 2:32 pm