Suggestions About Dealing With Anti-American Sentiment on the Camino

[Lydia Banales]

Even I don't mind an honest discussion of the issues, but I have a
difficult time with sarcasm and put-downs. Xose and others have
expressed opinions which were respectful of all points of view. And,
yes, the Camino is a microcosm of the world so the subject is related.
Just be kind. Lydia

Lydia Banales wrote:

> I thought we had put an end to politicizing the Camino. Please stop.
> Thank you. Lydia
>
> Douglass Norvell wrote:
>
>>Response to Concerns that Americans Walking the Camino a Santiago de
>>Compostela will Encounter Anti-American Sentiment .
>>
>>By Douglass G. Norvell, Ph.D.
>>
>>I share your concern about encountering anti-American sentiments on the
>>Camino.  Regretfully, some Europeans and even hapless Canadians may scold,
>>harass or otherwise intimidate patriotic Americans.  This behavior may be
>>dealt with in several ways.
>>
>>One way is to adopt a patronizing tone and simply explain the issue to the
>>unenlightened.  Explain that America and Americans are strong, brave and
>>beautiful, as are our Spanish compatriots who stepped forward in support of
>>godlike George Bush during the ongoing wars of liberation in the Persian
>>Gulf.  Spaniards understand power and how to use it.  They were the first to
>>acquire and the last to lose their own colonies.
>>
>>If unenlightenment prevails, try explaining by comparison.  Africa can be a
>>useful example at this point, as a counterpoint to the stellar human rights
>>record of the United States of America. Point out that African leaders, once
>>entrenched, invariably set out to enrich themselves as quickly as possible.
>>Point out that while Americans help their minorities to prosper, Africans
>>discriminate against out of favor tribes and sometimes eat them.  Is their
>>any more serious form of oppression than to eat the disadvantaged?
>>
>>If, at this point, you have failed to convince the miscreant, you may need
>>to set aside patience and use force.  A good smack to the head with a stout
>>club will get most harassers off your back.  But think twice before you use
>>the Bo Peepish staff sold by roadside vendors near the Spanish trailhead.
>>These staff are strictly defensive weapons useful only on dogs and
>>Frenchies.
>>
>>When it comes time to smack heads a good two by four will get the job done
>>proper.  I plan to buy an eight footer in Madrid and cut it into three
>>pieces; one for me, one for the little lady, and another to save for you, if
>>you wish.
>>
>>If your harasser out weighs you by twenty pounds, or if you are a woman
>>stricken by a man, it is permissible to use a board  with a nail in the end.
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: Sarah Leiser <sarahdoddaEARTHLINK.NET>
>>To: <GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU>
>>Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2003 8:17 PM
>>Subject: which months are 'summer'?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>I need to plan my walk a bit carefully; I have all the info I need about
>>>the towns and hostels. A few hostels are only opened in summer. I'll be
>>>there late April/early May, which I think may be too early to stop in one
>>>which says open in 'summer'. Is that correct?  I'm sure someone out there
>>>knows the answer to my question. Many thanks, Sarah
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>

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