Okay, on to the next thing on my mind: Nationalism v. Internationalism. I began to think of myself as an internationalist a few years ago when I realized I could happily relocate outside of the country I was born in. My definition of an internationalist is someone who appreciates and embraces equally multiple cultures and countries outside their own. I really think this is the frame of mind humanity must have to work through its conflicts. Why? Well, many populations are already a mixture of different cultures, and they are that much richer for it. Nothing wrong with a pride in your heritage, but not limiting that pride to your roots alone is self-broadening, enlightening...

So how did this come up? With the greatest international contest of all, the World Cup, of course! Being a Barcelona football fan, I was excited to see members of my team return to their home countries. With each match, I looked at which team had the Barca players and rooted for them. Lionel Messi is my favorite, so Argentina is a front runner for me. What surprised me was the chiding I got for not posting cheers for team USA. I kind of likened it to being a Kobe Bryant fan living in Boston and not posting "go Celtics!" But then I have to ask what is nationalism? Is it being thankful that I was born in this country as opposed to any other in the world? Is it recognising the American Dream--hard work + opportunity = change? Is it posting "go USA"? If it's the first two, don' worry, I'm good. If it is just the last, then I am a terrible patriot and will go back to my post as an internationalist...Ciao...