What’s something really important that you should have been taught in school but you weren’t?

For me, I should have been taught that Russia and America are NOT two of the greatest countries. Truth is, they’re not even close. To date, I’ve traveled to 20 countries, and that only amounts to 8% of the world. This is not coming from a place of privilege. It’s simply an observation. Russia and America are so brainwashed and incredibly nationalistic. They’re taught “we’re the best.”

I’m currently in Denmark for a few weeks. This is my 3rd time here. I love it! Denmark is one of the actually statistically greatest countries in the world. The quality of life is amazing here and people are so happy!

There aren’t many positive things I can say about Russia right now but there are many things that I love about the US. I’m simply pointing out the differences in countries. I really enjoy traveling, talking to people, and learning about their country and culture.

Why are Danes so happy? Is it because they’re not as stressed? They have free healthcare. Free education. Year of maternity leave. Access to affordable housing. I’ve not seen a single unhoused person here. With a population of 5.8M, Denmark has a 0.1% homeless rate. Denmark is tiny compared to the US but the 0.1% homeless rate is impressive. Also, their water is literally 99% clean. I’m sure people will argue with me that healthcare and education aren’t free because of the high taxes. I’m just repeating what people are telling me here. And they’re genuinely happy.

It reminds me of when I went to Finland back in December and decided to take a bus across town. I was horrified when I saw 2 very young children, 5 and 6 y/o max, get on the bus by themselves. My first thought was they were lost, that they last their parents. They’re in danger. They need help! But they were totally fine. They were carrying sleds. They were laughing and joking around then they got off the bus. It’s because Finland is one of the safest countries in the world. Parents there are not worried about their children getting kidnapped or anything bad happening to them. It’s very common in Europe to leave your baby in the stroller outside while you’re inside the cafe watching through a window. Can you imagine doing that in the US?

It’s so odd that America has this nationalist mentality of “we’re only going to teach you about America”. Yet they’re so resistant to teaching about critical race theory. Like I’ve said, I’ve only seen 8% of the world but that is so much more than most Americans and Russians. Travel. Go see the world. Experience how people live outside of your own country.

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bijouxbroussard · F

Shockingly, we’re at a point in the U.S. where people don’t even want their kids taught about the United States. When I was on EP in 2009, I was used to speaking with Americans who were clueless about some aspects of Black history, it’s often been a footnote in our textbooks. Imagine my surprise when posters from the UK and France knew about people like Benjamin Banneker, Crispus Attucks, Ida B. Wells, Mary McCleod Bethune, heroes to some of us, but totally unknown to most here.

I’ve travelled to fewer places than you, but I’ve been to Europe, Central America, Canada, and it was amazing. My parents have been all over the world, and their openness towards people reflect that.

Randi1125 · 31-35, F

@bijouxbroussard

When I lived in the states I was surprised at how many don’t travel and don’t have a passport. It’s not because these people didn't have the money, they just weren’t curious about the "outside" world. They’re like “oh we travel, we go to Florida. 😳

Btw, thank you for answering my posts. I always look forward to reading your comments.

Subsumedpat · 36-40, M

@Randi1125 Probably people don' have passports because there is so much to see in the US. I would like to experience other cultures and their foods but other than that everything is here, you want mountains they got mountains, want snow and skiing they got that, want water have multiple oceans and all kinds of lakes, there is really not much anyone has that you can't find in the US.

Randi1125 · 31-35, F

@Subsumedpat

Yes! Learning the different cultures and food. More importantly, for me is the people I meet and the bond I form with people so completely different from me. And yet the more we learn about one another, we realize we’re not so different after all. I have an insatiable curiosity for different cultures around the world. I love learning from people in different countries. These authentic encounters expose me to their ways of life, their thinking, their traditions… I love and embrace the differences and similarities we all have. I continuously find myself learning new things and with each travel, I’ve developed higher self-awareness.