1) In America is there discrimination between white skin and black skin?
Yes, there is discrimination between white people and black people. Actually, there is also discrimination between both of these groups, and brown people from everywhere in the world – including Indonesia. I’l note that there is also discrimination between darker-skinned Indonesians, especially those from Papua, and others, and that in fact the fair-skinned Sundanese are, to some extent, pedastalized. (Have fun explaining that, Ms. Vidhi.) I think this question misses the point, though. There are so many more people working together to try to bridge our gaps – here, there, and everywhere in the world. I myself work in a “majority-minority” school in the South Bronx. I teach kids from 7 different countries – and I only teach 19 kids! The truth is, the world is becoming one, in more ways than one.
2) We know that America is a developed country. But what are the less things [the problems] in America?
Is everybody rich and the number of poverty very low?
This is a good question. It is true that most middle-class Americans live a lifestyle that would be considered upper-class in most developing countries (and they don’t even know it!). But ever since George Bush took us to war, we have been in debt. Now our country’s economy is not doing well. Many of my friends have a hard time finding and keeping a job. And without a job, I would have to move – my rent costs $975/month (hampir sepuluh jutah rupiah per bulan)! These are big problems that even educated Americans are facing because of bad choices our government has made. President Obama is trying to fix it, but there is a lot to fix…
3) Why do Americans think free sex is ok? Why doesn’t the government forbid free sex? Why do Americans like free sex? Do you agree with free sex?
Not all Americans feel that free sex is OK – remember, we are not all the same! The U.S. government doesn’t forbid free sex for the same reason that the Indonesian government doesn’t forbid free sex, I guess. I personally think that love between a husband and a wife is one of the most valuable things in the world, and that the family is one of the most important institutions in society. As sexually fulfillment is such an important part of a marriage, I cannot imagine marrying someone who I have not had sex with before – actually, I think that is more dangerous! Also, I will note that I became aware, after living in Indonesia for a year, that after marriage, it is not uncommon for Indonesians to have affairs. I actually believe this is worse than having sex before marriage, because infidelity harms others.
4) Why do the students in high school not use uniform like in Indonesia? Why aren’t they use uniform? What is the benefit of no uniform?
Actually, at my school, the students do wear uniforms. They have two choices for a shirt – blue or white. But in much of America, students do not have to wear uniforms. This is so children can express themselves. In my experience in the South Bronx and Indonesia, though, I found that kids always find other ways to express themselves. I also think it creates a sort of equality that removes some socioeconomic barriers for students.
5) What is the solution of different religion in America?
Different religions are not a problem, so they don’t have a “solution.” In Indonesia, one of the first things Soekarno did was to introduce the concept of Pancasila. This is because the only way for millions of people to live together and work together is if they accept (and celebrate!) each others’ differences.
6) Why does America support Israel? Why America does not want to help Palestine people?
Let me first say that America DOES want to help Palestinians. President Obama has brought Mahmoud Abbas and Benjamin Netenyahu together more than once to try to find a solution. Many Americans, such as Michael Heart, have openly declared that Palestine is being treated unfairly. I personally feel that Palestine is being treated unfairly, and that America should stop giving Israel weapons of any kind. My government supports Israel for other reasons, though. First, because Iran is almost certainly developing weapons-grade uranium for a reason. Second, because our political structure is for sale. (Vidhi, I didn’t feel like typing that essay out, but feel free to continue where I left off).
7) Why America can say what they want to?
For the same reason we can have free sex and follow different religions and sleep over at the houses of friends of the same gender – because America is a country that places a high premium on individual freedoms. That does come at a cost, though – the cost of communitarian freedom. =/
8) What does American people look like?
Just like question 3 and 7, this question presupposes that all Americans are pretty much the same. We are as diverse as Indonesia is – the Mandar, the Bugis, the Sundanese, the Batak, the Acehnese, the Balinese, the Papuans…the list goes on!
9) Why in New York most of the people don’t know their neighbors?
This is a great question. In New York, people don’t stay outside of their house. The streets are busy and narrow, and a lot of people are walking. Usually, you have to go to a park or museum or coffee shop. It is hard to meet your neighbor when you never hang out outside of your locked door.
10) Why are the Americans so furious and fight in Afghanistan and Iraq? Why American people like to go to war with Arabian country?
Most Americans are furious at our government for being in those wars. I was furious that we got into them in the first place. The war in Iraq was a complete mistake. The war in Afghanistan might be more justifiable, but the United Nations should act on issues such as that – not just America. I sad fairness, America does not like going to war in Arabian countries any more than it does Central and Southern American countries. We seem to have a real disinterest in going t war in Africa, though. It seems we go where the money is. And there is a lot of oil in the middle East/Arabian countries. This is a shameful thing, but I think it is true.
11) What are the religions in America? Is everyone atheist?
I have friends who are Methodists, Baptists, 7th day adventists, Episcopalians, Catholics, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Hindus, Muslims, AND Atheists (and others!). Actually, very few Americans are atheists. But in fairness, why don’t you believe in all the other Gods? Atheists agree with you on every one – they just believe in one less God than you.
12) Do you think abortion is a good solution? Do you think it means kill someone [Do you think abortion is killing a baby]?
I believe that killing is wrong in any form. I think abortion is bad, but I think the death penalty is also bad. These killings occur in both of our countries. I think, in a just society, no one should be killed for a crime. I also think no one should be killed before being born. I also believe, however, that it is unfair to say that everyone should have to live by my rules. You asked whether I think abortion is a good solution. The use of the word “solution” this time is actually important. If you were a 23 year old woman with with no family, you just got fired, and someone raped and impregnated you, you might think of abortion as a solution. I would think you were wrong, but I don’t think it’d be my business to tell you that, much less to legally disallow you from having an abortion.
13) Does America ever have natural disaster? Like earthquake?
We do. They happen along the San Andreas fault, near California, often. There are other earthquakes around America sometimes, too. But more of our natural disasters nowadays come in the form of hurricanes and floods, like the one that hit New Orleans.
14) What is the meaning of liberty for American people?
The meaning of liberty, for me, is the ability to do as I wish, as long as it does not cause harm to others around me or the social systems I am a part of.
15) What kind of ethnicities are in America?
Americans come from every corner of the Earth. See questions 1 and 11.
16) What is the night life like in America?
I might not be the best person to ask. I do not go out all too often in America, because it is very expensive to do so in New York City. When I do go out, though, there are many options – theaters, restaurants, bridges, parks, the statue of liberty, times square, the movie theater, and others.
17) What is special American food?
My favorite food as a kid was Toasted Ravioli – they are khususnya St. Louis. But now I am a vegetarian, so I do not eat them anymore.
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