Red, White & Me: Reflecting on Identity & Assumptions
Photo by Alexei Maridashvili on Unsplash
Disclaimer: This post isn’t about taking sides or debating political ideologies. It’s about how the recent U.S. election experience helped me examine my own identity and assumptions.
During the recent U.S. election, I found myself in an unusual position—spending extended time in two states with political views vastly different from my own. This isn’t a political post, but rather a personal reflection on what this experience revealed about myself and my assumptions.
Living in a Bubble—Within a Bubble
I’ve long known I lived in a “bubble,” but this trip made me realize there’s another bubble around mine. Having been an expat in a socially focused European country for the past 13 years, I’ve adapted to norms that feel far removed from traditional American values. In a way, I’ve become “Eurofied.”
The election results surprised me. Not just for their decisiveness, but because they revealed a different picture of America than the one I’ve been holding onto in my mind since moving to Europe. It underscored a reality I’ve been reluctant to face: America as I knew it no longer exists. Living abroad has shaped my values in ways that don’t always align with the American experiences I observed during my trip.
A Picture Worth a Thousand Words
Shortly after the election, my husband shared the photo below. It seems to encapsulate a divide. It’s a reminder of the gap between perception and reality – both in what I assume about others and what others might assume about me. The American reality (as I am coming to realise, duh!) is deeply complex and often masks deeper systemic issues. This realization is challenging my own assumptions about what “American values” mean today—and where I stand in relation to them.
Grappling with Identity and Change
As the 47th president shapes their cabinet, I’m left with mixed feelings. Some appointees may lack the traditional experience or qualifications for their roles, and yet I find myself curious—maybe even cautiously optimistic—about the transformation this could bring. Having worked with teams navigating change, I can’t help but wonder: What if politics and business exchanged lessons more freely? What could we learn from that interplay?
Turning the Lens on Myself
Ultimately, this election has been a mirror for my own cultural identity. It’s made me question how my values align—or don’t—with those of contemporary America. It’s unsettling, but also an opportunity for growth.
So, I’ll leave you with this question: What experiences have challenged your assumptions and helped you see the world—or yourself—differently?
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