United We Stand: Building a better world together

United We Stand: Building a better world together

by Erik Belmont
Abroad View Magazine
February 19, 2007

I had come to Europe with deep-rooted reservations about the policies of the Bush administration but had never really grasped how much U.S. foreign policy affects individuals in other countries. The people I spoke with likened America to an empire built on good intentions, but plagued by less than admirable practices. Many people decried America’s willingness to so easily resort to brute force.

I tried to put the policy of America in context. I would explain just how deeply September 11 wounded American sensibilities. I showed how, unlike most European countries who share borders with many neighbors, America is significantly more isolated. I told them that our American mindset, though well meaning, has a tendency to overlook other cultures. I assured almost everyone I spoke with that average Americans were, for better or worse, opening their eyes and learning more about the world outside the United States.

That was how I met Neils Fischer, a young, jocund member of the Green Party and our guide. We interviewed Erica Mann, a member of the European Parliament. She said that the relationship between America and Europe was driven by mutual ideals and a history of friendship, and elected leaders could not damage that foundation.

We were taken to see the Parliament in session. I’ll never forget it. I was ushered into a darkened balcony overlooking a massive chamber. Splayed out before me was an ocean of more than 500 parliamentary members, representing the 21 nations of the European Union. It was inspiring. Whenever one stood to speak, their words were translated into 20 other languages. That chamber and its legislators represented communication on a level that exceeded just language. Despite geography, politics, and a troubled history, those countries had come together and were working to build a better Europe and a better world.

My experiences in Europe filled me with the insatiable urge to learn more about other cultures. I declared a double major in European Studies and Political Science. Upon my return to Guilford College I became active in student politics.

This past summer, I interned for the American Turkish Council. I visited graduate schools and researched career tracks, and it was then I discovered my affinity for peace and conflict studies and sustainable development. I interviewed an officer of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and expressed my interest in development work. I also attended a summit for college leaders on global warming. The session was sponsored by Americans for Informed Democracy (AID), an organization whose mandate is to educate Americans on issues abroad; I have since joined as a member of the organization. Additionally, I have applied to join the Peace Corps.

Like Erica Mann and her fellow legislators, I want to be a bridge between cultures. I have taken my first steps in what I hope will be a small means of translating the differences and conflicts between cultures and peoples into a common language of ideals and mutual cooperation.

Erik Belmont is a senior at Guilford College. He studied in Germany with the Munich Abroad Program. He can be reached at belmont.erik@gmail.com.