It astounds me how ignorant some people and some cultures are. The one that I am most versed in is American culture. I myself am an American and proud of it, but I dislike how so many Americans are so ignorant regarding other cultures.

I know that there is a common misperception that those who live in African countries are heathen, and that they are all cannibals. I visited Africa last summer, and I can tell you that this is completely untrue. I didn't take one of those mainstream tours. We have a friend who lives in Zimbabwe, and she put together the whole tour for us. It was marvelous.

We visited some little towns where Shona is spoken, and they have chosen to retain their own culture and beliefs rather than jump on the bandwagon and follow the western culture that surrounds them. These villages are packets of primitive living in industrializing countries.

The villages were very nice. There were little huts that were built, and the place had no grass, electricity, or running water. The only western thing that had gotten to them was an outhouse. They lived extremely well. Most nutrition came from fish caught from Lake Kariba. The natives also exchanged fish with nearby people in order to secure mealy meal, a staple food in their diet.

I realized that the way these villagers were living may actually be better than the way that we are living. There was a lot more happiness and cheer in the village. We have to pay bills, work, and follow the same routine all the time. They have responsibilities too. They must get enough food to eat, and the women keep things sanitary.

It would be a hard life living in a small village like that, but it is just as good as our way of living. I'm so sick of American arrogance that the "American Way" is the best way. The "American Way" is one of many different ways to live, but it isn't better than all the other ways.

I wish everyone would become more world-wise and realize that there is much, much more beyond the confines of their own country. There is a whole world out there, and it is our job as members of the earth to understand other cultures and to expand our horizons. Travel to other countries is one of the most liberating experiences, and I encourage anyone who hasn't done so to do it, and soon!