Journal Entry #1

   Diversity has never been a word I'd use to describe myself. When asked how I feel about the American community, I must admit that I have known no other, so I cannot be sure that I understand the context of my community to any other. I can, however, comment on what it means to be an American. I've always thought I've belonged to the greatest community on the planet, and I feel blessed that I was born in California.
   When I was 12, my father moved my family from Marin County to Sonoma County. Instantly, my life changed. My setting changed from a densely populated suburban area to an isolated patch of land surrounded by apple orchards. As a family, we began to rely on each other much more than we had in the city. I could no longer jump on my bike and access the world… instead my mother was forced to drive me places, which led to her complete control of my interaction with society. I also found myself with only a small group of children to socialize with, compared to the countless acquaintances I had enjoyed in Marin. I'd say that this change in setting altered the way I dealt with friendship, and I began to come closer and closer to a select group of people to fill the void of boredom. I also found myself socializing with both my sister and my mother frequently, where before I would rely on the neighborhood for interaction.
   At 12, I watched my community change, which resulted in a family change that would shape my life forever. After high school I attended SF State, and I didn't return to my old Marin County lifestyle. I remained as isolated as possible, made strong friendships and didn't consider joining social scenes, and I continued relying on my family for support and guidance. But I digress.
   As an American, I belong to a diverse and semi-democratic community that enjoys freedoms that many of my neighboring nations do not. As a journalism major, I respect and value these freedoms a great deal. As a member of this community, I'm able to participate in ways that individuals in other nations would never dare attempt. I enjoy protections in the work place that many do not share.
   In the end, I'm a typical white male who belongs to a middle class who has thrived in the Americas for many generations. I do not have an exciting story, I have not overcome forces that were against me prior to birth and I don't have very much to which I can compare my community. One of the reasons I'm taking Hum 7 is to broaden my horizons, and to get past my typical background and discover what else is out there.