I guess that it is a reference to how both Americans and the rest of the world view the exuberant fringes of US society. But to be honest I’m not too sure. From what I have seen, read and heard over the last 6 weeks all I can really say is that here at least, it looks like it is used by some to illustrate a sense of American exceptionalism and superiority. Which is ironic, as the very same phrase back home is used by an equal number of moronic individuals to mock and criticise. It’s a strange situation, and one that to reasonable people everywhere, is completely ludicrous. You see the truth is that America really does not have a monopoly on either superiority or bizarre cultural activity. It just happens to be the focus of more media attention due to its current cultural and economic prominence.
Fundamentally, America like so much of England, Europe and the rest of the World is not unique. The reality is that people in most countries are more similar then any of us care to admit. It’s just that as we all search clumsily for a sense of identity, many of us will hold the country of our birth aloft as being more sane and functional then anywhere else, for the single reason that this is what we know and understand. As far as I'm concerned, the fact that this happens everywhere is an example of how similar humans really are. You see when it comes down to it; we’re all looking for the same things... happiness, love, freedom, prosperity, wisdom etc. But due to geography, spirituality or specific democratic failings, we go about our activities and celebrate ourselves in many different ways. I guess that if there is one thought that sticks in my mind each day as I am repeatedly exposed to new communities across this country, this is it.
Anyway…
Like cheese rolling back home, tomatoe throwing in Spain, or family moped riding in Malaysia, today I saw a cultural activity specific to the emerging culture of a single country.
We left our comfortable hotel in Washington DC and headed south into Virginia toward Fredericksburg, the historical home of George Washington's family. This was another civil war site, and the location of a tidy well preserved small town that has obviously worked hard to maintain its heritage.
The day of our arrival was by coincidence the same day that locals dress their pets up in costumes for Halloween, and do what I could only describe as ‘Pet Trick or Treating’. This may actually happen elsewhere, but if it does I have never seen it. You have probably guessed what this is all about, however I will still describe it for you because it still confuses me to think about it. Basically, animals are dressed up in human-like costumes, and (you guessed it) they are walked between various houses and businesses whose owners bestow them with all kinds of treats and gifts.
I have to be honest about this and say that (to me at least) these animals looked miserable and uncomfortable through all of this. They seemed only to tolerate their handler’s enthusiasm due to the handfuls of food that were regularly being placed in their mouths. They were being treated like human children rather then the creatures that they are, and this just made me feel sorry for them. Indeed to my dismay, some were even being placed in prams and wheeled around by owners who beamed like proud new parents. This event really wasn't for me.
So, after about an hour I decided to leave Rebecca to document each and every dog, cat and human that was participating, and walk around the attractive streets of this pleasant town to take some photographs. Eventually, I returned to the Beast to listen to Mark Kermode's weekly podcast in bid to restore some much needed sanity to my brain (hello Jason Isaacs), before being joined by Rebecca and her full memory card.
It was time to progress south east toward the navel port of Norfolk, where we would once again meet the coast that would carry us down toward the southern tip of Florida.
© All Images By Paul
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