Absentee American

OXFORD, England – I wrote my first column this year about the benefits of studying abroad. Exposure to another culture or language enriches our appreciation of the world’s diversity. Exposure to international politics teaches us, as American students, that we are quickly falling from the pinnacle of power we so recently enjoyed. And of course, cheap travel to European countries is a novelty that still hasn’t worn off. After following the Virginia Tech massacre through headlines and experiencing Little 500 week solely through Facebook posts, however, I began to realize the extent of what I have been missing.\nEarly in the academic year, the introduction of the Facebook news feed made stalkers more efficient and less detectable. Also, Facebook opened its virtual doors to all internet users, transforming it from a network of university students and alumni to an all-inclusive cyber-community. I am heavily indebted to the news feed for retaining the ability to keep up on the latest wall-post drama while overseas. \nIn February, the Super Bowl’s Budweiser commercials maintained their high standards, showcasing the best in American advertising. The English don’t like Budweiser beer, but they do like the commercials. As for the actual game, the Colts won. \nJustin Timberlake’s “Dick in a Box” skit on Saturday Night Live swept the nation – or at least it seemed that way on YouTube. Despite the famed sexual openness of European society, the skit’s crudity failed to impress the English students who watched the clip. They insisted that the humor evident in the sketch’s parody of bad R&B and slapstick innuendo “is just an American thing.” So I found a few Americans, and we laughed at it together.\nIn January, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s declarations of intent to run for president in 2008 came six months earlier than expected. Previous candidates have waited until the summer of the primary elections to officially enter the race. \nAnd then, the largest mass shooting in US history shocked the world. \nThe snippets of news and popular culture that have made their way across the ocean and through my internet cord are far from definitive. I imagine a dozen trends have gripped the IU student body this year, loosening their hold only after they became ubiquitous. Small tragedies have no doubt circulated the hallways of Ballantine. Someone has probably invented a new cheer for the student section. And, Jiffy Treet, my favorite sophomore haunt, has moved from Kirkwood. \nThese changes will be overwhelming. When I return, I will wonder if I ever would have exchanged my year abroad for the same year near the close friends, professors and American snack foods that have made Bloomington feel like home. The answer will be no, of course. My year abroad has been enough to make the thought of leaving England equally as tragic. But I am looking forward to living in a new Bloomington this fall. For now, the summer and its potential for further change lie ahead. My most important questions will have to wait until my return. For instance, I am afraid to ask if Ugg boots are still in style.