Tommy Christie@tommyswriting
I've lived in Buenos Aires for about 8 months total, and finally got hit with my first Anti-Gringo sentiment in person the other night
I was at a Mundo Lingo language exchange (would highly recommend going to these) and walked up to a group of attractive women in front of the bar
She saw my American flag and instantly asked me what I thought about Donald Trump
I should have probably walked away when she asked me this question
The tone wasn't curious, it was laced with intense judgement
"Tengo pensamientos mezclados, pero voté para él"
"I have mixed thoughts, but I voted for him"
Is how I responded
She said she hated my country, my government, and Donald Trump, and she doesn't like gringos
I said, you can say what you want about my country and government, but I'm an honest, kind person with values and morals, and not the devil you think I am.
Maybe more context and defense than what was needed, but I felt the need to speak what was honestly on my mind
I said nice to meet you, and walked away from her group, which seemed to be in full acquiescence and agreement with her feelings and thoughts
I have harbor no animosity or ill will towards her or her friends tbh
I understand why they think and feel the way they do
I'd feel the same way if I were them and consuming the media they were consuming
I tell this story just to say...I've talked with probably over 1,000 people here and this is the first person to show me outright disdain and ill-will in person for being an American
A lot of "American hate" you hear about and read on the internet is just that...keyboard warriors that aren't willing to say these things to your face directly
99% of the people I meet here are kind, warm-hearted people with good intentions. Respectful to the fullest extent