Understanding of others, friendships, respect between cultures and peace between nation

I would like to invite people who believe in the spirit of my trip to help me promote my philosophy: “with an open mind, open heart, open home, everything becomes possible”.

The response to my trip has been overwhelming. Medias and thousands of people who followed me through my website was interested in this trip because it purpose is of an educational nature.

I believe the intercultural and intergenerational DSL program (discover, share and learn) I experienced during this trip is a base between people for developing understanding, leading to friendship and peace between nations. Understanding of others with their differences allows us to be more educated and adapt ourselves better to society, its different cultures and increases our tolerance.

With your comments, you have the power to encourage and inspire people to try the same rewarding experience I encountered all over the USA. These in turn will help to promote friendship and respect between cultures and nations.

Your comments will also be an interesting source of ideas and inspiration, which will help me to structure my book. I will be gratefull for any comment!

Changing the hearts of dislike and hatred through communication and education is of utmost importance

Over the past few years, it has been more and more apparent to me that there is a significant rise in anti-American sentiments. I am not referring just about politics, but an overall attitude of dislike of the American people. I see it largely in young adults. The reason for this is a total misconception of Americans as projected through the media and entertainment industries as well as the current political environment.

Young people in Europe think that Americans are overindulgent, fake, too religious, and greedy. While this may be true of a very small minority, most American people are decent, hard working, loving men and women. I met thousands of people since the beginning of my trip and no one, yes no one had a bad or negative feeling or though about French people or France. They want exactly the same things for their children as the mothers and fathers anywhere; a safe, healthy, nurturing and innocent environment. I was amazed to find out just how similar European and American lifestyles are!

Great lengths need to be taken to overcome the misunderstandings and ignorance that have lead to the dislike and sometimes hatred of the American people. I believe if this is not addressed in a grass roots way through people to people exchanges and media outlets, that these sentiments will continue to grow and will cause great damage to American relationships.

The Pew research institute, a non profit polling organization in Washington, DC has confirmed, as referenced in the book, “America Against the World”, that statistically what I am saying is true. As history has proven, the hearts of man determine the fate of nations. I believe that changing the hearts of dislike and hatred through communication and education is of utmost importance.