I am American- Alejandro Lerner
Alejandro Lerner, my favorite Argentinean artist, has come out with a new album “Enojado”.
The lyrics of “I am American” are worth translating. It reminds “North America” especially citizens of the USA to remember that America is big and encompasses more than their country and people. The song reminds that there are different perspectives, raising awareness. Many “Americans” believe that that America ends in Miami.
We need to expose our students AND teacher colleagues to different perspectives, if only through a song.
(My loose translation of the lyrics are after each line)
Me gustan los cowboys – I like cowboys
y las hamburguesas – and hamburgers
la noche en Manhattan – the night in Manhattan
Viaje a las Estrellas – a trip to the starsMe gustan las calles - I like the streets
alla en San Francisco – there in San Francsico
ya se que es distinto – I already know that it is different
que nada es lo mismo – that nothing is the sameI am American
South South South American
if god is your father
Pachamama is my mother
and we love our brothers tooVinieron de lejos – They came from afar
trajeron los barcos – they brought the boats
perdieron los indios - the Indians lost
ganaron los blancos – the whites wonAquella cultura quedo sepultada - That culture was left buried
por cruces y espadas – by crosses and swords
y voces calladas – and silent voicesI am American
South South South American
if god is your father
Pachamama is my mother
and we love our brothers tooI am American
Sur, Centro y Norteamerica – South, Central and North America
cuando Dios hizo el eden – when god created Eden
penso en America - he thought of AmericaLe digo a la gente que tome conciencia – I tell people to become aware
America es una en cuerpo y esencia - America is one in body and essence
America grande ayuda a tu hermano – Big America help your brother
que en este planeta vamos todos de la mano – On this planet we all walk hand in handI am American
South South South American
if god is your father
Pachamama is my mother
and we love our brothers tooI am American
Sur, Centro y Norteamerica – South, Central and North America
cuando Dios hizo el eden - when god created Eden
penso en America - he thought of America
penso en America - he thought of America
penso en America… – he thought of America…America Latina – Latin America
no duerme en tus brazos - doesn’t sleep in your arms
trabaja y ayuda - It works and helps
en las calles y en el campo - on the streets and in the fieldsSus hombres, mujeres - Its men, women
sus suenos, su fuerza - its dreams, its strength
America es una - America is one
que crece y no espera - that grows and doesn’t waitHispanos orientales - Oriental Hispanics
negros y sajones – blacks and saxons
caminan nuestra America - walk in our America
por todos los rincones - in every cornerAmerica grande ayuda a tu hermano – Big America help your brother
que en este planeta vamos todos de la mano – On this planet we all walk hand in handI am American…
So, who do YOU think of when referring to “America and Americans”? Next time when you do, will you be aware that there is Canada, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia and many more?
Silvia .. since I live in Mexico, I know better. I think of “America” inclusively to include all peoples that identify with being from the Americas, not just North, but also Central and South America as well. If you go to almost any city “south of the border” you will always find a plaza called “Americas” sports teams called “Americas” etc.
But I am fully aware, since I am from the USA, that the thinking on this label is very tightly controlled to only include people from the USA.
Of course, they don’t see Canadians as Americans either … it is just one of those cultural blindspots that we all have and need to work on reducing so that others don’t feel or are excluded from celebrating 100% of who they are.
Frank
Frank’s Faces of Web 2.0 ? 21st Century Teachers
Great post. Unfortunately, I teach “American” Literature but that only means North American.
As a Canadian, and I’m not alone in this, you would insult me to refer to me as being ‘from America’ or ‘American’ – north or otherwise. We may be on the continent of North America but the term America refers to those in the United States. I am Canadian!
Patti,
Thank you for your insight to a Canadian point of view. That kind of conversation and contributions is just what I was hoping for to look at the issue from different angles and perspectives. That is the only way we learn to be aware and sensitive about such issues.
Your post reminded me of a silly song by a Canadian group called the Arrogant Worms. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29g57XTYgLE The song I mention is silly, but your message rings true with me. America is far more than the United States.