ジェフリー・ライトさんのインスタグラム写真 - (ジェフリー・ライトInstagram)「Ismail pt. 2 When we speak to each other openly in the world, we realize that, if only while the laugh lasts. After that, we may go back to mistrusting each other again. Or we may not. The more powerful global inclination toward America, however, leans not toward our lesser self (frightened ignorance, gun obsession, etc) but toward our better angel: that idea of freedom which birthed things people of the world still admire even in these lesser days: our social, developmental & technological progress, yes, but also our stories, films, style, music (the freedom expressed by blue notes that underscored our ascendency out of slavery - in every part of the world, folks dance & dream to a version of that). Our creativity lights the beacon on the hill even in darkened days. It must, else we’re lost. Coming back home now - looking forward to it even. I’ll dislike some of what I’ll find, but that’s true anywhere. Still, I’ll smile remembering the sites & sensations that new places newly gifted me: like the literally countless cargo vessels lying in wait in the Singapore Strait - countless symbols of the power of international trade, the sweet & feisty Japanese hawker lady in Bugis who had me taste dried scallop edge - um, delish! - and who sold me other tasty dried morsels, that dude from (maybe) Shanghai vacationing on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean who wore his Steph Curry jersey to dinner, and the young Maldivian who surfed circles around me everyday for a week. They call him “Smiley,” he said, because “they” can’t remember his name most times. His name is Ismael. He’s Maldives' national champion surfer. He may compete in the Olympics next year in Japan. Maybe they’ll remember then. Just don’t call him Ishmael. I’m grateful and better for having explored a bit away from the damp, drizzly November in the American soul. I’m less inclined toward stepping into the street and knocking people's hats off...or maybe I’m more inclined...depending on the street. Either way, I’m reminded again of the world outside my country and reminded, too, of my country’s place within the whole. If anything at all, Americans should know that. We’d all be better for It.」7月18日 20時09分