Where Are You From?

It’s a simple question that has gotten harder for me to answer. It usually comes up early in conversations with new acquaintances. I’ve been on the road since last June and I’ve had lots of those conversations. I think when we ask that question we are really asking, “What geographic region do you identify with?” Or, “what is your socioeconomic background or political identity?” At least that often feels like the real question. Especially in the current political climate.

The answer was always a simple one before I had so any options for answers. I remember when traveling abroad during the “W” years the answer “Alaska” was usually safe. When Sarah Palin came along we would just lie and say “Canada”. This was during the time I flew the USA flag upside down at home.

Now I find myself with a variety of choices for answers and considering what image I want to project with my answer. After all, I’m from many places. My current lack of permanence gives me many choices that are technically correct. The only home that I haven’t left is planet Earth. I’m not giving up on that.

In any part of the country you are liable to meet someone who believes that Obama is a Muslim, the earth is six thousand years old and Donald Trump is our only salvation. I feel like liberals have a situation similar to that experienced by “the gays” just a few years ago, when it wasn’t always safe to come out. Before you can have a honest and serious conversation with a new acquaintance, you need to make sure it is safe.

Fortunately redneck, science denying homophobes are usually willing to reveal their true feelings with just a few innocuous questions. Like, “Can you believe the winter we are having?” Or, if you are adventurous, “How about that last debate?” If that doesn’t trigger a tirade, you usually know just a few sentences later whether you can relax or need to start gracefully extricating yourself before it gets ugly or your head explodes.

But getting back to that question and how to answer. I have no standard answer. I’ve found that I experience many emotional responses when asked. This may sound ridiculous but I’ve even experienced some PTSD induced fight or flight response. I know that is irrational but hey, I’m old and feel entitled to some irrational responses to innocent inquiries. Remember, you aren’t paranoid if they really are out to get you.

I think I’m going to go with a new standard response. “I currently have no permanent address” followed by, “I’m traveling and writing about what I see”.

I think Stephen Colbert would say, “Sounds like a pretty good pick up line”. I doubt it, for me there is no such thing as a good pick up line. What I miss most these days is Mel.