Americans need to seek out other perspectives. Instead of sitting on a high horse and looking down anything “un-American,” we need to actively seek to learn from others, seek to understand others. Even today, how many American policy makers understand Islamic culture and thought? Seeking understanding will, well, prevent misunderstandings. Beyond understanding, learning from others will promote understanding and continued strength. It will build friendships.

Not that I’m perfect in making international friendships. But I try to understand other perspectives. Besides, its more fun to live in another country when you try to find out what its really like to live there. For example, I thinks its foolish for Americans to want China to make a radical switch to a democratic form of government. The Chinese government is far from perfect, but suddenly transposing an American system of government on an unprepared and very culturally different nation would probably lead to chaos and famine. Let the Chinese evolve in peace. I believe that, as more Chinese gain an education, they will do themselves justice. International human rights pressure isn’t bad, but make sure you understand where the Chinese are coming from before you ask them to change to be “more like America.”

What does 9-11 have to do with the American insular attitude? I dont’ know. To be honest, I’m afraid that it hasn’t changed American perspectives much.