Posted by Heidi Heyns on March 20, 2003 at 22:41:35:
This morning was the first morning I can recall truly experiencing directly, a feeling of resentment directed towards me, for being an American.
I am not sure how to feel about it...I know that I don't support what has happened...i know that I feel that this unprecidented move as a bully nation makes us more LIKE Iraq than not. They invaded Kuwait cuz they wanted something. And because they could. Haven't we just done the same thing?
Anyway...there is a general feeling of distrust towards Americans out here now...
I was in my coffeeshop this morning..my favorite hangout in Hong Kong, and two visiting businessmen from Holland were nearby. We were chatting briefly at the counter and they asked where I was from. "The US" I stated simply, as I always do and they actually BACKED AWAY. just by a few inches...and one said "OH!" and the other said.."it's not good..."
Very weird feeling...
And then I was warned by a friend who is friendly with some of the Hong Kong police not to go into parts of Hong Kong where Westerners are known to congregate and party-Lan Kwai Fong. She said that they expected problems there.
Yikes.
Mostly I am unperturbed, unruffled by it..but there are the odd moments when I feel my nerves spike a bit.
Being on the Church of the Larger Fellowship list helps a lot.
And being Unitarian probably helps more than I know.
I send my warm thoughts of safe-keeping and a peace to come as gently and with the fewest deaths possible to all of you and especially those with loved ones in harm's way.
I do not support this effort, but the men and women who are commanded to fight deserve our support...I will put a light in my window to show my hope for Peace and my support for those in battle.
With Love,
Heidi Heyns
Hong Kong