Living in Thailand for the past four years has given me a unique perspective on my home country. SUBSCRIBE @PhilipJames360
Video location: New York City
I recently returned to the U.S. for the first time in almost four years, and while there have been some enjoyable aspects, I have also identified five reasons why I would not want to stay in the U.S. right now.
Before we dive into those, let me say that it's been great to reconnect with old friends and the familiar surroundings of home. That sense of "wholeness" that comes from returning to your roots is universal, but there are also aspects that have made this return bittersweet.
01:08
Safety Concerns: I feel less safe in the U.S. compared to Thailand or Japan. From worrying about my rental car being broken into at the Oakland airport, to the constant edge that comes with the possibility of confrontations, there is an overall feeling of unease. The "No Gun Zone" sign at the beginning of my trip seemed to epitomize this feeling.
01:56
Cost of Living: The U.S. is expensive. Rent in places like New York City has doubled since 2010, and the number of homeless people has also grown correspondingly. The cost of living seems to have skyrocketed, making everyday life challenging for many.
02:11
Quality of Life: I find that the quality of life in the U.S. doesn't match up to what I have experienced in Thailand or Japan. Whether it's dining out or shopping, I often feel like I am overpaying for the quality I receive. Additionally, there is an excessive expectation for tipping, even before service is rendered, which adds to the overall expense.
03:50
Mental Health Crisis: There is a palpable anger and tension in the U.S., which seems to signal a mental health crisis. The peaceful and optimistic surroundings I experience in Thailand are a stark contrast to the hostility and division I've felt in the U.S. The level of violence in some U.S. cities is alarming and unsettling.
05:40
Deteriorating Infrastructure: The U.S. doesn't feel the same as it did four years ago. There seems to be a "dark cloud" hanging over the country. Streets that were once well-maintained now have large potholes and look unkempt. It feels like the infrastructure is failing, which is a stark contrast to other parts of the world where I feel more positive and uplifted.
One aspect I appreciate about America is its capacity for innovation and adaptation. For instance, the concept Starbucks store in New York City screens customers using an Amazon Prime app, creating a more controlled and comfortable environment. It's an innovative solution to a widespread issue, and a testament to America's ability to solve problems creatively.
Like the frog that jumps out of boiling water, I feel an urge to return to the more peaceful surroundings and higher quality of life that I have found in Asia. While there may be dark clouds over the U.S. right now, I choose to seek out the more positive and healthier surroundings that I have come to love in Thailand.
Farewell, for now, from New York City and the United States.
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11 июл 2023
