"Don't speak," I was told as I walked with two Italian friends through a crowd of what seemed like peaceful hippies. But the fact that my fun-loving Italian friend was silently rushing me through the crowd told me that I was not welcome as an American.
On Nov. 6-9, nearly 500,000 people from around Europe gathered in the city that I have called home for the past six months to have a peaceful rally against what they feel is tearing the world apart. The European Social Forum (ESF) met in Florence to peacefully march through this ancient city and all Americans were asked to leave the city "for their own protection."
As an American, I felt that I had the right to stay in Florence and to observe the rally. My Italian friends disagreed. Who was I to get involved when even the locals were deserting their city?
I could not help but look over my shoulder constantly as I walked alone. It became difficult to do any daily activity, such as grocery shop or eat in a restaurant, when only a handful of businesses remained open. I felt the tension rise every day as I watched schools and businesses close and Americans leave the city in droves.
Four days when protesters concerned with American indifference toward other nationalities flooded Florence turned into a nice four-day vacation for most American students. Rather than perpetuate the American image, I stayed put.
I chose to join the rally as an observer to gain an understanding of why all these people gathered and where they were coming from. People packed the streets waving peace flags and anti-war posters with our president's face plastered under the phrase: "Terrorist #1."
I walked through clouds of marijuana smoke and groups of wine-drinking protesters wondering whether this was a protest or a party. People happily joined together to carry large banners in every language imaginable and for three hours, I did not utter a word and smoked cigarettes like I was Philip Morris himself.
When people approached me speaking recognizable languages, I nodded to avoid any verbal interaction that would reveal my nationality.
I walked away from the rally with a new understanding of how a peaceful protest actually works. I realized that these people gathered not only to get recognition for their cause but also to feel better about their place in the world. It seemed to make the world a better place by easing the minds of those upset with its problems, if just for a single day.
People were chanting, smiling and singing along side one another and did not have a care in the world except establishing peace everywhere they could. Police watched appreciatively as no force was needed to subdue the peaceful protest. I felt the same appreciation as I walked away safely and laughed off all the fearful moments I had.
I left with a new vision of what is important, and it has absolutely nothing to do with global products or how much money is in my bank account. It has to do with maintaining a lifestyle where people can live together happily and peacefully, without having to wage war for resources and unnecessary power.
In particular, I learned how important it is to be proud of where you come from while also being able to accept what needs to be changed. Especially when you come from a country where people automatically assume you have the worst intentions.
For this American, I can happily say that my only intention is to live my life well and do what I can to make the world a better place, regardless of who is holding office in Washington, D.C.
Terry O'Reilly is a journalism senior. Reach her at dbikes1@hotmail.com.
