Dear Egotistical Expatriate...

Dear Egotistical Expatriate,

So some friends and girlfriends of mine were talking the other day about how rude some expats can be. My girlfriends mentioned that they avoid certain hotels as there are so many insolent expatriates. The more we talked about it the more situations seem to surface -- the rude guy or the girl at the airport, the restaurant, the hotel pool or here at the mine. These expats treat others poorly, are degrading and disrespectful especially to the non-expatriates. And I began to think oh how I pity the Egotistical Expatriate (EE) and appreciate the amusement he/she creates. I giggle because they think they are better, they think they are “someone” but truth is, their friends are few and their opposers are countless in a land that is not their own. Their carbon footprint is heavy. They leave much to be desired and a reputation of defiance and ultimate unimportance by the view of many. From the stories I have heard from friends who work at the mine the Egotistical Expatriate thinks the only people who matter are the “Big Dogs” but given enough time they will be like glass and seen right through. I am saddened by the EEs lack of respect for the balance of culture, community and professionalism. I am humored by the mockery that they ignite -- I laugh when I think about them being rude to the person who is going to serve them food! I hope that one day the obscuring shadow of the EEs own head dissipates and they can finally see the beauty of learning and teaching with an open mind. I hope they get the chance to appreciate the gorgeous smiles and view that surrounds them. There is so much beauty to be enjoyed including their own...