Re: foreigners and outsiders, I, too, prefer this distinction. Yet, I cannot overlook the fact that for some groups even being a foreigner brings negative tones. It depends whether one, just like you, belongs to a country which is a part of the “In group.” Outside of the USA, there are only a few other countries that think of themselves as members ot the “In crowd.” Hence, it is easier for them to have positive association with the word “foreigner.” For others, the word still means that you are foreign to us and hence, you are outside of us.

I agree that we don’t want to stay ignorant and we need to continue learning and growing in our ability to adapt. But I wonder if we can do that while on occasion still availing ourselves of the freedom rather than fear that comes from being a foreigner. Perhaps it also comes with thinking of ourselves as, framing it, as foreigners, rather than outsiders.

That leaves me with the question, what are we getting away with? and why? I expect that kind of “exemption” could be used for good and bad. (I’m sure you used it for good.) I’m going to keep my eyes open for examples of where and how people have used this exemption/freedom/ignorance.

I hope my comment makes sense, thanks Beth for the thought-provoking post!!

It kind of ties in to your previous post, too, I think–deciding which are leaves and which are roots. Possibly fear of stepping out and making mistakes is actually (even though it seems like doing nothing) an attempt to change the roots–without interacting enough to know what you’re trying to change them to.