If you rightly believe that the upcoming election is gravely important for our country, please spare a thought for your fellow citizens who are currently living overseas.
There are about 9 million of us, after all, according to a 2016 State Department estimate, a population larger than that of New Jersey, Virginia or Massachusetts. And while folks back home might understandably dream of escaping the clown-show of contemporary American political life by moving to another country, the opposite is often true. Instead of removing yourself from uncomfortable political discussions, you’re frequently asked to explain — or even justify — life in America, including the actions of our government. Instead of no longer feeling like a US citizen, once you move abroad, you often become an ersatz US ambassador.
Sometimes this can be a blast, of course, with complete strangers seeking out your opinion on various aspects of American culture. After moving to Tokyo a few years ago, my friend Chris found himself invited into the home of a Japanese neighbor who desperately wanted help understanding the lyrics of Dr Dré’s The Chronic. It can feel strangely satisfying to explain the infield fly rule to a confused Swiss kid with a baseball glove, or to tell French fans of American indie rock that you’ve seen live performances by Archers of…
