Shona's experiences a common response to her being from America

I think that one of the most common responses to us walking into a room and either a.) obviously just emitting we are Americans or b.) being announced that we are Americans is the phrase "Donald Trump". Even going into church on Sunday where there were people who had little English language skills, when it was announced that we were American, a man behind me said "Donald Trump". Like it was the first and only thing that came to his head and when I turned around and gave him a grossed out look in response to that ugly name, he laughed at me. Which is what we all feel like at this point, somewhere between it being a joke and being one of the most confusing times in our modern history. Somewhere between laughing at how ridiculous it all is or crying. I can hear the words of everyone who has looked into our group and said, "What happened?", "What did you guys do?", and more abrasively, "Who the f*** would vote for that guy?" And I almost want to throw my hands up in innocence to immediately push away guilt. We all say, we don't like it either, we did not agree with this decision. And I think Capetonians understand. I don't think they think we as our study abroad group did anything to support the decision, and I haven't heard any negative things toward us. I feel like anyone who has come to Cape Town as an American has come, in some part, and get away from the States. Even before Trump, I think that it became too much negative atmosphere to live in. And sometimes I want to remind them about Zuma, but that's not the point either. I think I didn't realize how involved other people were in American politics. In 2009, I probably would've waved the flag with them and ran through the streets exclaiming loudy that I felt their joy. Obviously at that time I was too young to vote, I believe I was 13, but if I was the age I am now experiencing that time, I would've nodded proudly when they said are you American, and I would've gladly shared that I voted for Obama. Now I just make a look like I smelled raw sewage. I would say, sadly, that now and then are very different.