The year is 2017 and as a united nation, America has BANNED a group of people from entering the country solely based on their religion; take a moment of silence to let this statement sink in. The year is 2017 and we have regressed immensely and in this moment I am ashamed of my country; what has occurred with Trump’s executive order to keep Muslims out of the country will be documented in history books years from now as another act of hateful prejudice against a minority group.
This shameful ban invalidates American values that exemplify diversity and embrace the unification of different cultures in a nation as one; this is not the embodiment of the American dream. The way in which we have reached this point of bigotry has a significant amount to do with fear tactics utilized by politicians who open the doors to hate speech in their open defiance against Muslims. Holding innocent people accountable for the actions of criminals is a recurring theme in American society, victims of Japanese internment camps received their compensation only 29 years ago. I find these repeated instances of racism extremely ironic due to our so-called belief that we are “one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for ALL” when we continue to treat specific races as unwanted outsiders. One conviction that has not left the 21st century is the uneducated belief that terrorism takes the form of distinct races and religions rather than acts of malevolence committed by individual, hateful human beings who don’t deserve the privilege of being identified as followers of God to begin with.
Terrorists do not represent a religion; they represent crimes of their own that have nothing to do with the peaceful religion they claim to identify with in vain as a cowardice excuse for their heinous actions.
The day we stop fearing cultures that differ from ours and targeting them based on the acts of radical terrorists who put a bad name to their heritage is the day when equality wins. Although this time is terrifying for many, remember there are allies who support you. There are safe spaces where you will not be judged based on the color of your skin because although almost half the country voted for a man who supports hate, the other half who voted against ignorance stands with you. Policies that we may not agree with are already taking precedent, but this does not mean our voices have to be silenced; instead we should raise them higher and be hopeful for our nation to come together once again. Despite the hateful comments you may hear, remember what is right and humane and refuse to slip into the giant cracks of injustice and prejudice. Although America faces it’s heavy share of struggles, remember the fact that our country is built upon a glorious melting pot of individuals from all parts of the world seeking a better life. We do not have to accept losing this right of patriotic freedom as long as we stand together and stand strong.
A video to highlight the beauty of diversity.
