This Land is My Land!

Y’all remember that song we used to sing in grade school music class?

Such a classic, feel good song. America is supposed to be for everybody! Feel free to come settle in and be part of this glorious family!

Reality is much different.

Last week, President Trump tweeted (don’t you get tired of reading/hearing that line?) the all famous you’re a racist indicator “Go back to your own country.” Who did he direct these comments towards?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ayanna S. Pressley of Massachusetts. All women of color. It’s important to note of the four women, only Rep Omar is from another country (Somalia), and they all are good, ole fashion American citizens.

Think about that for a second.

This is nothing new for black and brown people in America. The good majority have heard some variation of “Go back to your country!!” In fact, this was just said to me a few months ago. The only thing missing from Trump was the follow-up racial slur. For me, it’s not the words so much as the idea that I can’t be from America because I’m not white. It’s the difference seen in my skin color. The superiority the perpetrator feels they can wield over me. The perception that I’m not a productive member of American society. The belief that I’m poor and uneducated.

So much behind one little statement.

What’s worse is there are people in this country who will defend Trump’s words, some of which I personally know, and then have the gall to say they aren’t racist. I’d say it hurts, and sometimes it might, but honestly it’s just ignorant. Bear in mind, this behavior is coming from the highest office in the land, and Trump has a strong shot at being re-elected in 2020. That’s how much hatred is in this country. It’s easy to tell someone to leave if they don’t like it and continue on in folly, but it’s better to admit fault and change the behavior. It only makes you a better person. Well America, your behavior needs to change because we aren’t going anywhere.

In the words of Edward T. Bowser, I am America. I’m the part you won’t recognize, but get used to me.

We’re here.

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