On Starting Fresh
Did you know that I got married a few weeks ago?
Going on my first trip with the guy I finally get to call my husband was disheartening at times. He knew I didn't want politics to ruin the mood but I didn't enjoy seeing him sad and upset every night while we were trying to live our new lives. Chile did a great job of shielding me from the news for the most part because I don't speak Spanish and there is a lot media coverage on a devastating forest fire. (Side note: I'd be interested to see what the coverage on the Chilean fires are like worldwide.) My heart sunk when I decided to look at my feeds and the English news a few days later.
It's only February.
Before the trip, I was anticipating bad things (I'm now anticipating the worst) so I adopted a new nationality out of embarrassment. I memorized the Canadian anthem in an attempt to prepare myself for terrible stereotypes. Because of my disappointment and anger, I had no desire to defend where I was “from.”
"Where you from? United States?" said an old man at the Santiago fish market.
Canada.
"Good! Much better!"
Did I fear for my safety for my American-ness? You bet. It sounds silly but the portrayal of this country being a place that disregards equality, basic human decency and racial equality is embarrassing. Why would I want to wave this blue passport -- something my parents worked hard for -- when families can't even stay together? When families are still trying to get by on minimum wage while the government is now paying the wealthy and inexperienced to run it? The country I knew was the land of the free and the home of the brave. It took in the poor, the tired, and weak. I don't feel free and I certainly don't feel brave, but I want to be.
With the recent turn of events, I can confidently say that you or I have more experience and ability to run the duct taped regime that it is in place now. We can't address everything at once but pick something you are passionate about and do something. Go back to your small hometowns and run for office. Take action. Say something. Show compassion. Listen to each other and learn why there are opposing viewpoints. The more humanness we can put back, the more chances there are that the hate and anger out there can be eradicated or at least minimized. The hate people feel for you because you're a woman, because you're black, because you're native, because you're Asian, because you're a refugee, because you're an immigrant, because you just give a damn about basic rights and civil liberties.
Politics is something that I try to stay away from on this site but you should be angry about everything that is going on now.
It's only February.
I'm appalled by those who say nothing, especially those who have the platform and following to have an influence or at least start a conversation. Things will get worse so now is the time to protest, and protest loudly but peacefully. Hate politics and hearing about it? But by the time it effects you, it's already too late.
“Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. ‘Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp’ cries she With silent lips. ‘Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’”
