Being an American

Yesterday I posted a video on instagram reiterating my opinion regarding current events; specifically, being an American.

I believe being an American is like any other relationship, I have to take the bad with the good and I have to encourage others to be the best version of themselves. 

I believe being an American is available to everyone, regardless of race or religion. I believe this morally but it is also in our constitution; this is the land of the free.

Freedom to walk across campus (or the street) without being harassed. 

Freedom to post a flyer that would bring awareness to a situation without someone (who disagrees) tearing it down. 

These simple freedoms are being violated for may every single day; and, these violations are the bad part of being an American. Watching people filled with hate destroy the freedom which they actively take advantage of (their right to disagree) but also the foundation of our country. 

I believe this is the land of the free because of the brave.🇺🇸

I would be more than remiss, I would be a coward, if I did not speak up.

Being an American has allowed me many opportunities I could not dream about elsewhere; the right to vote, pursue an education, choose my husband, power of my body. The list goes on, and it is not lost on me the men and women who have sacrificed so I can have these rights- the good part.

I encourage each of you to take stock in what being an American means to you and what this country has provided you; then, think twice about ignoring the injustices of others.🩷J 

“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”  

MLK, Jr.

PS: In 2020-2021 I tried to be less outspoken because I did not want to offend anyone or lose a friend. Something worse happened, I lost myself. I was not longer able to trust my opinions and actions because I betrayed myself for so long, I became a shell of who I once was. Earlier this year I proved to myself I will no longer remain silent to spare someone else’s feelings.

Just a reminder, when you turn a blind eye to other’s wrong doings you are simultaneously doing yourself a disservice.