As we all take a collective cleansing breath, and try to calm our anxiety resulting from the rocky start of this new year, let us also be looking at the second chance we have been handed. Living in the United States of America comes with the responsibility of living up to that “united” part. Understanding what we are uniting for and against is important. What we teach our children, hold in our hearts and show to the rest of the world becomes our truth to bare. There are consequences to our words and deeds, a cause and effect to be judged forever in history. The question is, how do we want to be remembered?
We watched our very democracy threatened with the insurrection and violence on January 6, 2021. A day that should have been conducted in its traditional manner signaling the transition of power in a peaceful, civilized way, erupted into a permanent scar forever etched into our nation’s history. The sentiments we share may not be in agreement, as some feel loss and others feel victory, but our future is something we can find common ground for. The simple question of “What kind of country do we want for our children?” stands out as the most important one to ask.
On the one side is the fear that the “other” is taking over a country that has been seized, governed and controlled by white European men since the 1400’s. (McElwee, McDaniel). That “other” includes indigenous, slave traded, immigrant, female and anyone different in lifestyle or spiritual belief. The fear of losing land, treasure, power or a voice is real in the minds of those experiencing it. So much so that they are easily led to believe conspiracies which perpetuate that deep feeling of a loss of control and tradition. For them there is a sense of urgency and desperation to hold on to that way of life they believed was permanent. It seems that letting down their guard will result in their becoming oppressed, and their culture diluted.
On the other side is the feeling of breaking out from under an oppression, or minority relegation in an expression of their demand for inclusion. For them, this unique experiment in a melting pot of diversity and democratic equality defining a nation of immigrants, is one that plays out in a slow moving succession of civil rights. (Brooks) For many, having waited through generations for their “turn” to be recognized as an equal citizen with equal rights, this year feels like the last turning point. From the election of our first president of color with Barak Obama, to our first female and person of color vice president in Kamala Harris, to our first openly gay person confirmed to a cabinet post in Pete Buttigieg, our country is finally seeing a shift in public attitude toward inclusion and equal representation.
The indigenous people of our continent, some whose ancestors have been here for at least 30,000 years and, according to new discoveries, potentially 130,000 years, (Katz) are a living tribute to endurance and stoic perseverance while adjusting to the ever changing power grab of European settlers. Many of the ancient ancestors in North America migrated from other places, but were able to maintain their shared land for centuries. They watched as their children were enticed away from traditional culture into a European way. They saw their ancestral race diluted with intermarriage and forced procreation through the taking of their women by invaders. This is nothing new, as the same scenario played out in ancient Europe, Asia and all over the globe. There is something about the restlessness and curiosity of humans that pushes a drive for exploration and individuality. For some this drive stems from creativity and survival, while others from fear and the need to conquer. Today, as with the ancients, human behavior is influenced by its social and cultural beliefs. As evidenced then and now, however, we can reach a place of balance and peaceful existence. Assimilation is not a terrible thing, as long as it is an individual choice.
Concerning the battle for control in the United States today, both sides are passionate about their vision for our country, but only when we find a common goal that seeks our highest good will we be able to work together. One side sees a loss in power, the other a gain of power. In reality, it is a shift toward balance, moving closer to the real meaning of being united. As a country, united we stand must be the patriotic call of all, as we are not equal until none is marginalized.
sources
Brooks, Ph.D., Mike. “Do Democrats Hate America? Anger from the left has been boiling over. But do Democrats really hate America?” PsychologyToday.com, Psychology Today, 20 Jul. 2020, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-happy-life/202007/do-democrats-hate-america.
Katz, Brigit. “Remarkable New Evidence for Human Activity in North America 130,000 Years Ago.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 26 Apr. 2017, www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/new-evidence-human-activity-north-america-130000-years-ago-180963046/.
McElwee, Sean and McDaniel, Jason. “Fear of Diversity Made People More Likely to Vote Trump.” TheNation.com, The Nation Magazine, 14 Mar. 2017, https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/fear-of-diversity-made-people-more-likely-to-vote-trump/.