As the events in Charlottesville, Virginia unfolded, I found myself at a loss for words. To see images of men and women marching through the streets sporting Swastikas was further validation of everything Black Americans have been saying since the beginning of time. Based on some comments made on social media, one would think this was an isolated event of sorts. Something that happened out of nowhere, that came as a direct of result of Trump. While his time in the Oval Office most certainly perpetuated the boldness of these attitudes, we must remember that this has always been America.
America has consistently been riddled with ignorance, violence, racial discrimination, uneducated bigots, and a disrespect for anything not white, not straight, and not upper class. There has always, always been one time or another where a certain group of people has been marginalized and treated like less of a human. With that being said, how could anyone in this day and age be naïve enough to think that America was ever great?
Charlottesville is a clear indicator that this country was never great and has a lot of work to do to even be considered good. While this country's flaws are anything but hidden, allow this to be a motivator to educate yourself on the dangers minorities face daily. There is no room for compromise with those who would rather see people of color dead than alive.
If you don't understand why Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem, this is why.
If you don't understand why Black Americans continuously have conversations dealing with race and injustice, this is why.
If you don't understand why #BlackLivesMatter was established, this is why.
If you don't understand why this administration is harmful to marginalized groups and why the phrase #NotMyPresident is nothing short of the truth, this is why.
If you don't understand why blind, unconditional pride in this country is dangerous to progress toward understanding and accountability, this is why. I can't be one hundred percent proud of a country that refuses to learn from its history, that gives platforms to extremists who believe everyone doesn't deserve access to the same opportunities, that believes black lives are the least of everyone's concerns... I cannot be proud of a country that "sleeps peacefully" while children and adults fall victim to systematic disadvantages and ruthless disrespect based on a characteristic they cannot change. I cannot be proud of a country (or its people) that chose to elect someone who won't dissociate himself with white supremacists and takes police brutality lightly.
For some, America is the greatest thing that could ever happen. However, for others, their reality is a stark contrast. If you live in a little bubble of "it doesn't happen to me, so it doesn't matter," I strongly suggest you reevaluate your life. If you believe in America, you have to be able to stand up, learn, and fight for what's right. It's everyone's responsibility to do better.
Sidenote: the alt-left isn't a thing, white nationalists = white supremacists, racists aren't always people who run around with Confederate flags in their hands (you work and eat lunch with them too), #BLM isn't a violent movement, and neutrality in a situation like this one does all harm and no good.
