There are Americans who are not from Native or African American ancestors choosing for themselves, at these descendants’ expense. People who suffered and sacrificed, some of them died. And what they fought for are being denied to their bloodline by those who came after and have no ties or history to the deep struggles of this Country.
Especially for us who came after the Civil Rights Movement. After major fights against unjust and unfair systems and institutions. After some victories were won. It will be immoral, you will be amoral To side and have such progress undone. You should be for more justice and fairness, not less. To expand and include, not restrict or remove.
No, you are no less of a citizen. But there should be some recognition and reverence to what came before you. Understanding and having an appreciation for the work that was done to clear the road for you to get here and settle down.
It could have been that for you and your family, It wasn’t a smooth sail. There may have been hard times and against you Others may have discriminated. But the generational trauma in this Country from slavery has not been your experience. That makes a difference for one’s psyche and perceptions. It should not be denied or minimized. And you have no right to criticize.
Your success today is not only from your own doing. You are able to advance because of people who were here before you. But how are you repaying them? By oppressing and suppressing their descendants? It seems that when you choose, the focus is you. As long as you gain, there’s no motivation for change. You ignore the carnage, suffering and pain. Once it doesn’t reach your bubble, you retain for the same Not caring about your fellow-man, or what becomes inflamed.
Again it’s not to dismiss your situation. Or to judge your struggles with assimilation or adaptation. It’s if you turn a blind eye to their suffering and pain. Or if you dismiss or minimize theirs, for your gain.
You came here for your American Dream. You benefited from America’s outstretched arms and welcoming stance. Now you want to close it off it seems. so that others can’t advance. You want to stop new immigrants. Even when in truth – they are of worth and will contribute to this Nation’s growth.
The doors that were open for you – you shut. The graces that were given to you – you stop. You were given a chance and was able to secure a decent livelihood. You’ve been duped to believe that for you to keep what you have earned, you cannot share, or allow for others to enter your sphere. Advancement, Power, Privilege, Rights and Freedom – As an American Citizen -These are what you were given. And are what you are trying to take away from those whose families lived here for generations, before you came.