The narrative around America is filled with inspiration and contradictions at the same time. America was founded 250 years ago, when a group of men wanted to free themselves from the tyranny of Great Britain and escape a monarchy. We praise our founding fathers for their courage and intellect. Yet, we have learned many unsettling things about their personal behavior and their exclusionary policies: the legacy of the enslavement of Africans; the expropriation of land from the Native Americans; the exploitation of immigrant populations that continues to this day because many American citizens do not want to perform menial or dangerous work. Let us not forget that the bulk of our national monuments were built by slave labor. The descendants of those slaves are Americans.
The railway system was largely built by the Chinese, who were denied citizenship until the Supreme Court Case of Wong Kim Ark in 1898 that determined birthright citizenship. In that case, a young man who was born in San Francisco to Chinese parents went to visit them in their homeland when he was 19 years old. He had made that trip before, and was able to leave the states and reenter the country without incident. He prepared all the necessary documents as before, but was denied entry into the country the second time. He was detained, so he took his case to the supreme court. The Supreme Court decided in favor of Wong Kim Ark, based on the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which affirmed that anyone born on American soil was an American citizen, regardless of where their parents were from. Birthright citizenship is almost as old as our country. And Wong Kim Ark was an American.
Also, the contributions of Blacks, Native Americans and Hispanics to the country in time of war have been all but erased from our national history. These groups have enlisted in the military as early as the Revolutionary War, and have served in the Civil War, both World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Iraq and Afghanistan. When their stories are uncovered, there is a denial or rationalization of their effort being excluded from the annals of history by government leaders, some academics, and the public. These historically marginalized groups have shown their loyalty to the country. However, it appears that the reward for their efforts is ongoing discrimination, the eradication of any public record of their participation in society, and (for many) a denial of the benefits that they earned. It often takes loud and persistent advocacy for oneself and one’s civil rights to be heard and to be taken seriously. These veterans are Americans.
There was a song written by Bruce Springsteen in 1984 called “Born in the USA.” It had a celebratory rock and roll beat but was the story of a disillusioned Vietnam veteran who could not reintegrate into society after his tour of duty. The song was a big hit due to the music, but the lyrics had a deeper story to tell about how patriotism was portrayed and practiced towards those who came back from the war in Vietnam. The veteran wanted to participate, but was not allowed due to the negative perception of the war and the government bureaucracy that would not help him. The song was an expression of art and a social critique of how we neglect those who have served. This forgotten man was an American.
The freedoms that once defined this nation are being slowly eroded by a callous and unconcerned administration. I am old enough to remember the Civil Rights Movement – the struggles of Black people to live and work where they wished and to participate politically through public protests and voting. The Women’s Movement fought for financial and reproductive rights that are gradually being rolled back. The efforts to form industrial unions and the Farmworkers Movement earned rights for workers. Native American activism ensured sovereignty over some native lands. The ideals of justice and equity are still worth standing up for. They remind us that we are a richer and stronger country when we follow through on our promise to include everyone who comes to our shores, allowing them to blend their ethnic heritage into the great “melting pot.” All of these people were and are our fellow citizens, Americans.
Many people claim that America was founded on Christian values. If this were so, then the founding fathers would not have enslaved or exploited their fellow and sister human beings.They would have interpreted the scriptures in an intellectually honest manner, and would have made redress to the peoples that they had subjugated instead of hiding behind their power and their privilege. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Galatia about freedom through their faith in Jesus Christ and said, “You, my brothers and sister, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13-14) True freedom is found in love and justice. It is tolerant in allowing everyone the right to live as they choose. Yet, it insists on behaving in a moral manner, following the law, and meeting accountability for those who infringe upon the rights of others or do them harm. This is American.
I am deeply concerned about the trajectory of our country as the ultra-right-wing groups foment disinformation, discord and fear in our land. The arbitrary and indiscriminate detention of naturalized and American citizens by masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents is cause for alarm. Often, the detainees were not “the worst of the worst”, and were contributing members of society. This is why all of us who can participate in society must educate ourselves, work or contribute to our culture in some way, and exercise our right to vote for our elected officials instead of merely criticizing the democratic process without doing our civic duty. All our lives matter in this country. Our good actions can make a difference. That’s what demonstrates that we are American.
Together, every person who was born here or who has become a naturalized citizen has a duty to offer their best to the land that has given them a chance for finding “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” I love the ideals this country stands for. And I pray that we do our part to reflect on our national history, acknowledge and repent of the wrongs done to others, and strive to make amends to those who have been harmed. As we observe the 250th anniversary of our Independence, may we stand together as Americans.
