To all American citizens:
I hope today is treating you well. I just want to tell you something that’s been on my mind:
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry that people label you. I’m sorry that they try to demoralize and demonize you. I’m sorry that they try to generalize and dehumanize you.
I’m sorry that people refer to you as a “dirty Republican” or a “crybaby Liberal” instead of by your name. I’m sorry that, when people talk about you, they lump you into the same group as your oppressors, as your attackers, or as people whose beliefs and intentions are not your own.
I’m sorry that people think a different opinion is automatically “wrong” or “evil.” I’m sorry that people refuse to try and understand your side of the argument, instead choosing to shout over you. I’m sorry that when you talk, people use that time to come up with their next argument instead of actually listening to what you have to say.
I’m sorry that people say horrible things to you through the safety of their screens. I’m sorry that they bully you under the veil of anonymity. I’m sorry that they feel comfortable using harsher words because they cannot see the reaction on your face. I’m sorry that they misinterpret your words because they cannot hear the way you speak them. I’m sorry that some people spout hatred and intolerance in the name of “what is right.”
I’m sorry that people preach about peace and acceptance, and then turn around the next day and call you names. I’m sorry that some of those people are authority figures. I’m sorry that some of them are the very people who are controlling our country.
I’m sorry that people are picking sides instead of trying to fix the rift that’s divided American citizens.
I’m sorry that people look at your mental illness as something fake or unimportant. I’m sorry you are often told to just “suck it up” or “feel better” or “deal with it.” I’m sorry that people don’t understand that your brain is an organ just like any other – that it can become diseased and stop working properly. I’m sorry that people think that mental illness makes you less of a human. I’m sorry you still can’t speak freely about it.
I’m sorry that my ancestors came into your home and slaughtered your people and stole your land. I’m sorry that people still celebrate this every year. I’m sorry that people still think you are unimportant and unworthy. I’m sorry that people see you as a charicature.
I’m sorry that the justice system has failed you. I’m sorry that people didn’t believe you and now your attacker is roaming free. I’m sorry that you were wrongfully convicted and have served time for a crime you did not commit. I’m sorry that you were arrested for speaking up. I’m sorry that you spent time in jail over something small, and now you’re forever branded as a criminal. I’m sorry that you don’t mind being sent to jail, because you feel like it’s one of the few places where you’ll actually be fed and housed and cared for.
I’m sorry that you feel unwelcome and unsafe if you were not born here, or because of your skin color, or because of your religious beliefs, or because of your sexual orientation. I’m sorry that when people don’t understand something, they become afraid or violent or hateful. I’m sorry that your family is banned from immigrating to a country that was built on the backs of immigrants. I’m sorry that in some places you can’t walk down the street holding hands with the person you love for fear of being attacked. I’m sorry that you have to be extra careful about where you go, what you wear, and what you say – “just in case.”
I’m sorry that you can’t trust certain law enforcement officers. I’m sorry that you are a law enforcement officer and you work hard to keep people safe, and still sometimes people don’t trust you.
I’m sorry that you fought bravely and valiantly in the name of our country, and then were tossed aside like nothing as soon as you came back. I’m sorry that you were screwed over by the system and wound up on the streets. I’m sorry that people don’t understand the horrors you faced and how that still affects you. I’m sorry that you feel ignored and unappreciated, and people only acknowledge your sacrifices one day out of the year.
I’m sorry that you feel that you have no control over your body. I’m sorry that you feel that you aren’t heard, even when you’re screaming at the top of your lungs. I’m sorry that people twist your words and actions to further their own political agenda.
I’m sorry that you are made to feel that your rights are unimportant. That your beliefs are unimportant. That your lives are unimportant.
I’m sorry that sometimes I don’t – or can’t – understand your viewpoint. I’m sorry that society treats me differently than it treats you. I’m sorry that sometimes I don’t really understand what you’re going through or how you’re feeling because I have never experienced it for myself.
I’m sorry that when I’m proud of our country, I don’t speak up more. I’m sorry that when people ask me where I’m from, some days I’m ashamed to say that I’m American.
I’m sorry that I don’t really have an answer to all of these problems. I’m sorry that I have been part of the problem before – I was wrong, and I will do better. I’m sorry that I’m just another girl curled up in the comfort of her bed, staring at her computer screen and typing the same things that you’ve heard a thousand times before.
But even so, this is how I can speak up. This is how I can make a difference. I’m tired of the fear-mongering, and I’m tired of the division, and I’m tired of the hate that I hear spewing from people’s mouths on all sides.
Whenever you’re facing oppression, or terror, or hatred; whenever you feel unheard, or unappreaciated, or unloved; remember this:
You are stronger than this. You are better than this. You are important. You are valid. You are appreciated. You are loved. You deserve to be heard, and you deserve to be accepted, and you deserve to be happy. You are human; nothing more, nothing less.
I hope today that you find something to smile about, or that you allow yourself to enjoy the little victories, however small they may be. I hope today that someone reminds you that you are beautiful and you are important, and I hope today that you pass that same message along to someone else.
If I could put a stop to all of the injustice in our country, I would. If I could put an end to the fear and hate and misconceptions, I would. If I could spend every second of every day hugging you and tell you that you’re worthy, and your feelings are valid, and I hear you, and I support you – I would. If I could fix everything right here, right now, right at this very moment, I would.
But I can’t.
All I can do is tell you that I’m sorry.
With love,
An American citizen