Throughout history, discrimination has always been one of the most divisive issues in American society. This country’s tendency to force conformance on others has continued to divide and disconnect its citizens from one another. America’s Declaration of Independence states that, “All men are created equal.” This nation’s very own founding fathers set forth the principal that, despite the race, gender, religion or socio-economic status of a person, all people are created equal and should be treated in that manner. However, the words inscribed on this decaying piece of paper have been ignored and refuted all throughout American history. For example, during the colonial and post-colonial eras in the United States, African Americans and Native Americans were tortured, raped, murdered, robbed and enslaved by westerners. All through history, America has ignored the intellectual and creative abilities of people of color simply because of the pigment in their skin. As a result, several freedom fighters like Martin Luther King Jr. and Eleanor Roosevelt fought to achieve equality for all colored people in America, and, it is because of those brave individuals that people of color have basic human rights in the United States today. Overall, many historical events support the vision of an equal and free America.

In addition to American History, current events also serve to support the vision of equality in America. For instance, recently there has been a law suit filed against Walmart on counts of discrimination against women and mentally/physically disabled individuals. Furthermore, the newly emerging “Muslim-free zones” all across America, white nationalist riots in Charlottesville, wage inequalities between people of color versus caucasians and women versus men, increasing number of rapes and murders of LGBTQI people and photos of cultures being appropriated plastered across mainstream media all stand as reminders that social equality is still being tested and that change cannot and will not happen overnight. Like every radical change this country has faced, it will take generations of empathy and inclusion to impose true social equality. As for me, I like to think of my American identity as cohesive culmination. My American identity is not just American, but Indian-American. That hyphen in my identity is the culmination of struggles, failures, and accomplishments of my entire family whether Indian or American citizens. This hyphen connecting two cultures makes me who I am, and shapes my American dream.