Founded in 1848 by Charles Stillman, Brownsville has always been a town known for its beautiful layout, flora, and culture. The people have always been kind and welcoming, even in hard times. However, in recent decades, the town has been known for problems that have rarely ever concerned us.

Brownsville is right on the U.S.-Mexican border, neighboring its sister city, Matamoros. Because of Brownsville's close proximity to the border, American news outlets have had a history of reporting on the intensity and severity of our "border crisis." Americans outside of the valley truly believe that the citizens of Brownsville and surrounding border communities are plagued by the monstrosities Mexican and Central American cartels regularly commit.

However, I have lived in Brownsville for the past decade, and not once have I heard of or experienced border violence, murders, or kidnappings in my city. Our cultural and social connection to our friends and family in Mexico has never been stronger. The fact that people who have never set foot in the valley, let alone Texas, have the audacity to report on "problems" that are not specifically happening in their corner of the world is repulsive.

Of course, I'm not condoning the cartels' actions in general, but the repercussions of Brownsville's undeserved reputation has affected our economy and made us out to look like savages in the eyes of the media and in our own society. I've had the opportunity to go to band camp at colleges in central Texas every year since middle school. Without fail, so many of my fellow musicians ask me how I can "stand to live in a war-torn part of Texas" or if I'm "scared to set foot out of my house."

The level of ignorance and just overall view of my region that has survived actual wars and depressions with such a high regard for their culture and autonomy broke my heart. The fact that people from all over America are terrified of my people is heartbreaking and in some ways, suffocating.

The beauty of the valley is not tainted by crime, rape, or drugs. The people are not self-serving or "lazy Mexicans." They have the drive to make what little they have into a whole life for themselves. Many have prospered from the poverty that ravaged their lives. We have pride in every single thing we do. Our children have aptitudes for music and art and above all, every generation is proud of where they came from. The love that is obviously exhibited in Brownsville is genuine. To many, there is no barrier between your neighbor; your fellow citizens are your family.

Brownsville is a place of peace, and should only be viewed as a safe haven from the real problems of the world.