It's not often that I speak up about situations like these, but I had to make an exception for the conversation I had with a friend of mine a while back. I contemplated writing this piece for some time because of how sensitive I felt about the topic. But now, I see no reason to hold back because more than ever, America is divided. And even being friends with someone makes no difference when it comes to how opposed the American people are to each other.

A few months ago, I was walking with my friend to my next class while discussing policies like gun control and racism, and I'd made it clear how thoroughly upset I was with our nation at that moment. I clearly remember the satisfying feeling I'd had for those few minutes we were talking pleasantly because it dawned on me how rare it is in this day and age to have a civil conversation about such controversial topics, even if we disagreed with each other on some details. But all of the sudden, something ticked in her, and I was faced with a completely different attitude that contrasted the previously-tolerant attitude she'd held.

Not only was I seeing a visible change in her facial expression, I could tell by her voice that she was on edge. And all of the sudden, she said those few words that broke my heart.

"If you're so disappointed in America, go back to your own country."

It did hurt for the few seconds the animosity in her voice dawned on me, but more than that, I was just at a loss for words. The amount of hatred and ignorance in that sole statement was enough to completely shatter the satisfaction of the civil conversation I planned on holding close to my heart. The one question that screamed at me for the next few days was if I had done anything wrong. Did I say something wrong?

I know I didn't.

I had every right to say what I felt. Every right. And I don't see any reason to pack my bags and "go back to my country," because first of all, I am from America. Somehow, though, my skin color must say otherwise. But that's honestly beside the point at the moment.

SEE ALSO: Don't Let Them Box You In From Living Your Culture

I personally have thick skin and can handle insults when need be, but I do think about the reasoning behind the attitude the other person has. In this case, there's only one thing that comes to mind, and I hate to say it but...

People use nationalism to mask deep-seeded bigotry.

It's inexcusable, but it's something that thrives in this country more than people want to recognize it. There's some unspoken fear around acknowledging this mentality, and maybe it's the possibility of being ridiculed for doing so that fuels this deafening silence. But that just does not equate to a valid-enough reason to pardon the way people speak about others in thought that they are doing so because they "love the country so much."

I can always take offense to what my friend said and (like I've been told) stop being her friend, but recently I was asked if I think she meant it. Maybe she did or did not, but I don't think she fully understood the weight of what she said. That could be another argument within itself, but she still fell under the category of uttering a bigoted statement. I don't pardon that.

So maybe every time I see her, I'll remember that conversation. Not because what she said hurt me for a bit, but because even though she is my friend, she felt she had the ability to say what she said as a proud American citizen.

And that hurts more than anything else.