America is the greatest country in the world. Maybe that’s a biased opinion, maybe it’s a fact. In my opinion we are the best, and I am thankful every day that I was born in this nation. However, we can’t let our pride blind us to the fact that we are still a work in progress. As James A. Baldwin once said, “I love America more than any country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” We are an amazing nation, but we have our fair share of issues. When people speak out it’s for a reason. Take some time to read and listen to the voices of the people, regardless of your background or political views.
Race issues seem to be at the forefront of many debates lately. To be honest, this isn’t new or surprising. Racism is a bad habit that the U.S. needs to kick, and our history is proof of that. Although some protests aiming to combat racism have become violent, we should respect those that are peaceful. Do I support flag burning? Never. Do protesters have a constitutional right to burn the flag? Absolutely. When they chant that black lives matter, listen to them. When others chant that police lives matter, listen to them too. There is no need to become bitter enemies. The goal is to make all people feel that they have an equal place in this country.
If you have seen what is happening at Standing Rock, you will understand that there is just as much anger coming from the Native American community. Why are Native Americans and the protestors trying to protect them being brutally attacked? The Dakota Access Pipeline not only perpetuates an unsustainable energy source, but also threatens to poison the water supply of the Sioux tribe. Furthermore, our nation has been mistreating Native Americans since our very beginning. Once again, the land that they were promised is being taken from them, continuing the patterns of our history. It would be immoral to turn a blind eye to this and fail to learn from our mistakes.
Violent attacks like the recent stabbing at Ohio State are happening so often we’re becoming numb to them. We should all be working together to find a solution to this epidemic. When Brock Turner got a slap on the wrist for raping someone, many were outraged. We should be outraged because it contributes to the normalization of male sexual violence. Why does Flint, Michigan still not have clean water after almost a year? These issues are every bit as significant as the major ones dividing us right now. That’s why people speak out.
Just because we are the greatest country in the world does not mean we should ignore our flaws. Those who protest and speak their mind are striving to build a better nation. This is my America, this is their America, and this is your America. We should always strive to make our nation better for everyone. You may not feel oppressed, but oppression is alive and well. Even if an issue doesn’t affect you, that doesn’t mean it is right to brush it off as “not your problem.” We are already the greatest, but we are always a work in progress. Let’s keep moving forward and aiming higher.
