All of us have been keeping up with the news recently, just watching and waiting for another one of our constitutionally-given freedoms to disappear with a swish of President Trump’s pen. Most recently, President Trump signed and approved an executive order that essentially bans people from seven particularly Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. This order is fundamentally un-American. It goes against the very foundation of our country, and makes us want to ask: what could possibly be next?
But even with this despicably hate filled act against people of my own skin, culture, and religion, I have never felt more American than I do now. Not only do I truly appreciate the freedoms I have been granted throughout my life, but I am also grateful for the opportunity our country gave my grandfather over fifty years ago when he escaped religious persecution and was searching for a better future. For hundreds of years, the United States of America has been a safe haven for people like my grandfather; those in need of aid and a hope-filled future. Not allowing the continuance of this idea is a contradiction to the very framework our founding fathers left behind for us to follow.
Speaking truthfully, growing up as a young Muslim woman in post 9/11 America is hard. You are called names, accused of being a terrorist; you're part of a community loathed by many. However, amazingly enough, this #Muslimban has brought communities of all kinds together and has again, made me feel proud to be an American. The fact that we are all equals, all brothers and sisters in this world, is being spread and embraced. Seeing caucasian women wear scarves, different communities rallying at airports to stand by those who have had to face border security in complete innocence, and the cohesiveness of Americans, has been inspiring. It gives me hope. Never have I seen such dedication to one another, and it makes me feel like we’ll be okay if we stay together.
It is our job to keep making noise. Keep talking and telling our stories to ensure that President Donald J. Trump cannot fully force any more of his unlawful bigotry and true negativity upon our country. People all around America are standing up and empowering each other to ensure our collective voices are heard in the midst of, what seems like, insurmountable injustice. I know going forward, we will stick together.
Come at us Donald - we will not be drowned out. Come at us Bannon - we are strong. Come at us Kushner - we will beat you.
