My country is at a racial crossroads

If you're a person of color, it's likely at some point in your life you've been told, "to go back to your country." This racist trope typically is said to make the individual of color feel like they're not American and that he/she doesn't belong in the United States.

In my experience and in stories I've heard or read, this sentence typically comes out as a personal attack steeped in bigotry, ignorance, a sense of superiority (I didn't say white superiority because I've heard individuals from other ethnic groups use it against newer immigrant groups) and jealousy of what you've accomplished.

On Sunday morning Trump decided to use the trope against four congresswomen of color, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortex (AOC), Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, commonly referred to as "the Squad."

Am I surprised by his actions? No. In large part he's used racist tropes to elevate himself to the White House. What I find disgraceful are the Republican politicians who've failed to speak out against his racism or have come out in deference to it. In 2019 Trump, Lindsey Graham, Liz Cheney and others would like us to believe that racism isn't racism. I've continued to read and listen to conversations on this issue. Trump is right that people agree with him, but that doesn't mean his rhetoric isn't steeped in bigotry, racism, and sexism. The only credit I will give him is that he's a master at making the vile and unacceptable acceptable. All prior codes of conduct and manners seem to be suspended for him.

He's wrong and if you know this nation's history, the racist trope he's used against the four congresswomen has been used before. He will continue to use it again. It stems from a perspective and belief system of white superiority. Those of us who aren't white are less than and don't belong here when we seek to have our nation live up to the ideals professed in our Constitution.

In the age of Trump, bigots no longer have to be covert about their beliefs. No more hoods. No more secret meetings. Social media is their amplifier. They also get to double and triple down. Our so-called Republican leaders in government won't hold Trump accountable although the Democratic-lead house will hold a vote today condemning his comments. Even Ben Carson remains silent. Shameful.

It's also disconcerting to hear supporters of Trump say those of us who disagree with the President's agenda are unpatriotic, communist, socialist, and "un-American." It's a page from McCarthy's 1950s playbook, which was also a dark time in America. The Squad did a phenomenal job of countering this point in their conference yesterday, but it's not enough. We the people have to force this president, his supporters, and political enablers to be accountable.

When I think about my multi-cultural family and how we strive for the American dream I get depressed and saddened by these recent events. This isn't okay and we can't pretend our way out of this mess. He's not changing. There are many more of these racist attacks to come. Trump's former adviser Steve Bannon warned us in his media interviews. The sad reality about Trump is that he is going to continue to say vile and racist things and yes there are a small minority of Americans who agree with him.

The United States is at a racial crossroads. Those of us who want a better country, must RESIST. It's more than a hashtag. He may drive the national conversation, but everyday people have to push and demand change. We must start with ourselves and have difficult conversations with individuals in our families and communities. How we react to racism, bigotry, and misogyny when we encounter it can help build awareness in others and initiate change. Start now.

These are dark days, but they're not the darkest for this nation. The optimist in me seeks to find light to counter this darkness. I challenge you to fight for values that will unite people and help America to be her best self.

I'll close with the words of Harvey Fierstein, "Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself."

Resist and seek justice. The future of the U.S. depends on it.