The time we live in is one of uncertainty and fear, and this piece illustrates those feelings. As Americans, many of us were taught that we are free. We were taught to believe that being judged for who we love, how we look, or how we worship was something that only happens "somewhere else". Not here.
But many of us have been waking up, long before now, to what it really means to be American. That awakening comes with shame. Out of that shame, though, comes a quiet motivation that something must be done, and can be done.
This piece is about having the rug pulled out from under us, yet still holding on to the hope we were raised with. The idea of America is still beautiful. But we’re awake now, and we know we have to fight to make it real.
