The United States of America, the land of the “free”, was once renowned for being the greatest country in the world for its one-of-a-kind government and values. The land of prosperity and opportunity seemingly provides every individual of every culture, ethnicity, religion, and race equality. Immigrants who dream of living here may or may not slowly come to the realization that America is not as the dreams describe. But, what exactly is the problem? Is it the people? The government? The society? Truthfully, the only answer is all of it.
The United States government, believed to be true democracy that takes into account the beliefs and regards of the people, is realistically not a democracy at all. A government run by representatives and senators that don’t represent the values of the people and society as a whole, but their own biased views on certain parts or people, is one that is ever-so corrupt.
Take, for example, the Japanese internment during the events of WWII. These Japanese immigrants, with valid American citizenship, are forced and thrown into internment camps, designed for and treated like prisoners and outcasts of the society that they live in, as shown in the horrid events described in the graphic novel, They Called Us Enemy. The US government, without regard for the livelihood of its own citizens, simply found innocent individuals to blame and punish for an event that the individuals had no influence or part in. A few days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the US government condemned the Japanese citizens in Executive Order 9066, officially making them a scapegoat, breaking the constitutional rights they are promised.
The government took into account the racist views of our society, which has and continues to harm countless groups, instead of fighting for the equality and protection of those targeted. Is this truly a democratic government being displayed? Are the voices of the people, ALL the people, being heard? It is time to truly think, who is really the enemy?
With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on the lives and lifestyles of countless all around the world, the same side of the US society, that has been apparent for centuries, re-emerges. The moment the COVID-19 pandemic closed down schools and shut down businesses, American society, instead of focusing its attention on preventing the spread of the disease and providing support and aid for those who need it, targeted China, and even more broadly, Asians. It is in fact true that the COVID-19 disease emerged from the markets in Wuhan, China, yet, that does not enable the entire Chinese and Asian population to take the blame and punishment for it. Asians all across America, on social media, in public, in schools, etc., have and are continuing to be targeted by racist beliefs and attacks that range from physical abuse to cyber harassment. Even as COVID starts to settle down with the majority of the population vaccinated, Asian Americans are still facing hate crimes and discriminatory events. It is unbelievable that the US government, seemingly built upon freedom and equality, can let their society single out and harm other citizens just because of who they are.
The United States government, specifically the individuals making important decisions and forming laws, seem to be more focused on theories based upon made-up accusations. For example, take the current events revolving around Congress and their meeting with the CEO of Tiktok. The Congress members, both the House of Representatives and the Senate, are responsible for the establishment of laws that affect our daily lives. These are the representatives in government that the society voted upon, and they should be representing the values and beliefs of the society and the people. In current times, it is without a doubt that there seems to be a broader issue regarding the treatment of American citizens, specifically citizens of color. The Congress, however, decides to spend time and money, to ask the TikTok CEO about questions regarding its software and the app itself, and its alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The statements and arguments are outrageous, as it truly depicts the leaders of our government who we have entrusted to control our daily lives. There are countless problems that need to be dealt with and addressed nationally, and in this case, should be racism. Those who are unaware of the racism occurring in the US are most susceptible to it. Programs and organizations need to be established to help those in need of protection. Instead, Congress decides to enact the Restrict Act, which is controversial on its own. There needs to be change in this country, change in more ways than one. Change in our government, change in our values, change in our systems, change in our society and change in our people. The US isn’t the greatest country in the world. The US isn’t the land of the free. People are facing racial inequalities all over the country, and there has been little to no change for CENTURIES. It is unbelievable.
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