For People Of Color In America, The American Dream Is The American Nightmare

By Ty Ross

As a child I believed in America. The dream of equality, justice, progress and redemption. Slavery was abolished, Jim Crow was over and we had a Black President. Things would only get better from here, right? No, they wouldn’t. After the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and those in the Atlanta mass shooting, the fact that the so-called American dream has been little more than a pipe dream, is starting to sink in.

As people of color, we live a different reality. A different truth. One shaped by the world that surrounds us. As a black woman, it is impossible to not be affected by the multitude of stories of assault, abuse, racism, ugliness and pain played out daily in the country and on the news. Especially now that the age of tribalism, nationalism and a more widespread belief and acceptance of white supremacy has become the norm.

The past few months have shined a spotlight on the assault of Asian-Americans across the country. I would say we have seen an increase, but the reality is that violence against Asian-Americans in the US doesn’t go back days, weeks, months or even decades- but centuries.

My heart goes out to those in the Asian community, who are on the receiving end of intensified brutality and hate. A year into the Coronavirus pandemic, which saw an uptick in racist rhetoric directed at those of Asian descent. When you have the leader (and I use that term loosely) of the country you live in frequently and callously referring to Covid-19 as the China Virus, and the Kung Flu, it is no surprise that the vitriol trickled down to those who are racist, xenophobic, culturally and scientifically ignorant.

It didn’t take long before the verbal assaults became physical. At first, the incidents of violence appeared to be isolated, and rarely made the news. But now a day doesn’t go by without a multitude of stories of unprovoked racist attacks on our Asian brothers and sisters. Men, women, children and the elderly alike. Those of Chinese descent, and anyone appearing so in the eyes of those who don’t know that Asia is a continent. Not a country.

There is no benefit of the doubt for people of color. People without the same resources and support on their side as their white counterparts. Instead, being bullied, harassed, silenced and abused for no other reason than the color of their skin, or the shape of their eyes. Who are well aware that if you attempt to stand up for yourself, even in the smallest way, that things would get worse. Fast.

As people of color, we are expected to be the bigger person. To turn the other cheek and walk away. To suffer in silence while someone unloads an onslaught of bile and hate. Hurls insults and epithets your way. And in many instances, passing the ‘keep your head down’ mentality onto our children out of fear that if they fight back, even verbally, it could end in the unthinkable. For them, not the offender. The heartbreaking acceptance that you would rather them be verbally attacked and able to walk away physically unharmed, than to have their lives taken by those stepping on their rights. Or even worse, by those they believe will protect them.

The fear rippling through the Asian community right now, I wish I could say was unimaginable. It is real, and understandable. The vilification, demonization and dehumanization used to attack and suppress the voices, rights and experiences of the Asian, Latino and Black American communities in this country, has brought truth to power for those who believe this country is theirs.

Though they may not be outwardly racist, those who bear witness to the atrocities and inhumanity going on around them and who don’t take a stand against it, are just as complicit. Now is the time to open the mind and climb out of the bubble. Recognize and utilize the inherent privilege their skin color affords them, to be an advocate and ally.

Little things taken for granted, that I and those living in the reality of oppression and compression, can’t afford to. Like driving at night, over the speed limit. Not having to rush to get your driver’s license, inspection or registration renewed. Being able to say ‘Oh, I forgot. I’ll do it tomorrow.’ Because if I, or another person of color gets pulled over tonight- tomorrow may never come.

When the spokesperson for the Cherokee Sheriff’s Dept in Georgia said on national television that the mass shooter was ‘having a very bad day, it was a shock to some but not to those of us who already know that the justice that comes with being an American citizen doesn’t unilaterally apply.

We are left to constantly modify our behaviors to pacify that of those who believe and behave as if the rules, laws and boundaries don’t apply to them. Why is that? I’ll tell you. It’s because they don’t. Because the unconscionable support of people like Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse and Atlanta shooter Robert Long, by those in positions of authority and power have said they don’t. Because 74 million Americans have said they don’t. Because those who remain silent in the face of injustice, have said they don’t. By moving along and living their lives as if reading a book. Skipping past, ignoring and neglecting the parts they don’t like. And that don’t fit into the narrative they choose of how the story should go.

But as long as this continues, we know how the story will undoubtedly end. With Kenosha, with Minneapolis and with Atlanta. The American dream will forever be, for people of color anyway, the American nightmare.

Check out Ty’s book THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE. It’s a collection of affirmations she wrote to get her through a difficult time in her life. Words of wisdom that apply to anyone, and everyone, to get through the hard times. If you’re questioning yourself, and need a reminder that you are in control… Click HERE to order your copy.

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