I have been obsessing over the news since Election Day...I can't imagine living like this for the next four years, when the last three days have already proven to be disastrous for so many.
While I'm proud of California, especially my overwhelmingly blue Westside community, I have driven through many other Southern California communities in the last few days that proudly display their love of Trump and his racist, bigoted, and divisive propaganda.
This hits too close to home.
I'm brown, Latina and a proud Mexican-American woman that grew-up in a white middle class neighborhood, and now lives in an upper middle class community that's mostly white.
I'm privileged - and I know it - by all intents and purposes. Yet I still have to code switch to make it easy on my white friends, coworkers and family.
I have never feared for my life or seen outright racism screamed to my face, yet microaggressions have been part of my daily life.
From the simple compliment that really has no place in any conversation today ("You are not like other Mexicans; You don't look Mexican; You are too smart to be Mexican; You dress too nice to be Mexican,;You speak English without an accent; Who helped you start your business; How much help are you getting to return to school....?"); to saying- to my face - how much they dislike other Latinos, especially Mexicans - But that I am "OK."
Imagine being told that you are "OK" to be around. To stay in my own country. To be their neighbor. Their coworker. Their friend.
"I" am "OK."
I've stayed quiet to keep the peace. I've even told my Trump voting family that I will not discuss politics out of respect.
But THIS is my space.
My social media accounts? MY space.
MY time is MY time and mine alone.
And I have decided that I will NOT standby and let things just *happen.* I will NOT be OK with racism, bigotry, xenophobia and other divisive language or acts.
I WILL call it out.
It is MY RIGHT and it is MY RESPONSIBILITY.
My work, as an artist, creative and writer, WILL address this - more so than ever before; because I believe that as artists and creators, we have the power to shape what we see. Who we are, and where we will go as a country and as a people.
Our stories and images will shape future generations - and I don't want a Donald Trump future.
I want a future that's inclusive to all people from all backgrounds; and welcoming to all of us and our stories that add to the great fabric of America.
I will NOT be quiet.
I WILL continue to support and love my black sisters and brothers, my Muslims friends, my LGBTQIA community, and anyone else that is being marginalized and targeted by this dangerous rhetoric in a misguided effort to make "America great again."
I will SPEAK OUT...
Because together we are stronger and united we are invincible.
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NOTE: Thank you to Azu for giving me the wings I needed to redact a FB post and write this blog post.
