Dear America:

We have a problem. Well, in actuality, a set of problems. Most of us do not even realize our own country is burning. Our feelings, the catalyst to the fire-fight that rages on. To put it bluntly, we are at war with one another.

We fight about politics, sex, freedom of speech, illegal immigrants, how to take care of the planet, and worst of all, we fight and divide ourselves by skin color.

Racism is a nuclear button, of which we continue to press. We are in a place where everyone is hurt and scared and calling for the executioner, but not actively fixing the problems at hand. I am going to be upfront with you; I am a white female. Now, if you are thinking, she has no right to speak about race and injustice because she’s white; you are part of the problem. When you see a white woman, a black man, or any other skin color, you fail to see that we have the blood of other races running through our veins.

The problem isn’t our skin color, but the feelings we associate with skin color and how we choose to act upon those feelings. You would be naïve to say your race holds no prejudices within. We all know that different countries hold prejudices against each other because we all believe our countries are great.

Within our skin color issues, lie several racial stereotypes. Some common examples might be the foods we eat, or the way we dress, or our body type. A stereotype is a generalization, and sometimes we match them, but it is naïve to believe everyone in a group is the same. Also, understand that every single race has their group of people who make poor decisions that hurt the rest of us and feed stereotypes. This too, is something we cannot change, unless human beings suddenly overcome the pull to commit crimes or hurt others. The human condition and racism must be separated out with the understanding that there is a difference. We have all been raised differently. Get to know each other, don’t judge one another by outward appearance.

We cannot control what others think or remove the past crimes committed against other races. We will never reach a point where prejudice does not exist. It’s too big and too hard to remove this elephant from the room, but we can choose to control ourselves. How can we expect to grow or change, if all we do is scream, yell, and curse at one another about how bad things are? I challenge the American people to stop feeding the fire with accusations, anger, and hurt. We can choose a path of healing, patience, kindness, and love for our fellow Americans. We can choose to teach and learn from one another. Choosing not to move forward in this manner will allow history to destroy us. We are a powerful people. We deserve better. There is no reason we cannot come together and live within the same country with justice and equality for all.

Hold yourself accountable. Choose love and kindness over hate, and if you do not understand what people of color are going through, talk to them. Learn from them. Only with kindness and love for each other, can we begin to heal the pain and hurt of our past. I want to see the American people succeed. I am ready and willing, America. Are you?

With love for all,
T.K.