(Observations by a Global Nomad)
“On the left is a picture of me. On the right is Srinivas Kuchibhotla, a man also of Indian origin, who was recently a victim of a Hate Crime, shot dead at a restaurant in Kansas by an U.S. Navy veteran who yelled 'Get out of my country' before opening fire. The victim could've been anyone. IT COULD'VE BEEN ME.”
That's the caption I posted with this photo on Facebook last week, and the response I got was overwhelming.
It apparently rang true with many people who are part of the American fabric, but feel that the fabric, if not torn, is frayed and unraveling. Some reached out to thank me for posting it, because it resonated with their own unique narratives. Several artists and storytellers from different backgrounds shared the post, emphasizing that it could have been any member of their family or loved ones. Many people also have reached out to me personally to ask, "How are you doing?"
How am I doing? I am heart broken.
This weekend, I went to a birthday party where I had conversations with a cross section of people, many of them of different faiths. Several of them reiterated feelings of concern or helplessness for the future of their children. Even more were worried about their friends or elderly parents who are spread out across America.
There is a sense of frustration I am feeling when I scroll on the media that is social. I’m wondering if America truly comprehends or cares enough to understand the weight of these hate crimes. Some days it feels like the current political regime, by their actions and rhetoric, are giving individuals permission to incite hate. In the last 10 days alone, there have been three attacks on Americans of Indian origin. This resonates deeply within me because it could’ve been me.
Yesterday marked the 45th day in America's 45th President's term in office and he signed yet another Executive Order on immigration which instills fear. And fails to combat hate.
He tweets about the ratings of The Apprentice, but not one tweet addressed the mosque attacks in late January earlier this year in Quebec City, Canada. Not one tweet about Harnish Patel, an Indian American business owner who was shot down in South Carolina a few days ago. Not one tweet about Srinivas Kuchibhotla and the Kansas shooting that took place in late February. Not one tweet about Deep Rai, the Sikh man, who was shot very recently, also by an attacker who shouted, "Get out of my country".
Since January 20th, 2017, there has been a rise in hate across the U.S.; of which, many of the targets were Persons of Color.
I am a Person of Color.
I am the son of an Immigrant.
I am an American and beyond.
And I will not stand in fear.
On the contrary, now more than ever, it is our duty as artists to be a part of creative movements that share the message of universality. We make up and have always had a necessary role in mending the fabric of America.
We are living in a state of emergency. We must all emerge and see; and share our unique points of view. We must create an environment of empowerment for each other to stand up and unite against injustice. Pivotal moments in history start with a conversation.
I urge you to join in.