#CoSoConfession #Politics #July4
I was born and raised in Hungary. Lived in Algeria for three years as a teen. Been in the US since the mid-90s. For the two decades my country of origin was not shit, I was away from it and living in a US going to hateful hell. Now Hungary is openly shitting on freedom and turning fascist. Some elements of the US are, too. I dragged my feet on becoming naturalized and only did it out of fear, finally, in 2018. ++
As an immigrant woman, I don't even know what it is like to be welcomed and wanted or affirmed in a community. Meanwhile, my country of origin is a source of shame. I have a degree in American Studies and a doctorate in political science. Although my mediocre career was destroyed, my brain cells are still here and I understand what is happening, much better than most. I feel no patriotism. I read accounts of folks being proud of the US, and I feel alienated. ++
@publickovacs Sorry you feel that way. Just know that while you don't hear it because of the vocal minority, most people here welcome everyone. If you live here, everyone I know considers you one of us. When we celebrate the US we celebrate all who live here, regardless if you were born here, or moved here, later. Even if you feel hostility from some, most of us don't speak loudly because we feel its a given that you're one of us. Those who say otherwise are full of it.
@publickovacs Too few chars to write it all out in one go.
That isn't to say you should leave behind your home country's heritage. The point of the US is supposed to be that we all come from wherever, but come together as one whole. Celebrate your heritage, and as you do, you are still one of us.