These are my people

These are my people. I must speak up.

Today, a white male went in to a synagogue in Pittsburgh and shouted “All Jews must die!” and started killing people. My people.

Three days ago, a white male opened fire at a grocery store in Louisville, and killed two African-Americans. My people.

Last week, a white male was arrested as a suspect in sending more than a dozen bombs targeting people and organizations perceived as “liberals.” My people.

The transwomen and transmen who are beaten or murdered in increasing numbers are scarcely making headlines. These are my people.

Young African-American women are disappearing with barely a mention in the media. These are my people.

The women who are speaking out and speaking up about the sexual harassment, abuse, and violence that they have survived, these are my people.

I am an American, and I have to accept that not only are these victims and these survivors my people, but their attackers, their murderers, are Americans.

My people.  

I love my country. I believe passionately in the ideals on which my country is founded: the ideals of liberty and justice for all. The belief that ALL are created equal. The reality that we are a nation of immigrants and that our strength, vigor, and creativity are rooted in our diversity.

I am sorrowed and enraged to acknowledge that we are failing to live up to these ideals. I am afraid that we are living in a culture that is filled with hate and fear. We are all participants in this society. We have somehow allowed hate and fear to flourish in our country. We have a responsibility to take action to change this horrific climate of hatred.

I have to do more to stand against that hate and fear. I have to do more to speak for the ideals and the values that I believe in—American values.

These are all my people. We are all in danger if any one of us is in danger. 

Speak out against the rising tide of hate. Speak up for your family, your friends, your neighbors, and for those you do not yet know, who are different from you in many ways.

Who are still your people.

#thesearemypeople