Recently, I saw a few of my Instagram friends post an article on their stories called “How to Celebrate the 4th of July When America Is a Constant Disappointment.” 

Before I comment on this, I should lead with a story that will allow you to understand the lens through which I view the United States of America—a lens that not many have the privilege to look through. I should also say that I am not a politician… I am not even someone with weight to my name. I am simply the daughter of two immigrant parents who has seen firsthand the damages of hate, imbalance, and poverty through systems such as socialism, communism, and a lack of basic freedoms. 

My parents were both born and raised in the Republic of Moldova and lived under the communist regime of the former Soviet Union for most of their lives there. 

From a very young age, my dad developed an infatuation with the United States and all it stood for. He watched every American movie and marveled at the fact that many had their own house… with a car… and a garage… and a job. Something, at least, to call their own. He inhaled all the American classic novels and listened to all the music. Later, when he married my mother, as they drifted into sleep, he would say, “Imagine we make it to America and have kids who speak a different language. Imagine owning a car or a house. Imagine we both have jobs. Imagine an abundance of food…” My mom would shush him as every hair raised on her skin. Just the thought of such a thing was incredibly terrifying, yet pleasantly overwhelming.  

On television, the Soviets would air anti-American propaganda, showing everyone under the Communist regime how terrible America was during its peak of black injustice and the civil rights movement. My dad distinctly remembers watching riots and protests led by African Americans. As the Soviet Russians narrated the scenes he was watching, calling America dangerous, unruly, and filled with inequalities, my dad saw something completely different. He read between the lines as he watched riots led by individuals taking a stand against the unacceptable injustice African Americans were facing. Even in the desperate situation they found themselves in, most individuals protesting still wore blue jeans and sneakers— something both my parents could only dream of having. He saw that they all wore sneakers. Yet another privilege that did not exist in Moldova at the time. Some even drove cars or had their own homes, but most importantly, they had the right and ability to protest against their government to bring change in circumstances and laws they were unhappy with. 

Life is all about perspective. A situation may look exceedingly different from just two different viewpoints.

Either way, I do not intend to downplay the African American experience, nor exaggerate the difficulties in my parents’ lives. I simply wish to reveal the beauty of America amidst the chaos; the change that was produced as a direct result of the struggle of the marginalized.

So, when I hear people make statements like “America is a Constant Disappointment,” I can’t help but ask the question “how?” Maybe because America is a country where people can openly trash their homeland, those in power, and even their friends with no consequences. Maybe because it’s a country where it’s possible to be the child of parents who have nothing yet still have the possibility to become the greatest in whatever or whomever you decide to be. Or maybe because America is a place where those unhappy with their situation can petition, protest, and rally to be heard; becoming catalysts for transformation in any circumstance.

You see, disappointment and America cannot be synonymous. I can say this with certainty because the heart of the United States is found in the people—in you. In those who stand up for what they believe in. Those who do not rest until they bring justice to the marginalized. Even historical precedent shows us what America is truly made of. Rescuing the weak; sending food and medical care to foreign countries needing it during crises like WWII; and investing in nonprofit, missionary work like no other country does are just a few examples that showcase the greatness of the United States. 

Perhaps the greatest instances in which America has shown its true heart lie within its difficulties and injustices like racial discrimination, the Trail of Tears, the Chinese Exclusion Acts, Japanese internment camps, the use of atomic bombs, the Civil war, the Jim Crow era, the wars in Vietnam and Iraq… the list goes on. These events are tragic, horrible mistakes, but the resilience of America in its relentless pursuit to continually improve and include all in its prosperity is what perpetually sets America apart. Even now, as this nation passes through times where there are difficult decisions to be made, I am confident that the United States will remain noble and continually establish justice for all. 

So, a final thought I would like to leave you with as you continue navigating through life is to always proceed in any situation by being aware of your surroundings. Know the facts and do your research. Don’t believe what the media says—look at everything from above. After, you will be better equipped to draw a more complete conclusion. My parents always taught me to pray for and bless those in power. Dr. King himself proved that this is the most effective and virtuous way to make a difference. So, love others and be kind. Realize that if no human is perfect, it is therefore impossible for the world or a nation to be perfect. Remember, you—the American citizen— are the rhythm to which America’s heart beats. You as an American citizen have endless potential and are the key ingredient in establishing justice for all with dignity and integrity.