Cultures and acceptance make America great

I have lived in France and Ivory Coast, two countries targeted by IS and al-Qaida in 2016. I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, the most dangerous city in the world. Yet I have never felt as unsafe as I did last week when I listened to a class debate in which students gave incredibly offensive speeches.

The French educational system made me learn by heart many historic speeches made by American presidents, the history of the U.S., as well as the path this country had to follow in order to reach its role as a world leader. I learned to admire this country and to aspire to live the American dream, a dream in which I could accomplish all of my goals. I chose the U.S. over France. I chose an education that is at least 30 times more expensive than the one my country offered me. I chose English before the richness of the French language. I chose the country that promised me a guaranteed future. I did this because I believed in America.

But what happened to the American dream? I was convinced when I came to this country I would come to a place that championed freedom of speech, a country where no matter the color of your skin, your religion, your sex or your sexual orientation, your difference would be celebrated to create a better future together.

Remembering my history lessons, I was convinced the U.S., built up by immigrants from different countries, which accepts political refugees from all over the world, would not be such a host of intolerance.

After the last presidential elections, I had to witness endless political debates in my various classes, and I heard shocking opinions. I learned that in a country that supposedly represents progress and innovation, a man can decide what a woman can do with her own body and, consequently, her future. I also learned it is possible to dehumanize the supporters of religions which are rich in history and culture. I have learned that politicians’ explanations of environmental issues such as climate change supercede the words of scientists themselves.

When will American citizens react? I used to envy those who had the fortune to be American: They didn’t have to struggle with all the paperwork I had to go through for my visa (Yes, they actually stringently check who enters and leaves the country). I used to perceive Americans as citizens of the most venerated country in the world. Today, the country is watched closely by members of the international community who wonder how it got to where it is now.

I can honestly say I am proud to be a "daughter of the world." I speak three languages; I have been to more than 20 countries from four different continents. I have celebrated my first communion, been to my best friend’s bat mitzvah, studied in classrooms full of Muslims and visited Buddhist temples. I am proud to have such a multicultural background, not because I like to show off, but because I understand there is nothing quite like diversity. Differences are what made the richness of old America so great.

Talk to people who are different from you. When you start seeing each other only as Republicans or Democrats and stop seeing everyone as Americans, you create hate and the separation of the country. But America is made great by its culture and its acceptance. So please, be tolerant again.

Isabel Bonnet is a Santa Fe College journalism sophomore.