Being an American at a Time Like This

We don't know what the future holds. That's really what makes it the future. There's an oddity in quantum physics which suggests that, technically speaking, a hamburger could pop into existence in front of your face at any time. The reason you never see this is that the probability of that happening is utterly, absurdly low. But through a massive set of coincidences, it could, technically, happen.

I have a tendency to be quiet about politics online. I think there are a few reasons for this. Partially, I'm aware of the massive trolling that can happen when people who oppose your politics decide to harass you, and that there isn't really much that you can do to prevent it. If enough people focus their attention on you, the problem snowballs, drawing in other angry or bored people to see you as a target on which to vent whatever fury they feel they need to unload.

But I also worry when everything gets politicized. I want to be able to discuss art and philosophical principles without alienating those who don't agree with my politics. Surely there are some subjects where being on the political left or the political right does not determine your opinion. While I do think there are some underlying philosophical bases for a lot of seemingly-unconnected political stances held by each side of the spectrum, I don't think every subject falls neatly into this divide.

I was born in this country. One of my parents has ancestors dating back to the Mayflower, while the other immigrated here to escape communism as a small child. On one side, I feel deeply connected to the history of the country and take pride in the audacity of a nation that was founded on philosophical principles, that rejected the idea of kings and nobility, and which was created to be a place where rational thought and spirited debate would set the law of the land, not the whim of mystically-empowered rulers. And on the other side, I'm grateful that this country provided the opportunity for freedom, giving my grandparents a home where they could be themselves, speak their minds, and never have to worry about being sent to anything like the concentration camps again.

While I love traveling the world (something I haven't done in far too long) and learning from people of other cultures, I could never not be an American. It's a core part of my identity.

And so, looking ahead for the next four, or potentially eight, years, I'm going to have to grapple with the fact that America's chief representative is the embodiment of just about every negative aspect of my country's character, and he seems determined to undermine the institutions that made the country the envy of the world and the prime destination for those fleeing oppression.

What does one do? I'll give my suggestion, but I make no claims to authority.

I am going to try to hold on dearly to the version of America that I love. I'm going to remind myself that this country is a lot more than its government. I will cling to our people, our art, our culture, our thoughts. I will work to make my art as an American, to contribute what I can to our country's legacy.

I wish everyone good luck.