Very powerful piece, Susan. I’m not a U.S. citizen but relate to your concerns. I live overseas away from my home country in Asia and the scales of privilege have long since tumbled from my eyes. I have had unfortunate and unpleasant experiences (based on being a foreigner) which have increased my awareness to a degree of what other people can go through. I am grateful — thankful even — to the people who have judged me as being less — because it has given me insight that is priceless.

I think a lot of people are having to grapple with their identities right now around human rights issues. It should be simple to treat everyone equally in dignity and respect— but it’s not. The point is it never has been — any member of a minority group can attest to that. Not having to care is a luxury, a privilege which is not afforded to minority groups. In a perverse way, Trump has brought about enlightenment to people who till now lived relatively sheltered lives.

But that’s enough ranting (writers are good at rants — lol). Congrats again on your debut article. I look forward to read more in future!