I Don't Consider You An American Because You Don't Look Like Me

When you're told that you "originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe" so you should "go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which [you] came", there's a very direct and clear message.  In addition to the very direct and clear message, you're also saying so much more.

What the recipient may hear:

• You and I are different.
• You and I have different value.
• You come from a bad place.
• You come from a bad place so you must be a bad person.
• Its your fault that the place you come from is bad.
• You belong in a bad place.
• You don't belong here.
• You/your people cause problems.
• You/your people don't solve problems.
• You/your people aren't the solution to America's problems. 
• America's problems can only be solved by Americans.
• I don't consider you an American because you don't look like me/you aren't like me.

Divisiveness.



Constructive statements:

• Diversity among us means we bring more perspectives to the table.
• Diversity among us means the table is accessible to those from diverse backgrounds. 
• People of diverse backgrounds have an opportunity to come to the table to solve problems.
• We live in a nation of opportunity, regardless of our diverse backgrounds.
• We live in a nation where we find solutions to problems.
• Our problems are shared problems.
• Solutions to our problems can be achieved by working together. 
• We are all Americans regardless of our/our ancestor's place of birth/origin.

Harmony.


We need to realize that we're in this together to make substantive progress.
We need to acknowledge that we're all parts of a whole in order to take full advantage of what each constituent part adds to the whole.
We need to acknowledge when we, or others of our party, or others who are friends or family, or when any other American is creating divisiveness instead of harmony.
It cannot be ignored and go unchecked.

The ultimate goal shouldn't be one of tailored communication.
The ultimate goal should be one of changed perspective.
Inclusiveness. Collaboration. Understanding. Cooperation. Unity.

We have innate worth.
We are worthy of each others' consideration and respect.
Let's hold each other accountable and meet this standard.