Letter One

Dear Reader,

You are currently in the midst of a pandemic. In many ways it has brought out the best in you, I have seen neighbors offering help and support, workers receiving the commendation they deserve, the earth you inhabit is cleaner. Yet I do not witness all these wonderful acts from afar, but rather from their very midst. You have dragged me into a suffering world, a place I have no desire to be. Living in the midst of it all I have seen you hurt each other, you have taken more than you need from stores, you have disobeyed your leaders and endangered those around you, some have even intentionally contaminated produce with the desire of making others sick.

What hurts me the most, however, is watching you assualt and murder innocent people because you fear they brought the diesease to this country. I have watched you murder innocent Asian-Americans and their children for the sake of your own selfish paranoia. Need I remind you that this is their country too? Need I tell you that they are terrified as well during these times? They are, perhaps, more terrified than you could imagine, fearing the vicious behaviors of the foolish conspiracists around them.

To steal the lives of others through murder or fear is cruel, you may believe you are protecting yourself but I assure you there is no protection in hate. Many of you will read this and assure yourselves you play no part in this, I am here to tell you the truth of the situation. Your role is a large one. You have the potential to be a source of hope for these people, if you so choose. I have confidence that some of you will choose this path, however I know that many of you will not.

Many of you will choose to sit idly, silently watching as these innocent people are ridiculed, beaten and hated. You will turn your backs and convince yourselves that it is not your place to stand up against this injustice. I am here to plead that you stand up for what is right. When you have the means, act. When you do not have the means, support. If you do not have the means to stand up against injustice, support the victims of injustice. Be the hope for the oppressed, show them that they are seen and valued in our society.

Hate is a dark pit, be a light to those who have been thrown into its depth. Inaction enables injustice, you must realize that when you refuse to act I am prevalent. I have asked you to put me to rest, yet I am writing to you once more to plead for my right to fade into history. I implore that you begin to hold yourselves accountable for the role you play in my living. There will never be a better time to act, so why not start now? Your actions can dismantle the hold hate has on the world or they can enable it.

Each of you has the desire to live in a better society and each of you has the power to improve our society. Take action, for yourselves, for your neighbors, your children and for the sake of future generations. The world you leave behind is the world they inherit, make it as wonderful as you can. I do not expect one person to change the world, but if each person eliminates hate in their own heart would the world not overflow with goodness? Be the change, take action and show love. 

Sincerely,

INJUSTICE.