Truth Hurts

I have been fortunate to travel to many places around the world. I enjoy interacting with the locals in my escapades because they offer opportunities to see a place through its most authentic lens. The most common conversation I have with locals is a discussion of our respective perceptions of our countries. Locals who have not traveled far from their native countries view the United States from a narrow lens. They see American tourists who travel with multiple pieces of luggage and accessories and superior attitudes. Then the assumption is Americans are wealthy, happy, and live comfortable lives. In conversation, they often share how they would like to visit America and see some of the cities and places they see depicted on American TV shows that are available for them to watch. Watch any episode of 90-Day Fiancé and one would see that most individuals who are dating Americans think most Americans are rich and want the Americans who they date to take care of them. I hate being the bearer of bad news to those who so eagerly engage with me in excitement, ready to hear that America is "like it is on tv". Sometimes I do not always reveal the full truth. Sometimes I share a few of my successes to give hope. Our country’s actual reality is that more than 10% of the US population live at or below the poverty line (according to a 2019 US Census Bureau report). The percentage increased in 2020, stimulated by unemployment due to the global pandemic. A granular glimpse reveals people of color are impacted by poverty most significantly. The global pandemic has only highlighted the already heaping disparities in the nation’s education, healthcare, justice, and political systems. The verdict has yet to be made on if resources and aid will truly reach and support those who need it most.

To be fair, all countries have their own set of unique issues. All have problems concerning poverty and race/ethnicity. Perhaps this is the very reason why it is a hard conversation to have. The truth is sometimes seen as impolite, but we may need to be offended to see the bigger picture.