America: Land of Irony, Home of Hope
Several months ago, I was writing at a local cafe when two older people — a man and a woman — got into a heated discussion, loud enough for everyone to hear. The crux of their argument: Things were better “back in the day.” They fondly recalled pleasant memories, like San Francisco’s old Playland at Ocean Beach, but they also bitterly spat out how the City was overrun by … let’s just say “others” that didn’t look like them. Both spoke approvingly about new President Donald Trump’s promises to restore America back to prominence on the global stage and how this could have a trickle-down effect, perhaps even to a liberal hub like San Francisco. While the man seemed more interested in discussing various conspiracy theories, the woman was possessed by a fury that emanated from her bones. Some of her side comments … “My kids are good for nothing … “ and “My sister was always upset… “ suggested that all her vitriol wasn’t so much hate at “others.” It was more anger at her personal situation.
They went back and forth for a while as the rest of the cafe, mostly young people including the lone employee, sat in an uncomfortable silence. Though it crossed my mind to speak up, I wasn’t looking to be confrontational with someone who wasn’t looking to hear another perspective. Mercifully, the woman soon excused herself and took her leave, and not too long after, the man got up and went on his way as well. Before they both departed, however, they both noted how much they liked the cafe, that the food was good, and ambiance was overall nice.
The irony, of course, is that the owner is an immigrant (from Turkey, I believe) while the main employee is from India: some of the “others” that are allegedly ruining the City. The reason I know this? I heard the man, who’s a regular at the cafe, confirm both these facts as he engaged in friendly conversation with both the owner and employee on separate occasions.
Now I don’t write this as a “gotcha” moment, or to point out the ignorance of some people, or to say anything negative, really. I write about this episode because it shows America’s harsh complexities, complexities this country has been dealing with since it declared its independence 241 years ago. Most American history essentially comes down to one group seeking power and another group denying it (though that’s arguably every country’s history). It’s not always a cordial affair — at its extreme, heads have been broken, children lose parents, people aren’t treated as human beings. It’s very easy to get jaded, real quick.
And yet, when I ask myself, “Why would people want to deal with a land that comes with all this baggage?”
… I see the smiling face of the cafe employee, who is always working as I sit in leisure, typing out my trivial thoughts. He recognizes me and always says hi, very warmly. I wonder to myself, “He was willing to leave his homeland to come to this cold, expensive city. There must be something that drew him here.”
… I see proud people, the most accomplished in their native countries, bust their humps to try and get to this country. Not only that, they take jobs they are vastly overqualified for. Why? Because of the promise of something greater. A future payoff. One that they may not even benefit from directly.
… And most often of all, I see my grandparents. I see people who didn’t complain about the cards they were dealt or the work they would have to do — they simply took the steps to get the job done. No shortcuts, no cheating, just straight up honest hard work and optimism that things would be better in the future. I know they sacrificed more than I ever have — more than I can understand — so that their progeny would be better off. How do you pay that back?
By realizing that for all its warts and uncomfortable legacies, America still offers something unique: hope for a better life, without any prior conditions. That is not only a powerful draw, it is proven over and over again as real: The success stories are legion. You don’t need to look hard for examples, either — the American Dream incarnate is probably right around the corner, smiling back at you at your favorite hangout.
Happy Birthday, America. May you always keep inspiring.
