Can One Truly be a Global Citizen When the Largest Problem They Face is Here at Home?
To correctly answer this question, you must first look inwards at yourself and see where you are within your society and culture. Personally, as a black man growing up in one of the most racially tense cities in America, it becomes difficult not to see yourself as a second tier citizen when you have been taught that for your entire life. Throughout my eighteen years living in New York City, I have experienced almost every cliché that you can imagine. An elderly white woman clutching their purse with a little extra grip when I walk by. A police officer giving me an extra look when we are both on the same train car. There seems to be underlying and covert racism in a place that claims that we are the most liberal in the country.
How can I possibly be a global citizen when we haven’t been able to get over the issue of racism after almost four hundred years of Americas existence as a country? The answer is… You can’t. Sure, it is possible to look at the news and acknowledge what is happening overseas, but the ability to think globally is a privilege granted to those who can put aside the issues they face nationally.
I have been growing up for almost two decades in East Flatbush, one of Brooklyn’s toughest neighborhoods. Every time I have ever gone outside of the house and have been of the age to recognize racism as a national issue, I have been afraid for my family’s safety. Is today going to be the day where we get stopped by the police? Is today going to be the day where I get mistaken for a criminal? Constant paranoia weighs heavy on the minds of every black person within this nation and prohibits our ability to truly be a global citizen. Until we fix this issue, I do not believe that we can nationally move to a global view.
