Timothy Williams: Remember our history and welcome the strangers
Share this post:
Ten years ago, I left the United States to teach overseas. Since then, I have lived in five different countries and traveled to numerous others. I am often asked if living abroad is dangerous. It strikes me, however, that in all these years, I have never been verbally harassed or assaulted due to my place of birth.
Additionally, no one has ever yelled at me to go back to my own country. On the contrary, the hospitality I have received while abroad has been overwhelming. I have been helped countless times by strangers, many of whom felt it was their duty to assist foreigners. They were, after all, representing their country and culture. We, as Americans, should feel the same duty. Sadly, it seems that many in my country feel differently.
From my apartment in Bangkok, I often read the headlines from my homeland in despair. Every day seems to bring another story of bigotry and hatred toward immigrants and Asian people. My partner’s mother now worries that her Thai-Chinese daughter will be assaulted if we move to the United States.
I am saddened that my country, which was once a beacon of hope for so many, is now seen as being dangerous, violent and unwelcoming.
Despite her family’s fears, my partner, Kung, and I plan to move to Pittsburgh in the fall. I truly believe she is the kindest human on the planet. To think that anyone would harass or harm someone who is so loving and caring fills me with unspeakable anger. She has accepted me into her life, family and culture. She deserves to be embraced by my country with the same kindness and acceptance.
Many Americans believe that we are a Christian nation. I often wonder where those Christian values are when fearmongers like Tucker Carlson go on the air to preach hatred toward the people that I love. Perhaps these Christians would be wise to open their Bibles to Leviticus 19:33-34: “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
We are a country of immigrants. We should remember our history and love those who come here in search of a better life. Otherwise, we risk losing our identity — an identity that is not based on race, color or creed, but the belief that all humans are born equal and worthy of liberty.
Swissvale resident Timothy Williams is currently living in Bangkok, Thailand.