TO THE EDITOR:
For most of the past year, I have been a minority in countries where I did not speak the local language. Studying abroad for seven months has been a chance to experience different cultures, but it also made me take a look at my own identity as an American. And I am shocked.
I have witnessed the rise of a bigoted demagogue from afar. My home state made international headlines for passing a bill that never should have been considered. I read news about the aftermath of the Orlando shooting. Most recently, the video of Alton Stearling’s death has gone around the world. My anger and sadness after seeing that footage compelled me to write this letter.
These events shape our identity as Americans, and I sincerely hope this is not the ideal we strive to reach. When I boarded a plane at Charlotte in January, 2016, Trump’s presidential campaign was still viewed as a joke by most people. People need to take action and become informed about the issues facing our state and country. I have been a bystander while abroad, but that will certainly change when I get home.
Robert Gourley
Junior
Environmental Science
