Challenging the Gatekeepers of America
I've seen this post below (and similar posts or similar memes) being shared on social media and I need to take a moment to address why it is absolutely and completely ignorant.
I may piss a few of you off by posting this. We can handle it one of two ways: discuss it like adults or you can unfriend me. Your choice. You have your opinion and I have mine. Before anyone gets their panties in a wad, I add that my ancestors came here from other countries, as did most everyone else's ancestors, and they learned the language and worked and never once did I hear any of them trash America. They became citizens, were proud to be one and some served in the military! I am nice to everyone and I have no problem with anyone coming here and making a good life for themselves and their family, BUT if you are coming here and expect us to become what you just came from, then that’s not happening! Return and work on your country and make it better where you can be proud to live in it. Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of AMERICA, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. “IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT.” Take it or leave it. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language. Most Americans believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our "culture." We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us. This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining and whining about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great AMERICAN freedom, "THE RIGHT TO LEAVE". If you aren't happy here, then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country that accepted you. NOTE: IF we circulate this among ourselves, WE will find the courage to start speaking and voicing the same truths. If you agree, please SEND THIS ON and as for those who disagree, move to a country that suits you and live there. " THANK YOU! 🇺🇸 Copy and Paste if you want...I can't be the only American that feels this way... We are Americans it's time to act like it & protect what our forefather's built for us.
Let's break it down by points so it's really easy to comprehend...
1. Misunderstanding American Identity
The idea that there's a singular, static American identity (“our way of life”) ignores the fact that the United States is built on cultural diversity. The very strength of the country lies in its capacity to evolve and be shaped by people from many backgrounds. Saying, “Immigrants must adapt” while denying them the right to influence society is both un-American and ahistorical.
2. False Narrative About Language
Claiming that “We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Arabic, etc.” ignores reality:
- The U.S. has no official national language at the federal level.
- Multilingualism has always existed in the U.S. from Native languages to Spanish in the Southwest long before the U.S. existed.
- Demanding everyone speak English instantly or fluently denies the complex process of language acquisition and dismisses the contributions of immigrants.
- The First Amendment explicitly prohibits the government from establishing a religion.
- Many founders were deists or skeptics of organized religion.
- The U.S. is not a Christian nation legally, and being American does not require adherence to any religion.
4. Cultural Intolerance Masquerading as Patriotism
Framing criticism of the U.S. as whining or disloyalty silences legitimate grievances and dissent which are core components of democracy.
- “If you don’t like it, leave” is anti-democratic.
- Real patriotism is loving your country enough to want to improve it, not pretending it's perfect.
Calling out Muslims and tying them to terrorism or Sharia law is:
- Bigoted and ignorant, as it conflates a diverse religion followed by billions with extremist ideologies.
- Contradictory to American values of religious freedom, equality, and fairness.
The post praises ancestors who worked hard and assimilated. But history shows that:
- Each wave of immigrants (Irish, Italians, Jews, Chinese, etc.) faced hostility and were accused of not assimilating.
- Over time, they contributed to society while also changing it, not by erasing their heritage but by adding to the American mosaic.
The U.S. has always had a range of regional, linguistic, cultural, and religious practices. There is no one “American culture,” and pretending there is erases Indigenous people, Black Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and more.
8. Tone of Aggression and Intolerance
Statements like “panties in a wad,” “unfriend me,” or “take it or leave it” close the door to actual dialogue. They make it clear that the author is not interested in discussion, but in dominance which again, contradicts their call to “discuss it like adults.”
Further, this "take it or leave it" mentality when someone points out injustice, inequality, or corruption isn’t clever, it’s lazy. It’s the kind of shallow take people make when they don’t want to face hard truths or engage in real conversation.
Final Thought
This kind of post thrives on division, fear, and oversimplified nationalism. True American values include freedom of speech, religion, diversity, dissent, and progress. Demanding assimilation while denying respect and dignity to others is not patriotism. It’s insecurity masked as pride.
You don’t have to agree with everyone, but a strong society listens, adapts, and builds bridges not walls.