Share in the shame

Shame: a feeling that has most recently presented itself as one of the top emotions that I experience on a daily basis and a feeling that, sadly, I should not have to endure.

It is not my actions that have led me to feel this particular way, but the actions of unsaid individuals. I know, though, with certainty, that I am not the only one who endures this unasked-for emotion; there are millions of others who are being forced to endure it as well. What is disheartening is the fact that we are being ridiculed for feeling this particular way.

But what those who are ridiculing us do not see or, quite possibly refuse to see, is that they too should be experiencing this very same emotion. For the actions of, again, unsaid individuals are very quickly bringing shame upon us all, upon us who don’t deserve it, and if we don’t come together to realize this as a whole, sadly, the consequences will be immense.

America’s once seemingly strong, unbreakable foundation is slowly starting to crumble beneath our feet and if we all can’t open our eyes and see the shame in destroying our bonds with our allies, bullying people in our country and other countries of the world, in telling falsehoods consistently, then we as a nation have failed.

If we want America to be what it was, I ask, please, share in this shame, for I fear for what is to come if we don’t.

Deborah Lorenzo, Ludlow