I am looking at the erosion of our democracy under this Trump administration, the limited definition of who belongs, and who does not deserve to belong according to the biases and limited understandings of freedom embraced by the MAGA crowd. We have seen this all before; it didn’t fare well in the past, nor will it today. This narrow MAGA definition of who belongs in the American landscape has fostered an environment where exclusion is prevalent. And now the disappearing of those who disagree, or who “petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” has become a reality.

The concept of belonging has taken on new meaning during this time. Under the Trump administration, the rhetoric and fear-mongering used have consistently marginalized those who do not fit into the traditional mold of a mythical but sorely lacking “American identity” as perceived by the ultra-right and MAGA crowd is mind-numbing. 

As someone caught in the crosshairs of this cultural war, I have felt the impact of these sentiments firsthand. I can’t tell you how many times I have been called derogatory names; my favorite is when I’ve been called a lefty—something I find amusing since I am actually left-handed.  

The discourse surrounding national identity has not just alienated entire communities, but has also pigeonholed individuals like me. The truth is that none of what is happening is about culture. Culture is so vast and has been ever-changing here in the United States since our beginnings. Your cultural history (even if you are hardcore ultra-right-leaning), and mine can flourish only because of our democratic principles, our Constitution, our Bill of Rights and our laws, and that pesky line “all men [humans] are created equal.”

What I am concerned about has nothing to do with our multifaceted American culture. Instead it is about defending democracy, defending our Constitution, defending the rule of law; it’s about defending the rights of persons no matter their cultural background, defending our national security, and upholding those who defend the beauty of all cultures. Including cultural leanings that don’t resonate with me. 

But heading the list is our First Amendment:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Difference is the backbone of our country; sameness diminishes who we are as a people. It is not about culture. Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our music, what we believe, how we sit at the table, how we greet visitors, and a million other things. Our constitution ensures that you can wear black leather and dog collars, whereas I prefer to wear tweed and riding boots. You can eat kimchi, whereas I prefer sauerkraut. You like golf; I prefer kayaking. You like country-western; I prefer opera. I could write all day about our differences. But in our differences there is a similarity, and that is what our Constitution and Bill of Rights are all about: it is that we are all granted the same rights to enjoy our cultural differences. 

The defense of democracy must include actively challenging the exclusionary practices that have arisen. Embracing a more expansive and inclusive definition of belonging is essential not only to our survival as a pluralistic society but also to the health of our democratic institutions. By fostering open dialogue and advocating for the rights of all communities, we can work toward a reinvigorated democracy that truly reflects the diverse fabric of our nation. 

Remember that ultimately any right taken from me will eventually take your rights away too. Defend democracy! 

Bernadette Bostwick lives in Honesdale, PA.