Am I an American?

rafaelh

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Friday July 30, 2004 · 7:42 AM PDT

2004/07/30 · 07:42

I grew up in Puerto Rico, and became a supporter of statehood because Clinton showed me a new America, more respectful of international opinion, acknowledging past mistakes and intent in learning from them. These last 4 years have been tough. I have been disappointed over how many Americans still don't reject Bush's terrible policies. It has made me believe sometimes that maybe there was no place for us in the Union, and separation might be the best course.

Last night, when I heard Kerry's speech, I was so moved. I felt hope, and I felt pride in having that man represent me, even if I cannot vote for him. I've heard some Canadians here say similar things, that they were moved, and wished they could vote for him. Maybe it's the proximity, and how closely the policies of the United States affect any country in this continent of ours, America, in the wider definition.

It stirred old questions in my head. Am I Puerto Rican? Am I an American? Do these definitions exclude one another? Most of my friends that support independence refuse to acknowledge the validity of a statehood option. "You're either a Puerto Rican or a Yankee, and you have to choose." We are a culturally distinct nation, they say, and this implies that we MUST establish ourselves as an independent, sovereign State. I don't buy that. It's not like it's ingrained into our DNA. I think we can choose whether to be independent, or whether to complete and perfect our union with the United States. Both seem as valid options to me.
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