V. United We Stand

The Empress urges all Americans to stop separating themselves into sub-groups. It is becoming increasingly unwieldy and problematic to live together as one Nation in rapidly separating groups, each identified with changing terminology. If you have lost track of which sets of words or letters most identifies you, or to which racial, political, gender, or party group you belong, try identifying as American. It is time to stand up and actively fight the trend that is dividing us and is potentially destroying the greatest Nation on Earth.

Much has transpired in the United States since its founding, and the goals of the Nation as a “melting pot” with “liberty and justice for all”, are being challenged.

In just the last century, Black Americans have been identified as “negroes”, “colored”, and “African-Americans” (this last never failed to amuse blonde-haired, blue-eyed immigrants from the African Continent). Over the course of the last two years, Black Americans have now become BIPOC, essentially leaving one group, and joining Native Americans and other Indigenous People. Asian-Americans are now AAPI. Latinos and Latinas, who were once Hispanic, are suddenly LatinX. Americans who identify as LGBTQ welcomed “I”, “A”, and “+” to the group, but sometimes seem uncomfortable as the letters continue to pile up. There are now at least 64 genders, and people are sometimes hesitant to even say “he” or “she”. If a group’s name keeps changing, it can only foster a sense of impermanence, and that may not be in anyone’s best interest.

Who makes these decisions, and who selects the terminology?

It is often human nature to divide ourselves into groups for identification purposes. Groups that have designated themselves have often sought protection from real oppression, discrimination, loss of basic rights, and violence. Your Empress understands why we have at times felt the need for sub-group identification, but this can, and often does, lead to elements of tribalism. Increasingly, we may feel like a Nation divided into many competing tribes, each striving for acceptance, rather than a cohesive group, working together for the betterment of our society as a whole.

There is a group to which we can all belong that has not changed in centuries – an identity that brings us together, and won’t change as long as we fight for it: American.

Powerful media interests often seek to divide us into increasing numbers of fragmented groups to promote attention-grabbing headlines. Foreign actors often pit group against group through social media campaigns, and strategic message board targeting. We must not allow ourselves to lose this cyberwarfare battle.

Historically, The United States of America has been a leader in the field of human rights all around the world. We are far from perfect, but when injustice is identified, Americans mobilize and fight for what’s right. We must embrace this as we bring together our American family. We must never forget that we fight for each other, not with each other. We have many times rallied together as a Nation, from colonial times through wars and civil unrest. It is appropriate to revisit wrongs committed, but we must pull together for our own good.

To all groups: Our Nation is blessed by your presence and your outstanding contributions to our society. We would not be the same, and we would not be America without you. We appreciate all of the colors and flavors you bring. You are acknowledged, and are truly appreciated for all you bring to our table. We are Americans first, and this includes those in the process of becoming Americans. Americans are many different things – a melting pot. That is what we are known for worldwide. We all bring something important to the American family.

From now on, try defaulting to “A” for American. You are American. You live in one of the most historically significant and successful nations in the history of the world.

You are admired, and you are who we are.