What do I have to prove?
I was born here.
I grew up here.
I watched the same cartoons.
I read the same books.
I stood every day with my brothers and sisters,
pledging allegiance to the red, white and blue flag.
This is the only homeland I have ever known.
I love my country.
So what do I have to prove?
Why do I even have to defend myself in the first place?
Why can't you look at me and see past the color of my eyes, of my skin, of my hair, the clothes I'm wearing, the scarf on my head-
because if you asked me,
you would realize I'm not the person society conditioned you to believe I am.
