Awareness, Privilege, and the State of Our Nation

Awareness. It’s something I’ve carried my whole life as a Black woman in America — an instinct to always be conscious of my surroundings, the choices I make, and the forces that shape my future. With everything happening politically, especially in Washington, D.C., I can’t afford to be uninformed. History has taught me that awareness isn’t optional — it’s survival.

Recently, I had a conversation with a coworker, a white gay man, about what’s unfolding in D.C. He admitted he hadn’t heard about it, glanced at a headline, and moved on. That moment struck me deeply. It wasn’t just that he didn’t know — it was that he didn’t feel the urgency to care. The privilege to not care is something I’ve never experienced.

I’m not a Democrat or a Republican. I’m for what benefits the people — for freedom. But his reaction reminded me that we live in different realities. For me, what’s happening right now affects everyone, even if the impact looks different. He’s part of a marginalized community too, yet the political changes didn’t seem to register as personal.

It made me ask myself: is this where we are as a society? Are we so consumed with work and routine that we’ve stopped paying attention? Have we become numb to change until it knocks directly on our door?

Division Over Unity

The United States was once a country that could unite, especially in moments of tragedy. After 9/11, there was a powerful sense of solidarity. But over the years — from Sandy Hook to today’s political battles — division has grown louder than unity.

Now, conversations about politics are filled with anger, name-calling, and personal attacks. Trump supporters are labeled as ignorant; Democrats are insulted in return. Civil debate feels rare. What happened to the days when we could disagree, debate passionately, and still share a drink afterward?

Why Unity Matters More Than Ever

We can’t sustain this level of division forever. True strength comes from unity, not constant conflict. Our differences in perspective should be a source of insight, not a weapon. Awareness is the first step — knowing what’s happening, caring enough to engage, and finding common ground where we can.

We may be living different lives, but our futures are connected. The more we ignore that truth, the weaker we become as a nation. Unity isn’t just an ideal; it’s a survival strategy.

By: Bria