The endless email chains about voting, posters about presidential candidates, and flashy political ads have been cluttering my life all of this semester. With all this buzz about politics, especially at Colby where every student here seems to be political even during non-election months, it’s almost impossible to avoid hearing about the election. That’s why it’s so hard for me—a non-US citizen—during these past few weeks, because I can’t vote.
A little background information on myself: I was born and raised in Tokyo until the age of eight. I moved to New Jersey as a second-grader, and have been in the US ever since. Evidently, my thoughts and opinions are “Americanized,” and I consider myself to be more an Asian-American than a native Japanese citizen. It’s crazy that I’ve lived in this country for over 14 years now, and I still don’t have a voice in this country. I know more about American politics than Japanese politics. I’ve sat in classrooms alongside my American peers, getting the same education about institutional racism in this country, how f*cked up and money-driven corporations can be while the government turns a blind eye. Yet, I can’t do anything about it. Words can’t describe how incredibly frustrating this situation is for me.
My family raised me to be politically silent. No protests, no signing petitions, and definitely no voicing my opinion. Even writing this article is anxiety-inducing for me. This isn’t because my parents don’t support my opinions—it’s because it’s a privilege for US citizens to be vocal, but for me? I could jeopardize my living status here in the US if I do or say something wrong.
A lot of Americans don’t realize that. I’m very self-conscious about politics at Colby, when everyone is out posting on Instagram and Twitter about politics and their anger on racial discourse, environmental issues, etc., I have to stand on the sidelines. During this summer, people on social media were criticizing those who weren’t vocal about politics. Well, guess what. That’s a privilege.
That’s why it’s so important for everyone eligible to vote.
You, reading this article, have the privilege of using your voice and platform. Your passport alone gives you the right to vote. Use it. Vote for those that don’t have a voice in this country, that live everyday in fear of losing their living status here. Vote for those that are angry with the institution.
I hope that I have shed light on this incredibly real and upsetting situation for non-US citizens like me living in America. Use your power to vote.