As an African immigrant, America has always been a land of dreams and opportunities, the epicenter of modernity and innovation. But once the initial allure fades, one begins to notice peculiarities that are not just eccentric but also downright eerie.
This article encapsulates some oddities, from the strange to the baffling; these are 13 things about America that, while they may seem normal to its inhabitants, are incredibly strange to an outsider’s perspective, especially coming from an African background.
Police Brutality
One of the things that has been consistently unsettling about America for me is the issue of police brutality. It’s alarming to see how often law enforcement officers unfairly treat and even kill people, particularly African Americans. This blatant disregard for human life is something that I never experienced in my home country, and it’s deeply concerning.
Racism and Discrimination
Although racism exists in many countries, the open discrimination I’ve witnessed in America is particularly disturbing. From microaggressions to blatant acts of prejudice, it affects every aspect of life for people of color. It’s even more unsettling when this discrimination comes from those in positions of power.
Immigration Services
Navigating the immigration system in America can be a nightmare for many. As an immigrant, worrying about my status constantly and having to go through rigorous and sometimes unfair processes to remain in good status can be stress-inducing and lead to anxiety. The process is often lengthy, expensive, and unpredictable.
Discrimination at Places of Work
Workplace discrimination is another issue I’ve noticed, especially for immigrants and people of color. It’s depressing to see how some individuals are treated unfairly due to their race or nationality, regardless of their qualifications or work ethic.
The Segregation Between Immigrant Africans and African Americans
Despite being from the same continent, there is often a divide between African immigrants and African Americans. Seeing how this division creates tension and misunderstandings between two communities with similar struggles is discouraging.
Misinformation About Other Countries
Many Americans hold misconceptions about life in other countries especially African countries, often assuming they are impoverished and underdeveloped. This ignorance can be frustrating and unsettling when trying to educate others about my home country.
School Shootings
The prevalence of school shootings in America is something that deeply disturbs me. As a parent, the thought of sending my child to school and not knowing if they will come back alive is unimaginable.
Religious Profiling
As an African immigrant, my religious views and practices are often misunderstood or even discriminated against. The constant fear of being labeled a potential threat based on my religion is unsettling.
Gun Culture
Coming from a country where guns are not easily accessible, the widespread gun ownership and obsession with weapons in America is unnerving. The ease with which individuals can obtain and carry deadly weapons sometimes makes me feel unsafe.
Insufficient Healthcare Access
Access to healthcare in America can be challenging, especially for lower-income people. The thought of being unable to afford necessary medical treatments or even basic check-ups is alarming.
Discrimination in Education
Education is often seen as the great equalizer in America, but discriminatory practices can hinder opportunities for marginalized communities. The disparity between schools in low-income and affluent areas is unnerving and contributes to the cycle of poverty.
High Cost of Living
The high cost of living in America always creeps me out. Necessities such as housing, food, and healthcare can be expensive, making it difficult for many families to make ends meet.
Prevalence of Drug Abuse
The widespread use and abuse of drugs in America deeply disturbs me. It’s heartbreaking to see how many lives are affected by addiction, and the lack of resources for those seeking help is concerning.
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