When we hosted our first live screening of our pilot episode, we asked audience members to fill out a few questions before the screening started. The first one was:
When you hear the phrase “Belonging in the USA” what does it evoke?
Here are some of the answers we got:
Well, I ask the question who really belongs in the USA? Don’t we all. There are so many people & so many stories. How did we all get here & why? It’s such an incredible concept...the USA. Bringing the world together in this country & creating something new.
A feeling of inclusion or not being included.
FEAR
The desire for us all to understand and fit in to this country that seems the most divisive and polarized it has been in a long time.
It makes me think about the idea that some people feel some people do not belong here, unfortunately. But I also love the word “belonging” in general because I think we have an innate desire to belong.
It evokes feelings of diversity, division, and frustration.
At this time I am wondering who does belong in the world of Trump. Belonging in the USA means being accepted within the social fabric of what is a great society.
Having the right to live and thrive in USA & live the dream of reaching your full potential.
Solidarity, camaraderie, embracing & celebrating each other’s backgrounds/experiences/culture--asking each other questions--and not trying to stratify and quantify all the embedded identities we hold within us.
A territorial (possibly racist) term
It makes me reflective of the people who are treated right now as not belonging.
And that is just a small amount of the nearly 30 responses we received. Clearly, the phrase was evocative and clearly people were already thinking, feeling, connecting to ideas. I know for a fact that some people came into the room having rushed from somewhere else, not having had time for dinner, and yet we still got such thoughtful responses. I am excited to share the full finished pilot episode with you all soon! Stay tuned...
What does the phrase evoke for you? Leave your comments below.