And America, too, is a delusion, the grandest one of all. The white race believes - - believes with all its heart - - that it is their right to take the land. To kill Indians. Make war. Enslave their brothers. This nation shouldn't exist, if there is any justice in the world, for its foundations are murder, theft, and cruelty. Yet here we are.
[In examining this quote, it becomes evident that the speaker is confronting the uncomfortable truths behind the foundation of America. The statement lays bare the brutal history of colonization, violence, and systemic oppression upon which the nation was built. It challenges the often idealized narrative of America as a land of liberty and justice, revealing instead that its origins are steeped in violence and injustice. This critique incites us to reflect on the importance of acknowledging historical truths—how denial or ignorance of uncomfortable realities impedes genuine justice and reconciliation. The quote also touches on the false notion of racial superiority, questioning the legitimacy of the privileges that white supremacy has long claimed to be their right. Recognizing these dark truths is crucial for understanding contemporary struggles for equality and justice, reminding us that progress requires confronting uncomfortable histories rather than dismissing or forgetting them. Ultimately, such reflection should inspire empathy, humility, and a collective effort to address the systemic injustices inherited from the past. Only through honesty can society hope to move toward a more equitable future—not despite its violent past, but recognizing it as an integral part of the journey toward truth and reconciliation.
(The Underground Railroad) - Colson Whitehead
