We, Too, Sing America: Where Do We Go from Here?

Abstract

This final chapter summarizes major findings and observations discussed throughout the book. Lorick-Wilmot shares participants’ reflections on the book’s premise as well as her reflections on conducting this type of research. She discusses her insider–outsider position as both a researcher and a member of the MSGCI population and speculates how these positions possibly increased participants’ comfort levels when telling their stories. Reflecting on directions for future research, Lorick-Wilmot argues the United States’ tendency to make racial and ethnic distinctions is based on a white supremacist notion of a hierarchal structure between minorities that not only continues to divide these communities, force divisive and unequal racial identities upon them, and ignore the systemic inequalities institutional racism provides but also maintains MSGCIs’ overall visibility for years to come.

Our stories are the glue of what we are. They stitch together what we become. Our ability to tell them is fundamental to how we celebrate and examine our lives. After we have satisfied the need for water, food, a roof, companionship, storytelling is where we turn for encouragement on how to live. Through it we look to affirm our joy and, at times, our despair. Sharing our stories reminds us what we believe in, and helps us make sense of a fickle world. They are common, yet we tell them because our experiences are so uncommon. No two stories are ever the same, even when told by the same person using the same words. They are our fingerprints.

—Colum McCann , Step into My Shoes, and I’ll Step into Yours

No one can tell you ‘you are wrong’ because it is your truth.

—Nasir Jones , Hamilton’s America: A PBS Documentary