The Difference Between Us: A Reflection on Belonging and Borders
Read Brian Sankarsingh muses on differences and how they matter
Recently I wrote a poem titled The Difference Between Us, and in it I tried to explore the profound dichotomy of identity, migration, and systemic inequality between the USA and Canada. This was done through a series of contrasts between “there" and “here.” In this poem I attempted to paint a compelling picture of the lived experience of immigrants and the often-stark realities of the societies they traverse between those two countries.
I challenge the widely held belief in a fair and just meritocratic system. "There, is a meritocracy / Hard work is the algorithm / But that is an abject falsity / It’s all about the nepotism." This assertion resonates deeply in a world where opportunities are often dictated not by talent and effort, but by networks, privilege, and inherited advantage. The disillusionment of the so-called ‘land of opportunity’ is a harsh reality many immigrants face when they arrive with dreams of social mobility, only to be met with barriers of systemic exclusion.
I also wanted to juxtapose the perception of an Alien (which is how immigration forms in the US used to refer to all immigrants) against that of an Immigrant. The term alien suggests an unnatural presence—an outsider, someone who does not belong. On the other hand, immigrant carries a transactional connotation - i.e. we want you to come and be a part of this country we are building, and we want you to help build it with us. This duality reflects the lived experiences of many who leave their homelands in search of safety, opportunity, and dignity, only to find themselves marginalized or reduced to mere labour statistics. In contrast with a place that welcomes people to come and contribute to the growth, development and success of the country. I wanted to highlight a significant contrast: "Here, we depend on each other / Shoulder to shoulder, hand to hand / We may not be brothers / But together we make a stand." This stanza speaks to the power of solidarity among immigrants, marginalized communities, and the society at large. It underscores the reality that in the face of exclusion, collective resilience and mutual support become crucial survival mechanisms.
I struggled with the fifth and sixth stanzas of this poem. I wanted to explore the topic of racial hegemony by acknowledging that thoughts on racial supremacy exists both there and here. This was difficult but essential. Canadians must understand that many Black people and People of Colour face racial bias on a regular basis. However, for me, the key difference is — here at least, the systemic nature of racism is a subject of open debate. While some societies deny the existence of structural discrimination, others actively engage with it, striving to dismantle its grip. This openness to discourse, however imperfect, marks a crucial step toward justice and equity.
It was my hope that the most powerful message of this poem would be encapsulated in its concluding lines: "We share a border that is unprotected / After all, we have so much in common / But the place where we are disconnected / Is that we see ALL people as human." This stanza speaks to the arbitrary nature of borders, both physical and ideological. It calls into question the artificial divisions that separate people, highlighting instead our shared humanity. This poem is more than a meditation on migration—it is a call for introspection, for society to recognize its own contradictions and biases. It is meant to urge us to move beyond the labels of alien and immigrant, and to see each other as human first. Let's face it – our world is increasingly defined by division, but true progress lies in unity, understanding, and the willingness to challenge injustice wherever it exists.
What kind of world do we want to build? One that alienates and dehumanizes, or one that embraces and uplifts? The answer to that question will define not just the fate of immigrants, but the moral compass of humanity itself.
Want to read the entire poem? It will be published on this Substack on 24 February 2025.
Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a two-time award-winning poet and author. He is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.
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