There are 10 rules you must follow to be American.

1,

Never give your opinion,

No matter how many times they ask.

You are always wrong,

Even if it’s about your people,

Because you are American.

2,

Correct your name,

Before it comes out of their mouth.

And when they say “huh?”,

Repeat it their way,

Because you are American.

3,

Protest but don’t disrespect,

Resist but cease to exist.

Don’t let them know,

You aren’t conformed to the box,

The box you check on every form,

Asking you,

“Do you speak English at home?”

Because you are American.

4,

Sit up straight,

Always get As,

There is no time for you to play.

Become a doctor,

A lawyer.

Not for the money,

It was never about the money.

It’s because you are American.

5,

Your accent means you’re from the ghetto,

Even if you live in the suburbs.

That language you speak,

Is worth nothing.

Learn to speak English correctly,

And ignore your mother tongue,

Because you are American.

6,

Teachers are never wrong.

So when that “N**** please”,

Comes out of their white mouth,

You sit your butt down.

It’s just a book,

About your people,

Getting shot on them streets.

And while their blood is spilling,

You will not complain,

Because you are American.

7,

The hijab on your head,

Is the only thing people will see,

Besides the blackness of your skin.

The revolution isn’t going to be there,

To pick up the pieces you have become,

After being told,

To go back to the country you call home.

As if you weren’t born,

In the same hospital as their son.

Yet you will say nothing,

Because you are American.

8,

The only time you speak,

Is to confirm your identity,

After they’ve guessed a hundred times.

You’re so exotic,

‘Cus you got that “Ethiopian blood”,

And you won’t judge them for liking you,

But not those other black Muslims,

Because you are American.

9,

This education system,

Will screw you over every time.

No matter what the problem was,

You are suspect #1.

There is always an adult,

Who won’t hesitate to make everything your fault.

They think you don’t understand,

Since that box you check,

Was never yes.

So don’t be offended,

When they bring a Somali translator for your Oromo parents,

As if every black Muslim is the same person,

Because you are American.

10,

Being a black Muslim in America,

Means you give them no reason to call you ghetto,

Or suspect you of some crime.

And when they ask you why you are silent,

When your people are getting banned from this country,

And killed by the racist police,

remember ,

It’s because you,

Must be American.