“Still, one thing I do know is focusing only on the negative helps perpetuate a victimhood mentality that is helpful to no one, most notably to those who are actually victims of injustice. Had I listened to the naysayers and cynics, my life might look very different than it does today. I might never have started Ideas Beyond Borders, or become friends with some of the most prominent intellectuals in the country. Instead, I held my head high and relentlessly pursued the success and life that was available to me here, and I am better for it. Americans who consider themselves activists should think twice before painting this country as such a terrible place to live. They could unknowingly be thwarting a new immigrant’s hopes and dreams before they even have a chance to try to make it here. I am so glad I didn’t listen to them.” From his article, Overcoming American Cynicism