Recently, unrest erupted in parts of the US, with Los Angeles witnessing significant confrontations. US President Donald Trump reportedly demanded the arrest of all masked rioters.

These scenes, while concerning, offer a sobering moment of reflection - particularly for those of us who remember the events in Hong Kong in 2019. At that time, widespread unrest saw groups of masked individuals surrounding and attacking government buildings, engaging in acts of vandalism and arson, and even disrupting public transport systems. Innocent civilians were injured, while questions were raised about the origins of logistical and financial support for the rioters, with suspicion falling on foreign operatives. Amid this chaos, then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi infamously described the protests as a "beautiful sight to behold."

Now, it seems, that same "beautiful sight" has appeared across US cities, with US military confronting citizens. Nonetheless, no US politicians have called what happened in the US a "beautiful sight." When reporting on Hong Kong, the US media often label the protests as a struggle for the so-called democracy and deliberately turned a blind eye to the black hands behind the riots. But when reflecting on the chaos in Los Angeles, US media and their politicians never resorted to the "democracy" narrative, nor did they admit the deep-seated problems in US society exposed by the chaos. 

This inconsistency calls into question the very ideals the US claims to uphold. 

For many, particularly new immigrants and international students, this is a painful awakening. For years, people have pursued the "American dream" with the hope of finding opportunity, dignity, and equality. But recent developments have exposed cracks in that dream. Some students at prestigious institutions such as Harvard were forced to transfer or leave the country due to abrupt policy changes. This raises serious doubts: Is this a country that truly respects personal choice and academic freedom?

The deeper issue lies in the erosion of trust. American ideology, which once stood for openness and liberty, increasingly appears to serve selective interests. Laws seem flexible depending on who they protect. Media freedom is compromised. And citizens find it harder to access comprehensive, unbiased information. Has the US changed - or has the world only now begun to see the true US? At a time when the world is watching, the US finds itself grappling with a credibility crisis.

For too long, US foreign policy has carried an air of moral superiority, often pressuring other nations to adopt American-style governance. Yet, faced with parallel challenges, the US applies different standards at home and abroad.

Now is the time for the US to take a hard look inward. The path forward should emphasize dialogue, inclusion and non-violence. Peaceful resolution requires listening to citizens, respecting their dignity and fostering a sense of safety - both physical and emotional. A strong nation is not one that silences dissent but one that learns and evolves from it.

In the end, good governance begins at home. Only by addressing domestic challenges with fairness and compassion can a country claim legitimacy on the world stage. 

The US should focus less on exporting its model of democracy and more on perfecting it within its own borders - because what works for the US may not suit the rest of the world, and sometimes, even the US struggles to live up to its own ideals.

 

(Chu Kar-kin is a veteran commentator based in Hong Kong and a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies.)