In a critical moment during this election cycle, I found myself overwhelmed by the harsh realities of the current political landscape. The day was marked by two alarming headlines: one detailing the endorsement of Donald Trump by the KKK’s main publication, and another about a black church in Mississippi that was vandalized with “Vote Trump” before being set ablaze. Such events crystallize the fears I have about the future.
There are countless reasons that highlight Donald Trump’s unfitness for the presidency, articulated by far more qualified voices than mine. Initially, I viewed the small number of people I knew supporting him with a degree of detachment. Perhaps it was arrogance, but studies indicate that less educated voters are gravitating towards Trump. I have friends whose political views are considerably more conservative than mine. We have engaged in thoughtful discussions about the government’s role in various sectors, yet most are either voting for a third-party candidate or abstaining altogether. Others are casting their ballots for Hillary in protest against a party that seems to have lost its way.
It’s impossible to ignore the overt racism and misogyny that have characterized Trump’s campaign. His rhetoric has unleashed a wave of nationalism that has long simmered within society. He has given a voice to deep-seated fears surrounding race, culture, and religion. This has legitimized behaviors that decent citizens previously would not have exhibited—publicly spouting racial slurs or engaging in racially motivated violence, all under the watchful eyes of cameras.
Discussions about tax policies and Supreme Court appointments pale in comparison to the fundamental truth: voting for Trump equates to a tacit acceptance of the most alarming manifestations of racism and sexism we’ve seen in contemporary times.
A memory that has haunted me surfaced today, reminding me of my feelings about those in my life who choose to support Trump. At a family gathering over a year ago, I had a conversation with a distant relative about a planned trip to Washington, D.C., expressing my wish for my children to see the White House. He responded, “Let’s just hope we can get the White House white again!”
The instant his words left his lips, I could see the realization wash over him—he had misjudged his audience. I would like to believe this was a moment of growth for him, a chance for reflection on the impact of his words on my black husband and our biracial children. I hoped he might grasp the hurt his careless comment could inflict and reconsider his beliefs.
After a moment of uncomfortable silence, I made an excuse to leave. Since then, I haven’t crossed paths with him again. Today, that memory feels particularly poignant in light of the impending election. Much like those irreversible words, a vote for Trump is a decision that cannot be taken back. It’s a choice that lingers.
It’s personal for me. While I may encounter these individuals again, I will offer a polite smile and a fleeting greeting before distancing myself.
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In summary, the act of voting carries weight—especially in this election. Choices made today can have lasting consequences, and it’s vital to understand the implications of our decisions.