If we’re searching for a silver lining amidst the distressing years of the Trump administration (and yes, you really have to squint to find it), it’s that his presidency laid bare the persistent ugliness of racism still embedded in our society. As a white woman, I was unaware of how deep this issue ran—two decades into the 21st century. I had thought we had made significant progress, believing that most of the ethnic and racial hatred was a thing of the past.
Clearly, I was mistaken. I had been living in the comfort of privilege that my skin color provided, not experiencing the direct effects of racism in my daily life. Now, as a mother of three white children who have grown up during a Trump presidency, I’ve awakened to the reality that there is much work to be done. It is our responsibility—those of us who navigate society without the burden of our skin color—to advocate for change so that every American can live in safety and freedom, as is their right.
So, thanks, Trump… I suppose?
This whole situation is absurd. The racism, the political strife, the skyrocketing cost of living, the relentless grind of work—it’s overwhelming. Life shouldn’t be this challenging. Parenting and the weight of depression are exhausting.
Confessions
Confessional #25847927: The notion of reverse racism makes me want to punch a hole through a wall.
Confessional #25817265: The determination of some to perpetuate racism and discrimination is sickening. I wish they would all face the consequences of their hate.
Confessional #25757454: I need to disconnect from social media for my mental well-being. The mental gymnastics people perform to justify their racism is infuriating.
If you’re feeling frustrated by the blatant racism you’ve observed, especially in recent years, that anger is justified. We share that anger and it’s time to channel it into action.
Since my in-laws became engrossed in Trump and gun culture, largely influenced by Fox News, my feelings towards them have soured. They’re willing to ignore racism? No, thank you. Confessional #25836652: I’m fed up with how Trump, Q-Anon, and others have adversely impacted lives. I’ve faced more racism in four years than I did in two decades.
Confessional #25805091: As a person of color living in a conservative area, I’ve faced harassment and hostility. I live in fear, not in a rural setting, but in an affluent suburban neighborhood. Racism is not confined to rural areas; it’s in our own communities.
The rise of Trumpism will leave a lingering impact, but perhaps it was a necessary wake-up call. It’s a reminder that the fight for civil rights is far from over and that Black and brown Americans often experience a vastly different reality than white Americans. We all breathed a sigh of relief when that monster didn’t get re-elected, but we must address the truths his presidency revealed.
As a black professional in a white suburb, it’s disheartening when my children’s achievements receive more attention than those of their white peers. It’s a form of tokenism that feels patronizing. Confessional #25783369: This country is riddled with sickness and racism. I’m exhausted from raising kids in this culture.
Confessional #25804146: I find it hard to stop reading the news, even though it’s distressing. My kids came into a world where I thought change was happening, but the roots of sexism, racism, and toxic ideologies have only grown deeper.
As parents, we’re weary, frustrated, and scared. We want a better world for our children, which means we must do our part to create it. Confessional #25829386: I’m disillusioned by my mother’s racism and homophobia as she ages.
Confessional #25798305: I feel relieved that my mother-in-law is not speaking to me after I expressed my support for BLM and protests. I love her, but I cannot tolerate racism.
Many of us have come to the painful realization that our parents hold racist views. While some have always known, it’s heartbreaking nonetheless. Confessional #25829210: My white boyfriend doesn’t see racism and sexism. I have to have these discussions with our biracial children.
If I had foreseen the state of this country, I wouldn’t have married a white man. It’s exhausting trying to explain racism to him while knowing our kids will endure it, and he might never understand.
Unfortunately, many people—neighbors, friends, family—prefer to ignore these issues. It’s easier to look the other way than confront the harsh realities of racism. However, ignoring these truths makes us complicit in the problem.
The era of Trumpism will be remembered as a dark chapter in our nation’s history, but it has revealed uncomfortable truths. We often celebrate the victories of the Civil Rights Movement, yet we are still living in a society that resembles the past. It’s alarming to see leaders attempting to erase crucial conversations about how racism affects us all.
Turning away from this issue won’t make it disappear. Ignoring racism or disguising it under religious pretenses is unacceptable. Our children deserve a brighter future than that.
If you’re interested in more perspectives on this topic, check out this post on our other blog.
Summary
The article discusses the persistent and ugly reality of racism in America, particularly in the wake of Trump’s presidency. It emphasizes the responsibility of white individuals to advocate for change and acknowledges the emotional toll racism takes on families. The narrative highlights confessions from individuals grappling with racism in their personal lives, underscoring the need for open discussions and collective action against discrimination.