Brandon Stanton Speaks Out Against Trump
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Politics and Activism

Brandon Stanton Speaks Out Against Trump

The Man Behind HONY Expresses His Moral Opposition

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Brandon Stanton Speaks Out Against Trump
Onward State

"I’ve come to realize that opposing you is no longer a political decision. It is a moral one." These words are written in an open letter to Donald Trump that was posted by photojournalist and the man behind Humans of New York, Brandon Stanton early last week. The letter, which was trending on Facebook for nearly two days, reached millions of people around the globe. Its words have given many people the courage to speak out against the GOP hopeful, many of whom had shied away from sharing political views online.

I, too, tend to avoid sharing anything political online. I firmly believe that we should judge one another by the content of our character, our hopes, dreams and the kindness we share with others. We should not judge one another based on a party affiliation, especially when there are so few choices and so many shades of gray. Many people do not believe in absolutely everything one side stands for. And for that reason, it seems silly and unreasonable to me that many people are unwilling to look beyond the way someone identifies themselves politically.

But like so many, Brandon Stanton has given me the courage to speak up on a larger platform than just speaking to my friends at school. Donald Trump is not a leader. He will not bring people together. He does not encourage peace, kindness, or progress of humankind. Instead, he preaches and encourages violence. He generalizes. He speaks to the worst fears in people who will not seek more information beyond the phony statistics he presents and the sweeping statements he makes. In a short span of time, he has pitted people against one another. He has created a divided state in America.

That's why it is important to speak out. It is important to engage in meaningful conversations with one another. And it is important to vote. We can no longer sit aside idly while violence ensues around us. It is time to speak out, because I may not be a political person, but I am a moral one.

If you missed Brandon Stanton's letter, it is attached below:

An Open Letter to Donald Trump:

Mr. Trump,

I try my hardest not to be political. I’ve refused to interview several of your fellow candidates. I didn’t want to risk any personal goodwill by appearing to take sides in a contentious election. I thought: ‘Maybe the timing is not right.’ But I realize now that there is no correct time to oppose violence and prejudice. The time is always now. Because along with millions of Americans, I’ve come to realize that opposing you is no longer a political decision. It is a moral one.

I’ve watched you retweet racist images. I’ve watched you retweet racist lies. I’ve watched you take 48 hours to disavow white supremacy. I’ve watched you joyfully encourage violence, and promise to ‘pay the legal fees’ of those who commit violence on your behalf. I’ve watched you advocate the use of torture and the murder of terrorists’ families. I’ve watched you gleefully tell stories of executing Muslims with bullets dipped in pig blood. I’ve watched you compare refugees to ‘snakes,’ and claim that ‘Islam hates us.’

I am a journalist, Mr. Trump. And over the last two years I have conducted extensive interviews with hundreds of Muslims, chosen at random, on the streets of Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan. I’ve also interviewed hundreds of Syrian and Iraqi refugees across seven different countries. And I can confirm— the hateful one is you.

Those of us who have been paying attention will not allow you to rebrand yourself. You are not a ‘unifier.’ You are not ‘presidential.’ You are not a ‘victim’ of the very anger that you’ve joyfully enflamed for months. You are a man who has encouraged prejudice and violence in the pursuit of personal power. And though your words will no doubt change over the next few months, you will always remain who you are.

Sincerely,

Brandon Stanton

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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