I never thought I would ever feel this way. A congratulations? To Donald Trump? Of all the people I could commend on their impact to society, why Donald Trump? Well why not? The guy is trying.
`Tis the season of presidential primaries and complicated campaign trails. The Donald has been capturing the headlines of every news outlet and the attention of people all over the world with what he believes is a detachment from the "political correctness" of past elections. Politically correct or not, Trump has let loose all of the ideas that have been circling in his mind and is not afraid to speak out in the face of those who oppose him. Not only has the businessman and TV personality stolen his way to the spotlight, he has once again made the Trump name relevant.
What was once speculated about the man, his tendency to blurt racial slurs and point incorrect accusations, has now come to light. While the Donald believes that his opinions on topics like women's rights, illegal immigration and terrorism are the reason why these issues are being discussed, it is more because his rhetoric is hitting a chord with American citizens. Trump has victimized many of the people who he should be appealing to if he wants to become president. His aversion to political correctness knows no bounds.
His allegations against Mexico's influx of immigrants goes as follows: "...They’re not sending the best. They’re not sending you, they’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bring crime. They’re rapists." These words he constantly spews have manifested an idea within his followers' which tells them that there should be a division between "you" and them--between you and the rapists and drug dealers. Trump has also called for a complete shutdown of all Muslims entering the United States, following the San Bernardino attacks, and has often put down women by criticizing their looks and demeaning them with sexist comments. What a way to "make America great again."
In the wake of his speeches, many immigrants and Muslims have felt the need to prove to their fellow citizens how patriotic they are. Muslim girls have gone to Trump's rallies wearing the American flag around their head as hijabs. Mexican Americans have put videos on Youtube with their faces covered, asking people to hug them if they believe that Mexico is not only sending drugs, crime and rapists, in order to prove that they are true Americans.
Recently, there has been a lot of violence at his rallies where supporters and protesters have been seen pushing and punching one another. At one such rally in Chicago, violence escalated when Trump decided to cancel, leading to African Americans being called derogatory terms by many supporters and being pushed out of the arena by the angry masses. The voice of hate has been spoken, and people are fired up because of it. Many celebrities have spoken out against Trump's speeches and many people have banded together to fight against the man who is just asking for all eyes to be on him.
But at the end of the day, he is proving something. Trump is a physical reminder to all Americans that racism and exceptionalism are themes that are alive and well in our society. So, congratulations Mr. Trump, for making yourself relevant again, for once again being a household name, and for being the symbol of American white supremacy. Donald Trump has yanked the blanket off those who are racist, Islamophobic and sexist. Hopefully, with America's ugliness completely uncovered, positive change can start.
