Donald Trump's campaign slogan "Make America Great Again" has caused controversy since the beginning of his candidacy last year. One anti-Trump protestor, Krystal Lake, recently released a photo of herself wearing an "America Was Never Great" hat to work. After the image went viral on social media, the 22-year old claimed she received death threats for her statement. She said, "I couldn't believe it. I was calling my best friend and I was like, 'How is this happening? It's just a hat.'"

Despite the backlash against her, Lake raises an important point; There is virtually no period of time in American history when the United States was "great" for everyone. This is not a criticism, but a fact. The U.S. has had a long history with the oppression, discrimination, and alienation of different groups of people.

This brings into question which period in American history Donald Trump is referring to as "great." While Trump himself has only vaguely answered this question during interviews, a poll of Trump supporters (below) found that America was "greatest" during the early 2000s, the 1950s, and the 80s.

Regardless of which decade Americans believe to be the country's "greatest," "Make America Great Again" has more dangerous implications. The real concern is Trump pushing the notion that America has since lost its greatness. It is easier to blame immigrants for the crumbling economy and Muslims for terrorist attacks than it is to address the real root of these problems. This is a strategic tactic the Trump campaign has utilized to gain popularity among ill-informed voters. Trump is scapegoating minorities to manipulate millions of angry Americans into supporting his fight for the presidency. He is benefiting off of "hate-baiting" and inciting violence.

One lasting effect from this strategy is the deep racial resentment it enforces in supporters. Countless articles have exposed the radical beliefs of Trump supporters against minorities. Journalist Sasha Abramsky described his experience at a Nevada Trump rally in February 2016. When one supporter was asked if he would expel all Muslims from America, he answered, "Absolutely. You can't tell the good from the bad, so you have to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I'd give 'em a choice - a trench on one side or a ticket out of here." When asked if he was referring to execution, the pro-Trump supporter answered, "Absolutely. That's what they do to us in their countries. I'd give 'em a choice: Get out of here or else." Unfortunately, this is not an isolated set of answers,

Trump's platform has nothing to do with making America great. Instead, Trump is doing the opposite.