The presidential run of the GOP frontrunner, Donald Trump, has been more successful than most of us could imagine. What started out as a “laughable” matter has quickly turned into what could be considered the most dangerous political campaign in the recent history of the United States. Trump’s speeches and rallies have been based almost entirely on the blaming of minority and marginalized groups for the current problems of America. This hate rhetoric-based run has already had huge impact on the radicalization of his fans and will most likely have lasting effects even if he does not end up winning the general election.
The news stories of Trump supporters verbally and physically abusing protesters of the hate come out at least once a week if not once a day. Of course these supporters of Trump are allowed to have their opinions, just as the protesters are, but the disrespect of these individuals has gone too far and it is the direct result of their “anti-political correctness” leader. His radicalization of angry predominantly white, lower-middle class individuals has lead to more and more events occurring at Trump rallies as well as other non-political events. A man named Sam, who was kicked out of a Trump rally and called fat by Trump himself, said, “The psychology of his supporters is they will drive a tank through an orphanage if they think they’re morally justified in doing so. And that terrifies me.”
In this same instance where Sam was thrown out, he noted that many individuals at the rally had been calling for the deaths of all Muslims or even wishing they were allowed to have guns at the rally so they could kill someone. These feelings are not surprising when their leader says that he wants to deport Muslims for security reasons or that he could shoot someone and still have support. It is clear that the statements made by Trump are allowing his supporters to have the idea that they are entitled to using violence or aggressive words to attack those who are “different” from themselves.
Now, obviously, it could be argued that these individuals going to Trump rallies are sort of putting themselves in the position to be harassed. This would be a totally valid argument; however, Trump’s name has been used to attack more than just protesters at rallies. In Iowa, a basketball game occurred between two high schools, one with a majority white population and the other with a high Hispanic and other minority population. The game resulted in a win for the school with more minority students and the other team proceeded by chanting Trump’s name at the winners. A similar incident also happened in Indiana when a team and its fans, opposing a predominantly Hispanic team, began chanting “build that wall” to intimidate the players.
These incidents are only a few of events that occurring nationwide in response to the rise of Donald Trump. His hateful beliefs and tactics meant to cause separation between individuals are creating a dangerous climate. Since his presidential run began there has been an increase of anti-Muslim crimes that have occurred. With this increase of aggressive racist and xenophobic behavior across the country it seems that some Americans may have become too radicalized from a promise to “make America great again." Trump may or may not win the presidential election, but his campaign seems to have put many people on path of violence and aggression that could last far past Election Day.
