Why We Still Need To Be Talking About Donald Trump
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why We Still Need To Be Talking About Donald Trump

12
Why We Still Need To Be Talking About Donald Trump
Gawker

If you're a Trump supporter, you should stop reading now. You should probably consider reading this, this, or even this. If you support literally anybody else besides Donald Trump because you've recognized how eerily similar he is to a certain dictator from 20th century Germany (clue: his name rhymes with Tadolf Ditler), read on.

Now, you're probably considering stopping again. "I know Trump is racist, sexist, and ridiculous," you might be thinking. "I've heard about his crazy plan to build a wall along the Mexican border. I know he doesn't believe in climate change. Everyone's already talked about how he has been extremely sexist towards women." You've heard it all already; Trump doesn't surprise you anymore. You don't need to read another article about Trump's crazy ideas to remind you that you're making the right decision by voting for a different candidate.

But that's exactly it. I'm not writing this article to tell you even more outrageous things Trump wants to do, and I'm not writing this article to tell you who to vote for. I'm writing this article to tell you how it is important to continuously and critically understand how terrifying it is to have a man like Trump be the front-runner -- by quite a large margin -- for the Republican party.

If your life is anything like mine, you don't know any real Trump supporters. Any of your friends, in real life or on Facebook, that say they support Trump are probably saying it ironically. You don't know or are close to an actual person who stands behind Trump and his values.

That makes it easy to put Trump aside. To dismiss him as "that crazy demagogue" and scoff every time you hear about yet another insulting tweet, another racist declaration, another unrealistic idea he has about the way the country should be run.

But you have to fight that urge. Yes, he is racist. Yes, he is sexist. Yes, he is ignorant and demagogical and power-hungry. But he has also convinced millions of American citizens that he is the best option for the Republican party and for this country. Even if you don't believe he would win in a general election, there are millions of people in this country -- people that could potentially be future classmates, employers, peers -- who proudly stand behind him.

The problem doesn't end at Trump. The problem isn't that there is a man running for president that says awful, almost sociopathic things. The problem is that there is a terrifyingly large amount of people that believe in that man, and believe that he will actually solve their problems.

We cannot simply dismiss Trump and his followers as "crazy." We cannot let Trump and his actions become normal. We cannot let ourselves live in a world where demagoguery and discrimination are expectedfrom, not condemned by, potential leaders of the country.

The next time you read another headline about Trump’s newest atrocity, or the next time you hear someone talking about how crazy he is, pay attention. Ask yourself how a man like Donald Trump could have possibly gotten so much support from the American people, how the state of affairs in this country could have come to a point where millions of people believe that things like sexism, walls, and even murder are legitimate options to “make America great again."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

90400
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

62356
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments