"I am a conservative. I intend to give the American people a clear choice. I welcome a fight between our philosophy and the liberal left-wing dogma which now threatens to engulf every man, woman, and child in the United States. I am in this race because I believe the American people have been pushed around long enough and that they, like you and I, are fed up with the continuing trend toward a socialist state which now subjects the individual to the dictates of an all-powerful central government." -George Wallace
George Wallace, segregationist governor of Alabama and candidate for president multiple times, while far more elegant than Donald Trump, had the same core principal that "political correctness" and other forms of liberal ideology (like an opposition to segregation) were ruining this country. Reread his quote above to note the similarity in rhetoric to what Trump is saying today. In the recent weeks, Trump's role as a charismatic showman has won him a series of primaries and garnered much national attention in the media. The media spotlight on his campaign has also shone a light on a darker side of those who support him - not just those who love "telling it like it is" or those who are swayed by literal dick-size talk and bravado, but also the people who take what he's saying as a return to a "purer, simpler and greater" America, where there was less diversity and thusly, fewer problems.
Lifting oppressed minorities up does not stamp out another group's rights. Sharing the same basic rights does not demean anyone's existence. As a teacher, I often have to deal with the ignorant and sour grapes commentary of people who insist that I've got it all - that it's not fair I have job security, a benefits package, 10 month contract, etc. As a member of a union, our group stands united against being stripped of labor concessions that help us to succeed as educators, such as tenure status (to protect against unfair and often political firings), workload and manageable administrative duties. This can also be the path employees in other industries take - unionizing to protect their interests against a bottom line of profit. Teachers' or other labor unions have not stripped anyone of their right to collectively bargain. In fact, our continued presence should provide hope. Instead, politicians have repeatedly used union action as a scapegoat for economic ills, blinding the average voter to the fact that the people most in charge of the economy are those NOT most like them- the millionaire living in the neighboring town or the politicians authorizing bad investments of public monies.
The backlash against unions is one thing, but Trump's calling out of people on their personal identifiers - Muslim, Black, Mexican, differently abled - marks a deeper, more visceral discontent than simply political. Whether he intends to or not, he's struck a chord of hatred based on personal and even biological difference. People cannot change their skin tone, birthplace or ethnic identity. To hate someone for any of these unchangeable aspects of their identity will only result in a violent outburst. Trump's continued race toward the GOP nomination shows the failings within our own society to promote inclusivity, openness, and empathy, all qualities needed for an actual democratic society to survive. Without the ability to allow others (not like us) into a democratic process, we have to be willing and open to their experiences. This line of thought can and also should be levied at intolerant liberals who judge and condemn non-liberals without providing opportunity for productive learning, discussion, and growth by either side.
So, until then, maybe everyone can just shut up and listen for once.
George Wallace, segregationist governor of Alabama and candidate for president multiple times, while far more elegant than Donald Trump, had the same core principal that "political correctness" and other forms of liberal ideology (like an opposition to segregation) were ruining this country. Reread his quote above to note the similarity in rhetoric to what Trump is saying today. In the recent weeks, Trump's role as a charismatic showman has won him a series of primaries and garnered much national attention in the media. The media spotlight on his campaign has also shone a light on a darker side of those who support him - not just those who love "telling it like it is" or those who are swayed by literal dick-size talk and bravado, but also the people who take what he's saying as a return to a "purer, simpler and greater" America, where there was less diversity and thusly, fewer problems.
Lifting oppressed minorities up does not stamp out another group's rights. Sharing the same basic rights does not demean anyone's existence. As a teacher, I often have to deal with the ignorant and sour grapes commentary of people who insist that I've got it all - that it's not fair I have job security, a benefits package, 10 month contract, etc. As a member of a union, our group stands united against being stripped of labor concessions that help us to succeed as educators, such as tenure status (to protect against unfair and often political firings), workload and manageable administrative duties. This can also be the path employees in other industries take - unionizing to protect their interests against a bottom line of profit. Teachers' or other labor unions have not stripped anyone of their right to collectively bargain. In fact, our continued presence should provide hope. Instead, politicians have repeatedly used union action as a scapegoat for economic ills, blinding the average voter to the fact that the people most in charge of the economy are those NOT most like them- the millionaire living in the neighboring town or the politicians authorizing bad investments of public monies.
The backlash against unions is one thing, but Trump's calling out of people on their personal identifiers - Muslim, Black, Mexican, differently abled - marks a deeper, more visceral discontent than simply political. Whether he intends to or not, he's struck a chord of hatred based on personal and even biological difference. People cannot change their skin tone, birthplace or ethnic identity. To hate someone for any of these unchangeable aspects of their identity will only result in a violent outburst. Trump's continued race toward the GOP nomination shows the failings within our own society to promote inclusivity, openness, and empathy, all qualities needed for an actual democratic society to survive. Without the ability to allow others (not like us) into a democratic process, we have to be willing and open to their experiences. This line of thought can and also should be levied at intolerant liberals who judge and condemn non-liberals without providing opportunity for productive learning, discussion, and growth by either side.
So, until then, maybe everyone can just shut up and listen for once.
No comments:
Post a Comment