I feel as though Trump is on the lips of everyone - from panicked whispers as to his popularity, to enraged supporters in agreement with all his blatantly racist comments towards Mexicans and Muslims in the United States of America.
What fascinates me is the allowance for such a person to be held in an esteemed position in politics when human relations and an open mind are key aspects to leading a country and understanding differing ethnic perspectives - something Trump cannot possibly come to learn. Calling people out based on their "conflicting interests" to his wall building policy is criminal, especially when he emphasises the reason as race-related issues; a Mexican federal judge overseeing the Trump university case cannot possibly do the job correctly due to his immigrant heritage.
I am astounded that so many acts of overt racism can be overlooked in this presidential candidate race, his comments on banning all Muslims from America and denying Latino immigrants access to the country are only the first steps towards a harshly segregated and racist environment. The media are making a spectacle of Trump; yes he is an interesting character to say the least, but it seems to me that media outlets are promoting this sense of overt racism, and with Trump in the running for president, I cannot imagine the chaos that would be unleashed with the normalising of such racist statements towards the 'other.' Trump appears to stick with this template of othering, he fits well into this box of racism, subjugating the 'minority' of immigrants, women and indigenous populations and I fear his popularity will only enhance the ideology of eurocentrism. Goodness knows what will occur if Trump ever makes it to that one particular position of power - if only he would steer clear of politics and simply return to his television show 'The Apprentice' where he belongs.
I am a follower of the Trump campaign and I am fascinated with how terrible he is. I really hope he does not become President, I really think it would be one the worst things that would happen to America especially in terms of how segregated and that America could once again become a very racist environment like you have said. He said this in one of his debates, "They're not coming to this country if I'm president". Trump is definitely unleashing bigotry and racism. I agree with you completely that he should steer clear of politics.
ReplyDeleteYou make some really interesting points here! I made a similar post back in March, "Damn Trump, Back at it again with your fascism" and its funny how he continues to progress even though people views on him clearly stay the same.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot more interesting than just following how terrible he is. It's more interesting to see that he has won 28 electorates and came close against Clinton (mostly) in many others.
ReplyDeleteWinston Peters himself said in a lecture that took place at Old Choral Hall last week that he believes Trump will win and I cannot help but agree.
Let's not forget this is a country that elected George Bush twice.
This is not just an example of eurocentrism. This is a pinnacle example of Western power-psychology melting into the rapidly growing culture of personality politics to create parliaments of noise rather than words.
Trump is, as of this week, the official Republican candidate because he genuinely represents the feelings of a large portion of Americans. Not just the feelings but the behaviour, the "we're America, we know what we're doing" mindset.
Do not focus on what is wrong with Trump, he doesn't need the attention. Focus on what is wrong with those supporting them, and how we can work as a nation, for the moment, within the Commonwealth to act independently against this trend of reality TV politics in what is still the most powerful country in the world.
Your second paragraph really resonates with me, as I have the same thoughts! From coming from an American background, my mother follows the elections closely, (even getting voting papers sent to New Zealand!) and we regularly speak about Trump and how he is scarily succeeding with his presidential campaign.
ReplyDeleteThe American media is as out of control as Trump, his campaigning is a total cause and affect. He says something for media attention (and the immediate public attention) and it even reaches world wide. The way he throws Hilary Clinton under the bus, and points out her flaws is what I believe is making him so successful, people want someone they can supposedly trust, and by him showing how Hilary has been un-trustworthy in the past, people feel as though they can trust him (people blatantly forget they are trusting DONALD TRUMP).
The racist remarks and actions which he promises are a complete follow up, people trust him and share his view points (which is so scary to think). I saw one of my friends on Facebook say they would rather Trump than Hilary, because of the way she is being portrayed against Trump. His tactics are working because he is gaining more and more votes and winning states. The media stick to him because they want what is controversial, they want him to say things that will make headlines.
He is overtly racist to a sense where it is almost sickening to think someone can have those viewpoints. Whether he truly believes what he says, or does it for media attention, I truly hope and pray come November 8th, the USA have their heads on straight.
#feeltheBern