March 8, 2016— Jupiter, Florida—Politico reports that Donald Trump’s campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, “forcibly” grabbed reporter, Michelle Fields, for the right-wing Breitbart news site, “nearly bringing her down to the ground,” when she attempted to ask a question after a Trump press conference. The next day, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, a black protester being escorted out of a Trump rally was sucker-punched by a white bystander. She later sat down with a local activist and spoke about her experience in a video that was posted to Facebook.
“I was called a n****r and a c**t and got kicked out,” she explains and tells the interviewer that she was ultimately escorted out of the event by police.
So how can a man who is at the forefront of a hateful movement to divide America and instill violence at his large gatherings teach us anything?
Well, for one, now everyone is aware and has no excuse in avoiding the fact that racism, sexism, and hatred beliefs still exist and run deep enough in this country to populate the multitudes that gather at Trump rallies and hold signs about banning everyone who follows the religion of Islam.
I saw a post on Facebook the other day from someone who was surprised that such hatred and racism still existed in 2016. I wasn’t shocked to see some other friends on that same news feed surprised to hear about the history of the KKK in the town that sits right next to theirs.
We know now that there is no choice but to acknowledge that there is ugly in the world that has taken root in the ignorant, for those who have claimed in the past that such things as racism was over and no longer existed. However, the viewing of all this hatred has inspired many to spread love and act in a more positive light.
Movements such as elephant’s “Make America Kind Again” has aimed to counteract the hatred with a hat that is a mindful riff on Trump’s infamous “Make America Great Again” hat. There is also a funny “Make America Great Britain Again” Trump parody hat attached to an online campaign, which promises a Trump-mocking hat for your Planned Parenthood-supporting donation. Nevertheless, Trump has also sparked more than just a serious of clever parodies.
There are plenty of other people out there beginning new conversation about instilling balance and peace in a world that seems to be falling in confusion on how to address various issues. Many are becoming more educated and outspoken on today’s social justice issues, politics, and are even finding themselves excited to become a part of politics as they register to vote.
Ultimately, sane people have been shocked into concern about Trump’s followings and many are doing something about it. Donald Trump’s policies, off-the-cuff foul language, and hatred won’t directly make “America Great Again,” but it can inspire others to become more aware of their surroundings and to get involved with helping their fellow man.
Also, remember to register to vote if you haven’t already!
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