Today, I reached my breaking point. Perhaps many of us have experienced a moment of fracture during this unparalleled sea of negativity surrounding the presidential election. Two headlines pushed me over the edge: one about the KKK’s main publication endorsing Donald Trump, and another detailing the vandalism of a black church in Mississippi, which was set ablaze with the message “Vote Trump.”
There are countless arguments to illustrate why Donald Trump should never hold the presidency. Many individuals far more articulate than I have outlined these reasons exhaustively. I’ve largely dismissed the handful of acquaintances who support him; it may come off as elitist, but studies indicate that less-educated voters are drawn to Trump. They simply don’t understand the implications. I have friends whose political leanings are much more conservative than mine. We’ve engaged in thoughtful, evidence-based discussions about government roles in economic markets, healthcare, corporate oversight, and international relations. Most of them plan to vote for third-party candidates or abstain altogether, while some are choosing Hillary as a protest against a party that seems to have strayed from rationality.
It’s impossible to ignore the stark racism and sexism that permeate Trump’s campaign and persona. His run has unleashed a wave of nationalism that has long been dormant in the shadows of American society. He has given voice to a profound fear of the “other”—different races, cultures, and religions. His campaign has normalized behaviors that no decent citizen would have engaged in before—shouting racial slurs or committing acts of violence driven by bigotry in full view of the media.
No amount of debate about fiscal policy, regulations, or Supreme Court appointments can change the fundamental truth: voting for Trump is a quiet endorsement of the ugliest forms of racism and sexism we’ve seen in modern times.
A memory from over a year ago keeps resurfacing in my mind as I grapple with my feelings. I was chatting with a distant relative at a family gathering about a potential trip to Washington, D.C., sharing my desire for my children to see the White House. While holding my infant daughter, who is biracial, he remarked, “Let’s just hope we can make the White House white again!”
The moment those words left his lips, his expression went blank—just as mine did. He realized instantly that I was not the right audience for this rhetoric. I’d like to think it was ignorance, but this man is a physician, someone who has cared for thousands of children in an emergency room. He had always seemed kind and respectable.
Yet, words like that cannot be taken back. I wish he had learned something from that moment. Maybe he reflected on my black husband and our biracial children, and contemplated the harm his words could cause. Perhaps he experienced guilt or regret.
We stood in silence for another half a minute, both at a loss for words. I eventually made an excuse to walk away, and I haven’t seen him since.
I’m not sure why this memory is so vivid today, more than a year later. Perhaps it’s because of the acquaintances and distant relatives in my life who plan to vote for Trump. Much like those irretrievable words, a vote for Trump is a decision that cannot be undone. And it’s a choice that lingers in my mind.
It’s personal.
We might cross paths again. I’ll offer a smile and a greeting, but I’ll likely find my way to the other side of the room.
If you’re interested in more discussions like this, check out our other blog posts on important social issues here. And if you’re considering at-home options for family planning, reputable retailers like Make a Mom provide quality insemination syringes. For those looking to understand more about the journey of conception, this Wikipedia page is a fantastic resource for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
This article discusses the emotional impact of voting for Trump, emphasizing the irreversible nature of such a choice. It highlights personal experiences reflecting broader societal issues of racism and sexism, ultimately portraying the choice as deeply personal and significant.
Leave a Reply