Thank you for making my decision crystal clear.
I stumbled upon a message hidden in a Facebook folder I rarely check. Despite my instincts telling me to ignore it, I opened it.
“You’re just a loser. Grow up, you dirty foreigner! Hope Trump sends you back to your country.”
This wasn’t the first time I heard someone say that Trump would send me back to where I belong. Yet, my hands tightened into fists. I wanted to somehow shake some sense into the person behind that message. This is my home. I was born in the Midwest and have lived here my whole life. No other place feels like home to me.
For the first time, I feel like an outsider in my own country. It doesn’t matter that my parents legally moved from India to the U.S. in the 1960s, or that they eventually became citizens. It doesn’t matter that my sister and I were born here. It doesn’t matter that we embraced American culture by speaking English and dressing in “Western” clothing.
It doesn’t matter that we spent a decade in a small townhouse in a low-income area before my parents could afford to move to the suburbs. It doesn’t matter that my mother dedicated her life to helping those with mental illness, or that my father helped students secure jobs after college. It doesn’t matter that my sister and I excelled academically and became engineers. It doesn’t matter that my family and I love this country and strive for the American Dream. All that seems to count for those who tell me to “go back” is my name and the color of my skin.
That’s what scares me. Trump’s careless rhetoric has awakened a hidden animosity. His words encourage those who would otherwise keep quiet to act violently. A hateful note in a social media folder could easily turn into something much worse.
I can already hear the defense: It’s just one message. Why does it matter? Violence existed long before Trump entered the race. He doesn’t mean what he says about immigrants; he’s just trying to win over his conservative supporters. If elected, he would never follow through on those threats.
But this isn’t a reality show. Trump is running for President of the United States, and his words have real consequences for his supporters and the world. If you’re still on the fence, consider these points:
- On June 16, 2015, I watched Trump announce his candidacy. He claimed that Mexico was “sending people with problems” who “bring drugs and crime.”
- On August 19, 2015, two men in Boston assaulted a homeless individual, justifying their actions by saying, “Donald Trump is right. All these illegals need to be deported.”
- On September 27, 2015, Trump told CBS he would deport over 11 million undocumented immigrants “in a very humane way.”
- On November 10, 2015, during a GOP debate, Trump praised a 1950s deportation program known as “Operation Wetback,” infamous for its brutality.
- On November 19, 2015, he indicated he would support a database to track Muslims, saying, “They have to be.”
- On February 1, 2016, at a rally, Trump encouraged attendees to “knock the crap” out of protesters, promising to cover their legal fees.
- On April 21, 2016, a Muslim woman was verbally assaulted and later physically attacked by someone who said, “If Donald Trump wins, I’m going to vote for him so he can send all of you back.”
So, to the Trump supporter who sent me that message, thank you for clarifying my stance. I spent countless nights torn about whom to support in this election. Your note opened my eyes to Trump’s pattern of dehumanizing immigrants and inciting violence. Had I not seen your message, I might have considered a third-party candidate. Your words made me realize the dangers of a Trump presidency, and I firmly made my choice.
For more insights on navigating these challenging discussions, check out this blog post and learn more about fertility with this resource that offers valuable supplements. If you’re looking for comprehensive information about pregnancy, visit Medical News Today.
In summary, the hateful rhetoric surrounding the political climate has pushed many immigrants—including myself—into a corner. The fear of violence and discrimination is palpable, making it essential to stand up against such ideologies. Your words have helped solidify my decision, reminding me of the importance of voting for compassion and understanding.