Today marked a breaking point for me. Perhaps many of us have experienced a moment during this election cycle where we felt utterly overwhelmed by the rampant negativity and hostility. Two headlines did it for me: one revealing the KKK’s main publication endorsing Donald Trump, and another detailing a black church in Mississippi that was vandalized with “Vote Trump” before being set ablaze.
There are countless reasons why Donald Trump is ill-suited for the presidency. Many individuals, far more articulate than I, have already articulated these objections. While I’ve largely been able to dismiss the few folks I know supporting him, I can’t help but feel a twinge of arrogance in that approach. Research indicates that less educated voters are gravitating toward Trump. It’s frustrating to think that many are making uninformed choices. I have friends whose political views lean significantly more conservative than mine, and we’ve engaged in thoughtful discussions about the role of government in areas like finance, healthcare, and global affairs. Most of them are opting for a third-party candidate or abstaining from voting altogether, while a few are supporting Hillary out of protest against a party that seems to have strayed from a rational path.
It’s impossible to ignore the blatant racism and misogyny that have surfaced during Trump’s campaign. His rhetoric has unleashed a dangerous brand of nationalism from the shadows of American society, giving voice to a pervasive fear of the “other”—different races, cultures, and religions. His campaign has seemingly normalized behaviors that decent citizens would have shunned before this election, from shouting racial slurs to openly aggressive acts of violence, all in plain sight of cameras.
You can debate tax policies and judicial nominees until you’re blue in the face, but the stark truth remains: voting for Trump is essentially endorsing the most troubling aspects of racism and sexism that we face today.
A memory from over a year ago has been lingering in my mind as I process my feelings. I was attending a family gathering and chatting with a distant relative about plans for a trip to Washington, D.C. I excitedly mentioned my hopes for my kids to see the White House. To my shock, he replied, “Let’s just hope we can get the White House white again!”
The moment those words left his mouth, both of us were struck with a sudden silence. He seemed to realize that I wasn’t the right audience for his joke—one he likely shared with others without a second thought. I’d like to think that he learned something from that encounter; perhaps he reflected on the implications of his words, especially considering my black husband and bi-racial children.
As we stood in silence, I eventually made an excuse to leave. I haven’t seen him since.
I’m not sure why this memory resurfaced today, but it feels relevant to the acquaintances and distant relatives I know who plan to vote for Trump. Just like those words that can’t be taken back, a vote for Trump is an irreversible act—and it’s something I cannot overlook. It’s deeply personal for me.
If we cross paths again, I’ll offer a polite smile and a quick “hello,” before quietly making my way to the other side of the room.
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Summary
The article reflects on the deep emotional impact of voting for Trump, particularly in light of the racism and misogyny associated with his campaign. It shares a personal story that underscores the irreversible nature of political choices and highlights the author’s struggle to reconcile relationships with those who support Trump.