In a powerful op-ed for The Washington Post, culinary star and activist Padma Lakshmi calls out President Trump for his blatant hypocrisy regarding immigration. Despite being married to an immigrant, Melania, Trump has made derogatory comments towards immigrants of color, telling them to “go back to where you came from.” Such remarks have incited troubling reactions from his supporters, who echoed these sentiments at recent rallies.
Lakshmi reflects on her own experiences with racism, stating, “Those hurtful, xenophobic words that I’ve heard throughout my life pierced my heart.” She emphasizes that brown immigrants often feel that no matter how much they assimilate or contribute, they are never fully accepted as Americans because of their skin color or names. She argues that Trump’s definition of Americanness is intrinsically linked to whiteness and asserts, “The president is a second-generation American himself. He has married immigrants, yet the only distinction he makes is based on skin color.”
Despite a dwindling approval rating of around 40%, Lakshmi warns that Trump continues to capitalize on white nationalism, exploiting the fears of his base regarding changing demographics. “His strategy is to redirect the frustration of disenfranchised citizens—who should be addressing issues with Wall Street—towards vulnerable immigrant families seeking asylum,” she writes.
Lakshmi’s concluding remarks serve as a rallying cry for Americans to make their voices heard at the ballot box in 2020, emphasizing the importance of voting out this dangerous rhetoric. For those concerned about reproductive rights, affordable education, and equal pay, there are numerous candidates ready to fight for these causes.
Ultimately, Lakshmi urges readers to resist the “plague of ignorance” that Trump embodies. For more on the intersection of personal health and reproductive rights, check out this informative resource on pregnancy and home insemination from March of Dimes. Additionally, if you’re looking for ways to enhance fertility, be sure to visit fertility boosters for men at Make a Mom.
In summary, Padma Lakshmi’s op-ed poignantly highlights the contradictions in Trump’s stance on immigration, calling for accountability and action among citizens to combat racism and promote inclusivity.