Like many of you, this election has left me reeling. Should I celebrate the potential election of Kamala Harris, a Black and South Asian woman, as the first female Vice President? Or should I feel disheartened by President Donald Trump’s rejection of electoral votes, along with his litigious threats? Throughout the campaign, conversations surrounding the “Black vote” and the “Latinx vote” have made it clear that we inhabit two distinct Americas. Our children are witnessing a nation divided, where the old dichotomy of Black and White has morphed into Red and Blue, symbolizing an “us” versus “them” mentality.
Recent exit polls provide a clearer understanding of the America we currently live in. Initial surveys and interviews with over 110,000 voters indicate that 55% of Donald Trump’s support came from white voters, with 52% of white women casting their ballots for him.
This raises some uncomfortable questions. What drives someone to vote for Trump? Is it self-worth, wealth, or religious beliefs? Even my young daughter recognizes his unkindness.
In an illuminating clip from Grayson Perry’s series “Make America Grayson Again,” a female biker and Trump supporter expresses, “He’s here to save us… I think God brought him to us.” She claims she has never been prouder of her country since he took office, stating, “He’s done so much for us. He’s our voice.” Her assertion that he is “our voice” troubles me deeply. What does that reveal about her perspective and, by extension, about our nation? It suggests a need for introspection—not just for her, but also for the 44% of female voters who supported Trump.
This is the other America we are experiencing: one where individuals harbor latent racism, claiming to have Black friends while voting for a candidate whose policies are explicitly anti-Black. Evidence of this can be seen in Trump’s recent legal maneuvers to halt vote counting in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia—states with significant Black populations. His actions represent both blatant racism and voter suppression.
Trump has claimed to have done more for Black Americans than any president in history, which is simply untrue. Barack Obama, regardless of the percentage of Black voters who supported him, made a far greater impact on the lives of Black individuals through his historic candidacy and the respect he showed to all demographics. In 2008, Black voters made up 12.1% of the electorate, with an astounding 95% supporting Obama. This underscores his contributions to the Black community.
To illustrate the disparity in experiences, consider sending a public figure like Candace Owens to live in Kentucky or Alabama as a single Black woman for a year. This experience would provide her with insight into the realities faced by many Black individuals in those regions—especially without the privilege of her white husband by her side.
There exists a palpable fear among white individuals about becoming a minority in a country they have historically dominated. As Randy Rainbow aptly states, “Everything in life is riding on this damn election… Choose a president your children can admire.”
As you reflect on your voting choices, ask yourself: Does this candidate endorse cruelty? Does he care about your well-being? The power lies in our hands.
This article was originally published on November 5, 2020.
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Summary:
The exit polls from the recent election illustrate a divided America, where support for Donald Trump highlights significant racial and gender disparities. As we navigate this complex landscape, it’s crucial to reflect on what our choices say about us and to seek understanding across the divides.