There are numerous individuals in my social media circles who don’t recognize their own biases. I’ve distanced myself from longtime acquaintances due to their support for Trump, often expressing views that range from misguided to outright ignorant. They make statements like, “Why can’t people simply move on and forget the past?” or “All lives matter, not just Black lives!” These individuals fail to acknowledge the privilege that comes with their skin color. Their unwavering support for Trump and their inability to acknowledge the realities of this administration continues to perplex me. How can they consume the toxic narrative that Trump promotes, and let it cloud their judgement?
The election results, along with the subsequent protests, revealed that white privilege is still a powerful force in our society. Complicating this is the fact that many Trump supporters are oblivious to how their vote reflects their racial biases. This might explain the silence of many who once championed him, apart from those who took to the streets.
Consider for a moment if Black residents in states like Pennsylvania or Michigan had sought a recount after a close election loss for Biden. What would their experience have looked like? Would they have faced tear gas, arrests, or violence? The answer is uncertain, but we know that when white individuals protested, they were treated with a level of leniency afforded by their skin color. Their chants of “Stop the count” and “Let us in” echoed the privileges they wield. We witnessed how hundreds of Trump supporters attempted to breach vote-counting rooms while demanding their voices be heard. The issue at hand isn’t merely that white individuals need to recognize their privilege; they also must confront the reality that supporting Trump aligns them with racist ideologies.
As I reflect on the events surrounding the election—recounts, legal battles, and the tantrums of his followers—I am reminded of a notable figure: Ava Johnson. A few years back, she ran for a gubernatorial position in her state, executing a savvy and robust campaign that engaged voters and inspired turnout. Leading up to election day, there were accusations against her opponent for suppressing votes from minority communities. When she conceded, her words resonated deeply: “[W]e are a strong nation because we built our democracy on the foundation of addressing what is broken. It’s about us and our collective responsibility to preserve our democratic values.”
What we participated in on November 3rd was a genuine electoral process for everyone, irrespective of race. Now, as we move forward with a historic election behind us, it’s essential for white individuals to engage in self-reflection. This is a moment for growth: to acknowledge, understand, and relinquish privileges, especially if they claim to love this country. Embracing the discomfort of no longer being the majority can foster empathy towards the experiences of marginalized communities. Only through recognition of what’s broken can we begin the journey toward healing.
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Summary:
Many white individuals find it difficult to accept Trump’s loss due to an inability to recognize their privilege and the underlying racist ideologies that their support for him reflects. The election results and subsequent protests highlighted the ongoing presence of white privilege, prompting a need for self-reflection and understanding among white communities. Only by acknowledging these truths can society begin to heal and move forward collectively.