I’m not much of a fan of protests, especially ones that sometimes get violent. I’m a big believer in the rule of law and an orderly society. I prefer working for change through electoral politics rather than “takin’ it to the streets.”
That being the case, I can understand the frustration among many Americans about the ongoing protests in American cities. It’s disruptive and it feels like it will never end.
But if there was any doubt about why these protests are happening — and why Black people are fully justified in protesting against systemic racism in America — Donald Trump made it clear in last night’s so-called presidential debate.
When given an opportunity by the moderator to condemn white supremacy — the ultimate softball question — President Trump hemmed and hawed and refused to do so. Instead, when pressed, he said that the Proud Boys, a violent, gun-toting white supremacist organization, should “stand back” (for now), and “stand by” (presumably for future violent actions in America’s cities).
The bottom line: In 2020, the President of the United States will not even look into the camera and say, “White supremacy is wrong, and I unequivocally condemn it.”
Is this just the tip of the iceberg? At least 40% of Americans are still planning to vote for this guy, who seems to have traveled through time from the era of sweaty-faced segregationist demagogues of 60 years ago. I wonder how many other people in positions of power — whether politicians or police officers — are similarly reluctant to stand up against racism, and how that reluctance might translate into their actions and policies? The tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are the tip of that iceberg.
If anyone doubts that racism is rampant in America today, last night’s shameless display by the president should put those doubts to rest. If the president of our country, the leader we should theoretically look up to, won’t even condemn white supremacy when asked by a journalist, what does that say about the secret thoughts of millions of Americans?
President Trump is a transactional man, whose every action is based on what he thinks will help him “win” or gain some advantage. He apparently believes that so many Americans are racist that he cannot afford to speak openly against white supremacists, for fear of losing their votes.
I hope Trump is wrong, and that far fewer Americans are racist than he believes. But I suspect that the Black Americans who have been protesting in the streets know better than I do, because of their lived experience of racism.
The protests are not likely to end until Donald Trump ceases to be president. For years, he has fanned the flames of racial division and continues to do so. Peace will return to our streets when there is peace in our hearts, and that is impossible with Trump in the White House. America needs a better role model — one who condemns racism instead of encouraging it.
