Donald Trump Is A “Proud Boy”!!
The first debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden and was an absolute fiasco. Trump in true form, was rude, obnoxious and lacked substance. He refused to abide by the rules that his campaign agree to and doubled down on his support for racist groups in America. There were even a few Republicans who were taken aback when Trump refused to denounce white supremacists. However, many, including myself, were not surprised. This is who Trump has been consistently!
The Proud Boys is a far-right, neofascist, racist, sexist, male-only organization promoting and engaging in violence. There have been allegations that the Proud Boys have shown up at Black Lives Matter protests in order to disrupt them and harm participants. When given an opportunity out right condemn white supremacy Trump told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by”. Most people interpreted this as a racist dog whistle. It’s part of Trump’s modus operandi as was evidenced after the violent attack by racist in Charlottesville when Trump said “there are good people on both sides“.
I don’t believe Donald Trump is the first President of the United States who is a racist. However, he is the most blatant, obvious, unapologetic racist in modern history. That’s the part that seems to be so unsettling for many Americans. It’s not just the nuanced policy positions that do away with diversity training or the demonization of the 1619 Project as racist, it’s the blatant advocation for violent white supremacist groups that moves beyond the normal racist subtleties & microaggressions that many in America have grown accustomed to. Is the fact that Trump calls on these people to poll watch. It’s the fact that many believe his supporters stand ready to take up arms if he tells them the election was stolen. This is the danger in gving an uncouth racist the platform, power and prestige that come with the office of president.
America is faced with a binary decision. Citizens will either vote for a racist or they will vote for Joe Biden. November 3rd is a day of reckoning. Because I’ve lived in this country all my life and have familiarized myself with its history no outcome will surprise me. However, my hope is that those who believe in equity, justice and a safe space for all people will show up in greater numbers than those who are more comfortable in an America that denies racism while simultaneously being a benefactor. Trump is a Proud Boy in that he embodies White, male, heteronormative privilege. Let’s turn the page!
