Racism

I am starting this post with an attention getting headline. Racism.

I have to admit as I continue to age, and read, and learn more, I see more fully the effects on racism here in America.

I grew up in a sheltered home. A kind home. It was one that never spoke harshly about anyone. My parents did not swear, or put people down, in front of me. I did not grow up hearing people talk in a mean spirited way about anyone. I grew up in a Christian home that lived it. So, I consider myself lucky. I did not hear, or learn, that groups of people were different, and I certainly did not hear a group get blamed for bad situations in our country.

In my early years, at school and church, I did not experience a wide variety of colors, and ethnic backgrounds, not until I went off to college. By that time I was pretty open to anyone. I knew individually that some people were nice, some were not so nice, but it had nothing to do with their skin color.

In fact, once I learned US history there was a part of me that felt sorry for the cruelty received, and then the uphill battle, for black Americans. I definitely had moments of knowing my white privilege was not fair and unearned. If anything, in general, I found I would side with the underdog, and I looked – and still look – for ways to help even up the playing field: for equal chances for the same lifestyles, the same education, and the same jobs opportunities.

So, when President Obama was elected as the first black President of the United States I felt very proud of our country! I stayed up late that night and watched him and his family in Chicago, and I was extremely touched by the moment. The joy in the crowd! It was a marvelous thing!! Of course, as a Democrat, I was also pleased to see him elected because I knew he had a lot of the same core values as I had, and I knew he would fight for womens’ rights, and for gun safety, and other issues I felt we as a country needed.

Since that time I unfortunately have learned about racism in ways I did not know before. It coincided with me moving down south to live. So, maybe I saw the divisions of racism more here now. Maybe it was the timing. I have learned that some white people in the south have a deep ‘family pride’ that was new to me. Even though we are generations away from the Civil War, there was still ‘bad blood’ in the south and a group of people who would not accept the war’s outcome. That feeling has been passed down. Generation to generation. Confederate flags still fly in the south. They call it ‘heritage’. I have learned that that is another word for racism.

I have learned that some are secretive in their racism. They hide it because they know it is not ‘proper’ and they don’t want to look bad, but they do not want to authentically change. They don’t want to hear about other peoples’ struggles. They like being ‘better.’

Since Trump first ran for office he brazenly let his racism show. His first speech was about ‘those’ others… and sending them back, and out of America. Since then he has supported racists with many comments. You know, like the good people on both sides in Charlottesville, and the ‘patriots’ at the Capitol on Jan. 6th. And: They” are the dangerous ones. “They” are the ones doing the stealing, raping, and killing.

Me, wearing my rose colored glasses, was not aware at the time how there were so, so many people who really, really liked what Trump said. I mean, to me, it was disgusting. I heard what he said and I was immediately turned off. But, to others it was someone speaking the racist language that they liked and agreed with.

These Americans, white men especially, loved finally hearing a candidate like Trump sticking up for them. As I look around now, I can pretty much see them, and I know they don’t want to give up the ‘seniority’ of the white man’s world. They were frightened before, but with Trump at the helm they see themselves in him and feel safe.

Before, they were unwilling to speak up, but now they have found a ‘savior’ for their racism. Trump has become a white god, one who will work hard to keep the pecking order they enjoy. Oh, they will say that it is not true. They often do!! But, too much has happened – Trump has shown hundreds (really thousands) of times his lack of morals, and his inability to govern within the laws of a democratic society. He is a buffoon, and he is getting away with it. Why? Racism. That group, organized as MAGA, are just fine with him being nasty, and inept. He is one of them.

He can go ahead and hide evidence. He can fondle women. Pay for sex and cover it up. He can even take part in sexual child abuse. He can tear down the White House (literally and figuratively) and it’s ok. He can take Pres. Obama’s official painting and hang it in a back stairwell – yes he did that. Think about that significance. He can lie endlessly. He can do anything he wants.

But it’s ok. Why? Racism.

Not just his racism. But the racism of everyone who voted for him. The racism of the Republican Congress that turns and looks away. The racism even in the Supreme Court that grants Trump the authority to do what he wants. The immunity to not have to take responsibility.

I have had a hard time being around people in general since Trump arrived in the political world. He has shown me just how much the hatred of other people was festering – and now it is freely in the open. Putting down “Black Lives Matter” was a prime example. I have heard many put the movement down. Why? Yes, Black Lives Matter!!! Of course. Why is that controversial?

“But….over and over I hear “No, not me!” “I am not a racist.”

Tell me, then WHY did he become president???