The Oxford English Dictionary defines xenophobia as “intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries.” For some time now, President Trump has been accused of being a “racist” and more recently as showing signs of xenophobia. These allegations arose once again because of his tweets on July 13-14 in which he asserted that certain Democratic congresswomen should “go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came.” Without naming the congresswomen, there is little doubt that he is referring to Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. All four are women of colour and American citizens, while only one was not born in the U.S.
One must remember that the phrase “go back to where you came from” has been a standard refrain mostly used by disgruntled white men or women, and certainly by white supremacists. It would appear that Trump’s statements are aimed at a particular element of his base support. Indeed, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said that Trump was trying to “gin up his base” by “keeping Americans divided”. Trump appears to have forgotten that the above-mentioned Representatives were legally elected by a majority of their constituents. In addition, in a democracy, people have the right to express their views. Once expressed, people then have the right to openly agree or disagree with them.
I defend the right of the President or anyone else to express their views. Indeed, knowing one’s views is a good way of determining what are their core values and beliefs. This is a good thing. How else would one know that Trump is obviously xenophobic! What is sad that America was built on the blood, sweat and tears of immigrants. Remember as well, the only peoples who can rightly say that this was originally their land are the indigenous peoples of North America. Today, America is a country based on diversity and inclusion. It welcomed people of different races, religions and ethnic backgrounds from many places to participate in the so-called American dream. This represents the real “greatness” of America.
What Donald Trump is doing is political manoeuvring by a desperate man focused on one thing alone — getting re-elected. He is even willing to undertake this shameful campaign at the expense of some admirable and fundamental American values. Let’s hope and pray that he is unsuccessful!
FROLITICKS 