Updated: November 13, 2016
Originally Published: November 5, 2016
Today marked a turning point for me. Perhaps we all have moments when the weight of the divisive rhetoric during this election cycle becomes too much to bear. Two news stories pushed me over the edge: one detailing the Ku Klux Klan’s endorsement of Donald Trump, and another about a Mississippi church that was defaced with “Vote Trump” graffiti before being set ablaze.
There are countless reasons illustrating why Donald Trump does not deserve the presidency. Many individuals far more articulate and knowledgeable than I have articulated these points. I’ve managed to write off the few acquaintances I know who are supporting him. I recognize this may come off as elitist, but studies indicate that Trump is attracting less educated voters. These individuals seem to be misinformed. While I have friends whose political beliefs lean significantly right, most of them are either opting for third-party candidates or abstaining from voting altogether. A few are even backing Hillary in protest against what they perceive as their party’s alarming deviation from reason.
It takes a deliberate effort to ignore the blatant racism and misogyny that have permeated Trump’s campaign. His rhetoric has unleashed the undercurrents of nationalism lurking within the American psyche, giving voice to fears of “the other”—be it different races, cultures, or religions. He has normalized behaviors that decent citizens previously would not have entertained, such as openly hurling racial slurs or executing racially charged acts of violence in public view.
While discussions about tax policies, regulations, and Supreme Court nominations may seem relevant, the undeniable reality remains: voting for Trump signifies an acceptance, if not outright endorsement, of the most grotesque manifestations of racism and sexism in contemporary society.
A haunting memory from over a year ago resurfaces as I process my emotions today. At a family gathering, I spoke with a distant relative about an upcoming family trip to Washington, D.C., expressing my desire for my children to witness the White House. Holding my biracial daughter, he responded, “Let’s just hope we can get the White House white again!”
The moment the words left his lips, his expression turned to one of shock, and I can only imagine mine mirrored his. He quickly realized that his audience was not receptive to such a statement. I would like to attribute this to ignorance, but he is a medical professional, having cared for countless children in an emergency room setting. He had always seemed kind and honorable.
Once spoken, those words cannot be retracted. I wish I could believe he reflected on his comments afterward, considering my black husband and our biracial children, and how deeply his words could wound. Maybe he felt a sense of guilt or regret.
We stood in an uncomfortable silence for a tense thirty seconds, both uncertain about how to proceed. Eventually, I made an excuse to leave and haven’t had the chance to speak with him since.
I cannot pinpoint why this memory surfaced today, but it resonates with my feelings about the acquaintances and relatives who are choosing to support Trump. Just as those words cannot be unsaid, a vote for Trump is an irreversible decision—and it is one I cannot overlook. For me, it is deeply personal.
In the future, our paths may cross again. I will smile and greet him, but then I will quietly retreat to another part of the room. For those navigating similar feelings, consider exploring resources on home insemination at Make A Mom, which provide insights into family-making options. Additionally, Healthline offers excellent information regarding pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
This reflection addresses the emotional weight of a vote for Trump, underscoring the irreversible nature of such a decision and its personal implications. Through a personal anecdote, the author conveys the deep-seated concerns regarding racism and sexism that accompany this election cycle, ultimately emphasizing the personal toll of political choices.
Keyphrase: A Vote For Trump Is An Act That Can’t Be Undone
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