Can Politics Ever Be Free from Hate?
Stereotypes and generalizations keep us miles apart
Recently, a progressive online friend claimed all Republicans are racist in one of his many politically-oriented social media posts.
I was taken aback.
I understand his logic in one sense. Donald Trump has made countless racist statements both as a candidate and as President of the United States. But his racism didn’t start later in life. Before he entered politics, Trump was sued for housing discrimination in the 1970s.
My friend believes that anyone who supports Trump is automatically racist.
I couldn’t accept my friend’s broad and aggressively-toned statement and replied it’s never helpful to stereotype an entire group of people. He would jump down my throat if I claimed all black people hate white people. How could he make such a sweeping statement about all Republicans?
He responded by pointing out several racist policies promoted by the Republican Party, like banning Critical Race Theory. He insisted that racism is who they are, and we must call out racism.
But is every Republican a cookie-cutter copy of the Republican Party?
My mind returned to a recent discussion with the sweet nurse who gave me my monthly…
