Member-only story
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 allergy shot. I had been trying to get Internet access on my iPhone to listen to Biden’s national address, the one he gave after he stepped down from his presidential campaign.
She offered to help me and asked, “What do you think about all this?”
I don’t remember what I said exactly, but it included praise for Biden and excitement about Kamala Harris’s brand-new presidential candidacy.
Then, I asked what she thought. She softly said both parties have good points, but she leans more toward Trump due to the economy.
Internally, I ranted, “How can anyone believe the economy was better under Trump? It’s misinformation and lies.”
But she’s a kind person. I would never speak to her like that.
Instead, I said, “But what about women’s rights?”
She seemed to have no idea that women’s rights were in danger. I expressed…
