Trump’s Muslim Ban and the Downfall of Progressivism
Ever since Trump took office on 20. January, the media has been in a state of continuous uproar, condemning his every action, and some exaggerating claims (now labelled “fake news”) such as his defunding of pro-choice NGOs as “restricting abortions worldwide”. His latest move, the ban on immigration from seven Muslim countries, marks the culmination of the current frenzy news outlets and opinion makers and shapers find themselves in.
However, none of Trump’s actions are inherently new. Through its history, the USA have seen several bans and restrictions on immigration, the latest being an arbitrary 1987 ban on HIV positive persons from entering the country. Even Obama slowed down the processing of admitting Iraqi refugees in 2011. But being the black peace-loving light-bringer the media sought to portray, there was no uproar at the time.
After all, though, it feels like there is a bigger trend at play here, a trend most members of the establishment don’t want to realise and try everything from coming true — although it is doubtful whether it can be stopped. And whether it should be stopped as well. Contrary to how it was conveyed on most news outlets, recent figures seem to indicate there is a split running right through American society on the immigration ban — with a 50/50 division for and against it, with a small but significant percentage in favour of the ban. Likewise, Trump’s victory seems to strengthen nationalist parties in Europe, with the Front National in France and the German AfD as prime examples. After decades of conformist and globalist ideologies abounding, these “progressive” sentiments are now quickly retreating, and nations are more and more seeking independence and self-determination. Historically, this shouldn’t be all that surprising, if we assume that history proceeds in cycles — and we’re headed right for a more nations-centred, isolationist period with likely a shift in global supremacy coming along with it. It’s probably wrong to assign value as to whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, and should more likely be accepted for what it is — a cycle in history. And, depending on one’s political leanings, some positive aspects may be seen in it.
