Which Way America?

Nationalistic politicians controlled by special interest groups. Right wing groups and individuals directing hatred and violence at foreigners and minority groups. Discriminatory and brutal law enforcement and criminal justice system. A culture of abuse and exploitation of women and young girls. Religious leaders exploiting their followers for money and power. Mass media that celebrates transient and superficial celebrity. Communities that are deprived, under educated, self destructive and losing touch with the mainstream.

Sounds like a fictional dystopia? Well, this is America!

This is the age of Trump; the culmination of long periods of social discontent from almost every section of America, eras of political mismanagement and a perceived loss of power and stature in global standings. Trump has become synonymous with untruthfulness, prejudice and ego driven self interest but the American malaise started long before his muddying of the waters. From two terms of GW Bush, to Sarah Palin being selected as a presidential running mate, to Obama's battles with Congress America has been teetering on the edge of a far right cesspit.

There is no doubt that America needed change. And certainly change that the people could believe in would have been nice. Unfortunately, that was change that Obama couldn't quite manage to make good his promise of. And change under Trump appears to be regressive, hate filled and brutal. So what are the chances of things changing for the better? And exactly how is that going to happen?

The upcoming midterm elections are not showing any convincing signs that the Democrats quite know what they need to do. It isn't entirely clear if they have figured out that the people who hate politicians far exceed those who hate Trump. If they are going to defeat Trump in the presidential elections they will need to choose a candidate who is good over a good candidate. In Hilary Clinton they had a good candidate, who they hoped would benefit from the Clinton name and legacy. Unfortunately in the eyes of the electorate she just wasn't a candidate they could relate to as a good person.

It is difficult to tell if America is at a crossroads right now but it is very right to say that the country is in turmoil. There is a growing alienation felt among those minorities who feel the government and establishment does not represent them in any way. There is also a tidal wave of seething fury in those who feel they need to take back control of a country they feel is becoming less like they imagined or wish it to be. It is no coincidence that whenever circumstances place either of these mindsets in close proximity of each other violence erupts.

Deposing Trump would bring some small satisfaction but it will not solve the conflicts and discontent that has started to break through the veneer of civility that has held it in check. In order for either group to start feeling safe a lot more will need to be done to tackle prejudice, crime, violence and social deprivation. Unfortunately these are generational problems and America is no closer to solving them now than it was just before the Civil War.

Nothing Right About Race Hate

Courtesy New York Times

The pursuit of racial purity didn't work out for the nazis in 20th century Germany, even at a time when the most liberal nations advocated it. So why do some people imagine it can work now in the 21st century? Given that most nations' origins involve quite a pool of nationalities the idea of racial purity is really just jingoistic pandering to a disaffected underclass. Unfortunately it has set out to target disadvantaged minorities and is becoming successful in further marginalising them. 

Neither Christian dogma nor scientific evidence support the idea of racial purity. Jesus Christ advocated loving your neighbour as much as yourself and turning other cheek to provocation. So there is no basis for subjugation of other races or religions based on Christianity. Targeting other religions is distinctly unchristian. In science social genetics demands that for survival a gene pool must be diversified. This is an essential element to the survival of all species. Continuous interbreeding will lead to weakness, mutations and extinction.

It is not possible to enjoy harmony in personal relationships whilst wishing for a society that will thrive on exclusion and separation. It takes a particularly warped mentality to want to see others undermine and subjugate others. Denying some groups their rightful place in society only serves to create a more unstable and unsafe society for all. It also removes any moral legitimacy to calls for groups to integrate or be more patriotic.

Encouraging free speech is an important part of maintaining personal and social freedoms. However, society cannot continue to be Finding tolerant of hate speech and racially motivated aggression. Demonstrations intended to intimidate and denigrate other people will inevitably spawn resistance movements. On such emotionally charged issues it is just a matter of time before they provoke violence. Prejudiced and racist speech don't advance the development of new perspectives on dealing with inequality and improving social safety or harmony.

The true essence of national pride is creating a nation and consciousness where all citizens have a place irrespective of colour, creed or capability. Ensuring that there is an acceptable place for them and making sure they are accepted as partners in progress. That requires recognising and acknowledging historical and current inequalities. It also involves making reparations and accommodations in each case.