The 2020 election has become increasingly controversial as President Trump leads the Republican party towards a prominent and polarizing stance when it comes to race, history, and identity in America. It is a stance that has been met with both praise as well as criticism, as the GOP is facing more questions about the validity of its policies and positions.
Recent polls show that support for Trump among Black voters has not seen an increase since 2016, while some swing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin have seen notable decreases. This is indicative of the shifting societal perspective on race and history in the United States, which is now beginning to see historically marginalized groups more visible and in conversation with those in positions of power.
The Republican party is uniting behind the President as he pushes for a focus on American Exceptionalism and Patriotism, which favors nostalgia for the “good old days” in America. This often comes at the expense of acknowledging the plight of the Black communities, Indigenous American tribes, and other minorities in the country. While the Republican party is undoubtedly trying to gain votes by attempting to connect to a traditionalist and nationalist worldview, this approach has led to the erasure of much of America’s history and its complex racial dynamics.
Trump is also known to exploit racial divisions to gain electoral votes, as seen with his recent tweet comparing Confederate monuments to the dismantling of the Statue of Liberty. Such expositions demonstrate the GOP’s willingness to prioritize short-term gains in spite of the offense such messages may cause, and the repercussions this policies may have on American diversity, pluralism, and progress.
As the country is gearing up for the 2020 election, it is becoming increasingly clear the Republicans are putting forth a unique and divisive identity politics. A politics that undoubtedly puts patriotism and nostalgia at the forefront, while ignoring the struggles and contributions of numerous minority groups in America. Thus, it is also incumbent upon all American citizens to recognize this divisive sentiment, and evaluate the results it may bring to the polls in November.
The 2020 election has become increasingly controversial as President Trump leads the Republican party towards a prominent and polarizing stance when it comes to race, history, and identity in America. It is a stance that has been met with both praise as well as criticism, as the GOP is facing more questions about the validity of its policies and positions.
Recent polls show that support for Trump among Black voters has not seen an increase since 2016, while some swing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin have seen notable decreases. This is indicative of the shifting societal perspective on race and history in the United States, which is now beginning to see historically marginalized groups more visible and in conversation with those in positions of power.
The Republican party is uniting behind the President as he pushes for a focus on American Exceptionalism and Patriotism, which favors nostalgia for the “good old days” in America. This often comes at the expense of acknowledging the plight of the Black communities, Indigenous American tribes, and other minorities in the country. While the Republican party is undoubtedly trying to gain votes by attempting to connect to a traditionalist and nationalist worldview, this approach has led to the erasure of much of America’s history and its complex racial dynamics.
Trump is also known to exploit racial divisions to gain electoral votes, as seen with his recent tweet comparing Confederate monuments to the dismantling of the Statue of Liberty. Such expositions demonstrate the GOP’s willingness to prioritize short-term gains in spite of the offense such messages may cause, and the repercussions this policies may have on American diversity, pluralism, and progress.
As the country is gearing up for the 2020 election, it is becoming increasingly clear the Republicans are putting forth a unique and divisive identity politics. A politics that undoubtedly puts patriotism and nostalgia at the forefront, while ignoring the struggles and contributions of numerous minority groups in America. Thus, it is also incumbent upon all American citizens to recognize this divisive sentiment, and evaluate the results it may bring to the polls in November.
