I feel sad for these brothers who can't conceive of the fact that they are sacrificial lambs for the GOP-- and especially for Trump, who has a documented history of anti-Black male racism in particular.
I’m flabbergasted at how easily Trump is able to persuade by making some empty, superficial gestures toward us and that's all it takes to convince us that he's somehow “for us” or “understands us.”
Most disappointing is the idea that we might actually share any of his so-called values and thus, we should pledge allegiance to those "shared values" and support Trump.
But what I would like to know is: What good will those "shared values" serve when the cops ramp up their murdering of Black men with impunity once Trump’s plan to put cops above accountability takes effect?
It’s shameful, utterly shameful, that we can’t see the forest for the trees.
Personally bro, this is how I felt, but if we believe that people are inherently good, and don't with to harm others, there must be a reason they're voting this way. I want us to find ways to understand each other, even if we think what they're saying is insane (Which it is). Maybe if we have more understanding, there can be room for transformation.
My brother Stan, I hear you deeply. I also believe that the GOP, and by extension Trump, have branded themselves as the party of God, as the party of “traditional values.” Those traditional values include keeping power in the hands of heterosexual white men. For marginalized men, who have been raised in a patriarchal society that has told us since birth that “real manhood” is exercised through superior strength and money, the idea that Trump is the gateway to accessing both of those things (because he has also marketed himself as being in possession of those things even though he really has neither) is incredibly seductive.
Thus, some marginalized men—and some marginalized people in general—are willing to overlook the anti-Black, anti-woman, anti-queer, anti-Muslim, Antisemitic, anti-disabled aspects (or, conversely, participate in perpetuating those pathologies), believing that their loyalty to white supremacist capitalist patriarchy will somehow make them The Exception who will be granted a share of the power and vision.
These people have, unfortunately and to the benefit of the GOP, not studied history. They are unaware that cults, by definition, ALWAYS double cross the cult members. They don’t realize that oppressors like to let some oppressed people into the inner circle simply to have a scapegoat or a sacrifice when it’s time for one.
But this is neither here nor there, really, since 85-90% of Black men will be voting for Harris/Walz, and the demographics that we should be worried about are white men and white women (and to a lesser extent Latine men). the majority of whom are voting for Trump.
What stood out to me the most here is how little presidential pressure has changed since the 70s. If ever at all. How can we hold anyone accountable when they inevitably neglect the promises they make while campaigning? And what of the larger system that interferes with presidential efforts (a la Obama)?
I personally feel apathetic to most political discourse at this point. I'd rather not have to pick my poison, either the noose or the sickle. It's sure been a long time since it truly felt like our (Black) interests were truly centered... if ever at all. On that front, your point rings true.
I understand this apathy well, I'm still in a place where i'm trying to fight it, even though at this point in my political journey I am disgusted with both parties, and have no faith in their ability to show up for people. Having said that, I believe nothing will change if we stop believing things can change, so I roll my eyes, kick the dirt curse a little and keep trying. Maybe one day I'll give up completely.
This is a tough one. I almost didn’t comment but I had to because it’s you, Stanley! All of my friends who are black with the exception of one couple are all voting for Kamala Harris; every person I know who is voting for Trump is white, but the majority of everyone I know, regardless of race, is voting for Kamala Harris. This is mainly because I’m in a Democratic bubble here in L.A. proper, in a socially and racially diverse neighborhood, and all of my friends here are progressives. But I grew up in the South, so everyone I know outside of CA has a wider set of political beliefs/runs the gamut from moderate to far right. Truthfully, I don’t understand how anyone is voting for Trump, regardless of race — but it pains me the most to see women supporting him.
Ooof @Reda, I know what you mean. I have spent my entire life in New York city, and the political work I do has generally been inside of the bubble of my progressive politics. But even with that set up, I have seen more people of color who are sympathetic, and even enthusiastic about Trump. We have to get curious about our works, because the right is speaking to them, and its clear that people are starting to listen.
I get needing to be seen. Democratic Party has always been for the “underdog” but so many Black men and women are no longer the underdog. We are thriving and respected business men and women. Although I cast my vote for Harris, I get the perspective of what is the Democratic Party doing for well established Black men and women? Vern
I feel sad for these brothers who can't conceive of the fact that they are sacrificial lambs for the GOP-- and especially for Trump, who has a documented history of anti-Black male racism in particular.
I’m flabbergasted at how easily Trump is able to persuade by making some empty, superficial gestures toward us and that's all it takes to convince us that he's somehow “for us” or “understands us.”
Most disappointing is the idea that we might actually share any of his so-called values and thus, we should pledge allegiance to those "shared values" and support Trump.
But what I would like to know is: What good will those "shared values" serve when the cops ramp up their murdering of Black men with impunity once Trump’s plan to put cops above accountability takes effect?
It’s shameful, utterly shameful, that we can’t see the forest for the trees.
Personally bro, this is how I felt, but if we believe that people are inherently good, and don't with to harm others, there must be a reason they're voting this way. I want us to find ways to understand each other, even if we think what they're saying is insane (Which it is). Maybe if we have more understanding, there can be room for transformation.
My brother Stan, I hear you deeply. I also believe that the GOP, and by extension Trump, have branded themselves as the party of God, as the party of “traditional values.” Those traditional values include keeping power in the hands of heterosexual white men. For marginalized men, who have been raised in a patriarchal society that has told us since birth that “real manhood” is exercised through superior strength and money, the idea that Trump is the gateway to accessing both of those things (because he has also marketed himself as being in possession of those things even though he really has neither) is incredibly seductive.
Thus, some marginalized men—and some marginalized people in general—are willing to overlook the anti-Black, anti-woman, anti-queer, anti-Muslim, Antisemitic, anti-disabled aspects (or, conversely, participate in perpetuating those pathologies), believing that their loyalty to white supremacist capitalist patriarchy will somehow make them The Exception who will be granted a share of the power and vision.
These people have, unfortunately and to the benefit of the GOP, not studied history. They are unaware that cults, by definition, ALWAYS double cross the cult members. They don’t realize that oppressors like to let some oppressed people into the inner circle simply to have a scapegoat or a sacrifice when it’s time for one.
But this is neither here nor there, really, since 85-90% of Black men will be voting for Harris/Walz, and the demographics that we should be worried about are white men and white women (and to a lesser extent Latine men). the majority of whom are voting for Trump.
I do not disagree at all bro. No notes you hit it
What stood out to me the most here is how little presidential pressure has changed since the 70s. If ever at all. How can we hold anyone accountable when they inevitably neglect the promises they make while campaigning? And what of the larger system that interferes with presidential efforts (a la Obama)?
I personally feel apathetic to most political discourse at this point. I'd rather not have to pick my poison, either the noose or the sickle. It's sure been a long time since it truly felt like our (Black) interests were truly centered... if ever at all. On that front, your point rings true.
I understand this apathy well, I'm still in a place where i'm trying to fight it, even though at this point in my political journey I am disgusted with both parties, and have no faith in their ability to show up for people. Having said that, I believe nothing will change if we stop believing things can change, so I roll my eyes, kick the dirt curse a little and keep trying. Maybe one day I'll give up completely.
This is a tough one. I almost didn’t comment but I had to because it’s you, Stanley! All of my friends who are black with the exception of one couple are all voting for Kamala Harris; every person I know who is voting for Trump is white, but the majority of everyone I know, regardless of race, is voting for Kamala Harris. This is mainly because I’m in a Democratic bubble here in L.A. proper, in a socially and racially diverse neighborhood, and all of my friends here are progressives. But I grew up in the South, so everyone I know outside of CA has a wider set of political beliefs/runs the gamut from moderate to far right. Truthfully, I don’t understand how anyone is voting for Trump, regardless of race — but it pains me the most to see women supporting him.
Ooof @Reda, I know what you mean. I have spent my entire life in New York city, and the political work I do has generally been inside of the bubble of my progressive politics. But even with that set up, I have seen more people of color who are sympathetic, and even enthusiastic about Trump. We have to get curious about our works, because the right is speaking to them, and its clear that people are starting to listen.
I know you’re right, especially after reading this and hearing what they had to say.
I appreciate that, but I'm just as pissed off and confused as the rest of us. I hope i'm right. lol
Man, I’m not even gonna pretend to be okay right now. I’m stunned.
I get needing to be seen. Democratic Party has always been for the “underdog” but so many Black men and women are no longer the underdog. We are thriving and respected business men and women. Although I cast my vote for Harris, I get the perspective of what is the Democratic Party doing for well established Black men and women? Vern