Donald Trump’s admonishment to four congresswomen of color that they should go back to where they came from is a racist trope. It has been used to disparage Irish, Italian, Chinese, Jewish, Hispanic, and other immigrants are beginning, at least, in the 1840s. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lists “go back to where you came from” as an example of discrimination based on national origin. And by the mid-fifties, when blacks were seen as more of a social threat than an exploitation opportunity, they too were told to go back to where you came from.
Those critics who responded to Trump’s racism distracted from the pain his words caused by pointing out that the congresswomen were U.S. citizens. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ayanna S. Pressley of Massachusetts were born in the U.S. Only Ilhan Omar of Minnesota was born in Somalia. The critics did not seem to understand the sting of his words was not based on citizenship. The question is, why would anyone who has followed Trump’s career need his attack on these congresswomen of color to conclude he is a racist.
Trump’s supporters sprang to his defense with several excuses. Some argued that his pronouncement was not racist because he did not mention color. Some claimed he was not a racist because Trump said that the congresswomen could return after going back to where they came from. And others said that Trump was not a racist because the congresswomen criticized him, his policies, and the U.S. This excuse implied that congresswomen of color should be prohibited from criticizing Trump or the country.
Trump’s racist statement is bad enough on its own. But this trope when coupled with the policies and practices of his administration is especially alarming. Trump has reduced the number of legal immigrants eligible for admission. He is attempting to eliminate the application of asylum seekers through the southern border. He had implemented detention practices that have resulted in at least seven deaths and inhumane treatment of thousands of children and adults.
As the 2020 election nears, Trump has signaled his intent to rely on racism to arouse his base. And Trump has proven he is not bound by existing voting laws. With a subservient Attorney General, we can expect a decline in racial justice. If Trump is re-elected in 2020, we can expect the end of racial justice.
Those critics who responded to Trump’s racism distracted from the pain his words caused by pointing out that the congresswomen were U.S. citizens. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ayanna S. Pressley of Massachusetts were born in the U.S. Only Ilhan Omar of Minnesota was born in Somalia. The critics did not seem to understand the sting of his words was not based on citizenship. The question is, why would anyone who has followed Trump’s career need his attack on these congresswomen of color to conclude he is a racist.
Trump’s supporters sprang to his defense with several excuses. Some argued that his pronouncement was not racist because he did not mention color. Some claimed he was not a racist because Trump said that the congresswomen could return after going back to where they came from. And others said that Trump was not a racist because the congresswomen criticized him, his policies, and the U.S. This excuse implied that congresswomen of color should be prohibited from criticizing Trump or the country.
Trump’s racist statement is bad enough on its own. But this trope when coupled with the policies and practices of his administration is especially alarming. Trump has reduced the number of legal immigrants eligible for admission. He is attempting to eliminate the application of asylum seekers through the southern border. He had implemented detention practices that have resulted in at least seven deaths and inhumane treatment of thousands of children and adults.
As the 2020 election nears, Trump has signaled his intent to rely on racism to arouse his base. And Trump has proven he is not bound by existing voting laws. With a subservient Attorney General, we can expect a decline in racial justice. If Trump is re-elected in 2020, we can expect the end of racial justice.
