Friday, August 18, 2017

Why Now?



The term "white supremacists" has been out of media parlance for decades. Mainstream news outlets and pundits almost never use it. Not for police and not for public elected officials. Although the term is more politically accurate than the word "racist" - another seldom used term - it has been mostly avoided since the seventies by all but community level justice-seeking minority activists whom are off media radar. 'White supremacists' tends to invoke a more intelligent examination from audiences, as opposed to the emotionally charged accusation, 'racist.' It causes some people to think critically about racial conflict and why it exist. And since American media is no champion of the popular intelligence, [Sorry PBS] why has it been enlisted suddenly?

Donald Trump's base has not changed their demographic profile or bellicose action since he started his campaign well over a year ago. Alternately referred to as "tea party, evangelicals, 'deplorables,' then alt-right," etc., the politics and rhetoric of his base supporters have not wavered since Barack Obama's presidency stirred unity. Remember those many people assaulted during Donald Trumps rallies? Confederate flags were carried then. Why are those people only now referred to as what many of them are no doubt, white supremacists? I think this exposes something more about how dangerous Trump is regarded by the entrenched political establishment in Washington D.C. than any greater threat or insult he portends for the body politic. He already accomplished a new (lower) standard with his campaign run. So, his conduct in office has not been a surprise to many of us. Nevertheless, the term 'white supremacists' has vilified both Mr. Trump and his base supporters, and set him in opposition to American values like no other reference has to date. Why now?