Trump Effect Offers a Ripe Opportunity for the US

In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election as the 45th President of the United States of America, we are witnessing overt acts of violence, public protests and messages of hate splattered across the country. Whether or not Trump will become a “President for all Americans”, one gap has been revealed by this election- the need for cross-cultural understanding to address stereotypes and prejudices inside the United States.

Trump has promised several changes within his first 100 days. He plans to overturn every executive action by President Obama that he deems unconstitutional, select a conservative Supreme Court justice, boost military spending, revise Obamacare, end support of climate change programs, increase immigrant deportations, and develop an economic plan that provides significant tax reductions. With a majority Republican Congress, the chances are good that these changes will pass.

These policy promises are products of the Trump campaign, whose votes came primarily from white men, the non-college educated bloc, and those who believe that Trump will act as an agent of social and economic change to restore America’s greatness. Trump did indeed change the voting demographic of the Republican Party in this election, motivating enough votes from non-college educated white voters to overcome Clinton-voting college-educated, female, and minority blocs.

In a brief survey I conducted with acquaintances, those who voted for Trump insist that he is not racist, sexist, nor does he incite related behaviors – a biased media believed to be at fault for this impression.  They believe that their vote will hold accountable illegal immigrants with criminal records, reduce violence, lower taxes, implement a more conservative Supreme Court, and reduce healthcare expenses. Those who voted for Hillary Clinton believe their vote will improve equal opportunity, minority rights, increase healthcare benefits, reduce unemployment rates, and increase minimum wage for all Americans. Interestingly, Clinton supporters acknowledge that racism exists, but assert that Trump’s approach has emboldened people to act irresponsibly and allowed their beliefs to turn into hateful actions.   

The concept of greatness upon which Trump ran his campaign is, thus far, proving to provide a license that enables outright acts of hatred toward other groups and religions, as well as overt racism and sexism. We witness this kind of behavior through a public official’s comment about Michelle Obama as “an ape in heels” and by a woman being punched by a man for voting for Clinton. Other incidents include swastika graffiti popping up across the country and discriminatory comments made to women wearing hijab. Unfortunately, acts of violence from Clinton supporters on Trump supporters have also been documented, in sanctuary cities of Chicago, San Jose, Connecticut, and New York. These episodes, irrespective of which side initiated them, are happening one too many times.

While Trump’s rhetoric and policy positions have and will indeed affect lives, those who believe in coexistence and peace must amplify their voices and actions. Regardless of how disgruntled we may be that a particular candidate did not come out on top, we must collectively begin to focus on constructive options that address division. A good start is to implement countrywide cross-cultural education. Soft power programs that convene people from all demographics can increase dialogue and begin to build bridges that reshape the division which has become a culture in and of itself. Each day we hear news of protests, in different shapes and forms, both for and against the President-elect. These acts demonstrate people’s willingness to venture out and make their voices heard. Non-government entities, academic institutions, and philanthropic figures can serve as key actors having the means to provide platforms that organize this willingness into community building workshops focused on cross-cultural understanding, dialogue, cohesiveness, humanization of the other, and healing.

Grassroots efforts are most effective when supported by institutions. This is where President-elect Trump can truly begin to become a president for all Americans. He can do so by promoting messages of unity, publically condemning acts of racism and violence, eradicating his use of vulgar, narcissist language, and by selecting a balanced team from both sides of the aisle in his administration.

Ultimately the result of this election brings forth a ripe opportunity for the people in this country to embody the essence of its name: united.