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It’s impossible to escape the words of number 45 that were made during an immigration reform meeting last week. His disrespectful and disregarding comments directed toward Haiti and the entire African continent were full of the hatred and racism that have become staples of the current administration. Many have responded by calling him a racist, bully, incompetent, and an overall poor example of leadership.
I would also add that he is a man with an abundance of fears that cloud his judgment.
Before my family moved to Mexico, another country that has experienced the wrath of the current Commander and Chief in office, I used to listen to a compilation of motivational speeches following my workout. The words of Les Brown, Eric Thomas, and Zig Ziglar helped me to center myself while stretching after a workout.
Of the many great quotes that were part of this compilation, there was one by Zig Ziglar that traveled with me from my home in the United States to my current home in Mexico. Zig Ziglar says that FEAR is merely False Evidence Appearing Real.
It is clear to me that number 45 fears the beauty, power, and historical significance of the African continent, Haiti, and Mexico. His adoption of false beliefs that are informed by a racist worldview invoked him to make sweeping comments about people who have and continue to make positive contributions to our society.
This fear of the unknown has been empowered to control the part of his brain that is responsible for thinking before speaking and posting content on social media.
I am not a supporter of the comments, tweets, or policies of the current man and administration that occupies the oval office. They repeatedly use language and their pens to fuel vehicles that further discriminatory practices based on race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, and other notable socially-produced inequalities.
The FEAR, False Evidence Appearing Real, is rampant in The White House. It creates an environment that accepts white supremacy in Charlottesville and refuses to problematize deplorable language used to describe other nations.
I can suggest this notion of FEAR from number 45’s refusal to acknowledge the validity of the protestors in Virginia, threats made toward North Korea via Twitter, exchanges with the Mexican government over building the border wall, and his latest choice of insults made toward Haiti and people of the African continent.
Some fears are important to hold on to because they can keep us safe. We should fear death when jumping from an airplane without a parachute or when engaging other activities that are life-threatening.
It is not useful to fear other people, countries, or entire continents because they are different from the United States.
I was raised in a home where the choice of language and actions defined a man. Although my family currently does not live in the United States, we were born there and continue to identify with a significant portion of the population.
I know that number 45 was elected president. But his words and actions do not reflect the man I am, the men I am raising my sons to be, or my community.
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If these words resonate with you, please contact me via my website.
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Photo Credit: Getty Images