Where Donald Trump goes, dehumanizing remarks are sure to follow. Fueled by a nationalistic pride catered to white conservatives of the country, Trump's outrageous statements -- the majority of which fall into the two well-worn categories of racism and sexism -- have been often presented by mainstream media as entertaining sound bites, something to giggle and roll our eyes at. As we cringe at Trump's latest offensive act -- and then laugh at the many parodies following it -- we wonder: How could anyone take this guy seriously? Turns out, a lot of people are taking Donald Trump seriously: enough to make him the highest-ranking candidate of the Republican Party. And those offensive remarks he says -- you know, calling Mexicans rapists or, more recently, impersonating Asian negotiators, complete with broken English and a bad accent -- have much to do with his successful rise.
Last month, a Washington Post/ABC News poll found the "broad majority" of Trump's supporters came from two groups: voters with no college degree and voters who say that immigrants weaken America. Trump's rise has to do with this demographic that he consistently plugs into, knowing exactly what messages he must stand for and express at the podium to get their approval -- and with it, their vote. Tapping into the frustration of those displeased and paranoid with the demographic change, Trump's messages resonate with America's white nationalists, from Tea Party supporters to hate groups.
This previously overlooked demographic is now exposed in the open, their agenda and beliefs seemingly validated by Trump's presence. And that is precisely why I want to thank Mr. Trump -- thank you, really, Donald! -- for he is bringing to attention a silent population that America is all to eager to ignore. America, wake up. There is a very active population made up of racist individuals and hate groups who are both fearful and furious towards anything regarding diversity, immigration and the changing demographics of the country. Trump's stance on political issues and his use of language are curated to these specific people. Considering his successful position, it's safe to assume there are indeed a lot of like-minded citizens. Thank you, Donald Trump, for bringing attention to the easily overlooked population of uneducated, ignorant, racist white people. Thank you, Donald Trump, for giving America an unabashed look into the world of hate groups. Thank you, Donald Trump, for making visible this dangerous demographic. Thank you, Donald Trump, for presenting this challenge to America: how to address the strong current of racism still very much pulsating throughout the country.
Earlier last week, two brothers from Boston attacked a homeless Hispanic man, beating him with a metal pipe and urinating on his face. "Donald Trump was right," Scott Leader, one of the brothers, said after he was arrested, "all these illegals need to be deported." Trump responded to this case at a press conference, saying, "I will say that people that are following me are very passionate. They love this country, and they want this country to be great again, and they are very passionate, I will say that." Trump has learned how to channel this so-called passion to appeal to a specific demographic that has, in turn, propelled him to the front lines of the Republic Party. Unfortunately, that passion is fueled by the dangerous concoction of hate, anger, and ignorance. And it looks like it won't be running out any time soon.