Being British yet also deeply frustrated and upset by the results of the recent election, I have heard my fair share of comments such as “it’s not the end of the world, you live in England!” and “don’t worry, it won’t affect you.” But what the people saying these things don’t understand is, actually, Donald Trump being elected as the 45th president of the United States is going to have worldwide repercussions, and I have every right to be anxious, as does every other non-American citizen reading this.
First of all, let’s set the record straight: Trump is a homophobic, misogynistic, racist, ableist piece of trash.
Let’s not forget, has committed fraud multiple times in the past,and is endorsed by the KKK. And that’s only a few of the black marks against his name, I could go on. Him being elected is going to bring to the foreground other discriminatory people who support his ideas of attacking, both in the emotional and physical sense, minorities within not only America, but other countries around the world.
You could argue that these disgusting people already existed within our midst, but the fact is that whilst that’s true, these people previously didn’t have a “role model” so to speak who encouraged them to act out on their hatred because he’ll “pay their legal fees” if they get in trouble. Now they do. The reality is that in many countries, including Britain, discrimination will most likely increase and divides in society will be deepened further, ultimately providing citizens of the world with less unity- quite the opposite of what Mr Trump promised in his winning speech. Fear is already spreading amongst muslims, African Americans, women and many other less privileged people now that Trump’s atrocious comments and ideals have been rewarded by granting him presidency- this sends the message that if he can get away with acting this way, why can’t others?
What’s more, Britain is still left reeling from the changes Brexit has brought about here, from the increase in racially-fuelled hate attacks to the bitter discrimination against immigrants. Donald Trump’s victory has reopened wounds in our society that those who voted remain were trying so hard to heal in order to encourage acceptance and love.
Lastly, even if in an alternate universe the 45th presidency didn’t affect me as a UK citizen, why is it not accepted that I am mourning for the loss of freedom of those minorities who are being put at risk due to Trump? Even if hardship doesn’t affect you directly, I would hope that every moral person sees it as their duty to at least keep the struggles of others in mind, instead of being so self-absorbed as to think that if an issue doesn’t personally affect them it doesn’t matter. It makes me feel sick to think that people of colour, women, muslims, disabled and LGBTQ+ American citizens don’t feel safe in their own country, their own homes. I feel practically powerless and numb with the thought that so many people are going to have an uphill battle ahead of them to regain and maintain the equality that they have so relentlessly fought for throughout history. I just hope that by writing this article and voicing my opinions you know that I am with you and I support you, as do a lot of us Brits across the pond.
Comments are closed.