Breakdown:
- Introduction: The Shock of Trump’s Election
- Discuss the initial shock many felt after the election of Donald Trump, with a widespread perception that his win represented a drastic break from American norms and values.
- Reframing the “Glitch” in American Politics
- Introduce the idea that rather than Trump’s election being a glitch, the Obama administration’s eight years represented the anomaly. Position Trump’s election as a return to traditional American politics, particularly in its approach to race and social issues.
- The Long History of Scapegoating in America
- Trace the historical trend of politicians blaming Black and Brown communities for societal issues they didn’t cause, dating back to colonial times. Explain how Trump’s rhetoric and policies follow this well-worn path, using fear and division as tools to garner support.
- The Roots of Scapegoating in the Colonial Period
- Dive deeper into the colonial and early American periods, illustrating how scapegoating has been used as a strategy to unite certain groups while marginalizing others, laying the groundwork for systemic discrimination that continues today.
- The Illusion of a New Problem
- Emphasize that Trump’s election is not an unexpected phenomenon but rather a reminder of America’s historical patterns of discrimination, systemic inequality, and scapegoating. Stress the importance of seeing these issues as part of a continuum rather than new developments.
- Conclusion: Embracing Historical Awareness
- Close with a call to action for Americans to gain a deeper understanding of these recurring patterns. Recognize Trump’s election not as a deviation, but as a reflection of long-standing issues in American society. Encourage a perspective shift, promoting awareness and advocacy rooted in historical understanding.