The Trump Warning
“The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.”
Proverbs 10:11 NLT
"But dehumanizing the victim makes things simpler
It's like breathing with a respirator
It eases the conscience of even the most conscious
And calculating violator
The power of words, don't take it for granted
When you hear a man ranting
Don't just read the lips, be more sublime than this
Put everything in context"
The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy in "Language of Violence"
I have truly been amazed at the degree of violence that has occurred at Donald Trump rallies, but not surprised. I watch and see African American young women, about the age of my daughter, getting pushed around, spat upon, and called racial and sexual epitaphs, all while the crowd howls with delight and shouts "USA, USA, USA", while mistreating and objectifying it fellow citizens. I watched 2 days ago, as a African American Protester, is escorted out of a rally while also being subjected to racist and dehumanizing shouts. This time, one of the supporters in the audience decided to strike the young man in the face. The multiple law enforcement officers who were escorting the victim immediately tackled and further humiliated him while conveniently ignoring the attacker. This attacker would later be interviewed and said, "Next time, we might have to kill him"
I appreciate his use of the plural, "we". It speaks to a mindset that is prevalent among the supporters of Donald Trump for president. It first separates "real Americans" as those who are not Muslim, not people of color. Haven't seen a white male protester targeted yet? That shouldn't surprise you. It is the language of violence that precedes the acts of violence.
Candidate Trump has openly disparaged his fellow candidates, Muslims, immigrants, Black Lives Matter activists, women using very degrading language. So, when there is violence against them, it is easier because we have already used our language to transform them from people to objects, and then to objects of wrath.
I had the privilege to visit in Rwanda in 2012 and learned firsthand the causes and formation of genocide. While there are many different factors, simply the violence begins with language. The Language of violence began with calling a group of people "cockroaches" and vermin. That language was not challenged and eventually allowed neighbors to use fire, machetes, and guns to exterminate the vermin and exterminate the cockroaches next door. 1 million dead in 100 days...
During his Rallies, Donald Trump has never come out and condemned the violence, nor will he separate himself from those who are renown for violence (White supremacists groups, etc). He stated at a debate when asked about the violence, "I certainly didn't condone that". To their shame, no other candidate had the courage and moral fortitude to challenge him and have him condemn the violence and resolve not to tolerate that kind of violence in his rally. He didn't, and he won't.
This is a warning! As the powerful lyrics above proclaim, "the power of words, don't take them for granted when. You hear a man ranting, be more sublime than this, put everything in context". Does someone need to get shot? Does someone have to die before we recognize the danger.
This is a movement like the fascist movement in Italy prior to WWII. Let us not be silent. Speak against hate, refuse to stand with those who support hate. Reject the language and codes of violence and degradation. Seek unity in our diversity not isolation in our fear.
Unfortunately, as the lyrics would go on to say: "Death is the silence in the language of violence". It will continue and intensify until we, you and I refuse to tolerate it.
I pray that today, you will be the peacemaker you were created to be!
May God bless you
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