In America, there is a great divide between generations. My parents lived through 9/11; this was their generational disaster. The national reaction to 9/11 resulted in nationwide racism and fear toward groups that were considered “other,” especially the Muslim community. For my generation, however, many of us live in constant fear of mass shootings. The disaster of our generation began with mass shootings like Sandy Hook and the Parkland shooting. The disaster of our generation continues every single day, and we are faced with this horror so often that we have become accustomed to it. Most other countries do not deal with this kind of damage, and the recent New Zealand mosque shootings are no exception.
New Zealand just banned military-style rifles after 50 people were killed in mosque attacks by a self-declared white nationalist who referred to President Donald Trump as “a symbol of renewed white identity.” Since then, there has been an outcry about the rising significance and rising threat of white nationalism. In response to this outcry, Trump once again defended white nationalism, claiming that it is not a threat because white nationalists are “just a small group of people.”
Let’s break this down. Trump’s comment essentially conveys that, because he considers white nationalists a small group of people, he does not see them as a threat that is able to cause any harm. This is despite the fact that 50 people were just murdered by a white nationalist in New Zealand. It also means that Trump does not plan on doing anything about white nationalists or the threat they may pose to the country or the already oppressed minorities that seek a peaceful life here. Trump has a record of defending white nationalists, such as his comment on the Charlottesville conflict where he equated the white supremacists and neo-Nazis on one side with the “alt-left” on the other side, claiming that “there is blame on both sides.”
The claim “it’s just a small group of people” also closely resembles a line used to defend against those who call all Muslims terrorists, calling out a double standard. Muslims live by many rules that call for peace. The Quran forbids murder and violence, so anyone who goes against these rules should not even be allowed to call themselves Muslims. Those who commit terrorism under the guise of Islam are a small percentage of people, and yet Trump has put travel bans on Muslims and, through his actions, encouraged violence and racism against peaceful Muslims. When Trump is faced with violence and terrorism from white people, however, he basically ignores it. Because it is “just a small group of people,” he says they are not a threat. If this is true, then how are Muslims a threat? How are Hispanics a threat? How are any of the groups of people that Trump has oppressed during his presidency a threat?
Trump is supporting white nationalism and oppressing minority groups in big and small ways every day. His comment that white nationalism is not a threat is hypocritical, racist, and supports white terrorism and white nationalism. White supremacy is terrorism. Misogyny and racism are precursors to violence. We need to stand up and realize that if we do nothing, all that will follow is tragedy.
