America the Beautiful

When I was 6, I remember sitting in class and listening to my teacher angrily complain about how everything was made in China as opposed to in the US. This was the first time in my life that I was made acutely aware of the contrast between my ethnicity and my nationality. I remember being conflicted whether or not to share this sentiment or to reject it. But as I grew older, I realized that this complaint struck at a much more serious topic. In the past couple of decades, the US has seen incredible transformation. Trade liberalization has resulted in a shift away from domestic manufacturing. The internet and technology has transformed not only how business is conducted but also community exposure to unfamiliar ideas and concepts. This is understandably unnerving for many people. But while society has transformed, that sentiment has brewed.

Biden is right when he says that the US is at an inflection point. The US is staged to become a majority minority country in the next 20 years. This trend underpins the fear that US elections are being stolen. When Trump claims that there are many fraudulent votes from illegal immigrants, he is playing to his base's fear. Coupled with the changes in the US economy, Trump weaves the narrative that America is being stolen from the people by immigrants and the elite. But this is a dangerous rhetoric because it blinds his base from reasoning about political legitimacy. And being unable to accept political legitimacy is tinder for unrest.

Trump, a narcissist, has dragged us all into his emotional trauma. He is unable to distinguish his loss in the election as separate from his self-worth. He has turned his supporters' fears and desires into a tool to protect his ego. As a narcissist, it is in his nature to do this, and we should accept that of him. But, we should recognize very clearly what is happening and the real danger it poses. The core of his campaign is not to make America great again. It is to redefine America without true regard for her so that he is loved.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried about the outcome of this election. But, I have faith that America will make the right decision. Know that there will be ardent Americans alongside you no matter the outcome. Go vote!