For decades politicians in America have effectively used identity politics as a political strategy, but there is something seismic happening about which most of the corporate media isn't reporting.
African-American Voting Patterns in US Presidential Elections
2000 10% of voters // 90% Al Gore // 9% George Bush
2004 11% of voters // 88% John Kerry // 11% George Bush
2008 13% of voters // 94% Barack Obama // 4% John McCain
2012 13% of voters // 93% Barack Obama // 6% Mitt Romney
2016 12% of voters// 89% Hillary Clinton // 8% Donald Trump
Something Big is Happening
As you can see above, the Democrats had a virtual lock on over 10% of voters. Thus because African-American voters have tended to vote as a block, shifts are especially impactful.
Until recently cultural wedge issues dominated political debate, but that does work as well with Donald Trump. He is an anti-establishment figure who manages to connect to ordinary Americans despite a relentless assault by corporate media, entertainers, and establishment politicians of both parties. If you only know him through that filter, the videos that follow might surprise you.
HotepJesus
Some of you may have heard of @HotepJesus after the punked a Starbucks for a free black reparations coffee.
Here's a video of HotepJesus the day after Donald Trump was elected
Here he is in late June 2018
Candace Owens
Many people first became aware of Candace Owens thanks to Kanye West
She has actually been active on YouTube for almost a year now, below is a video from ten months ago.
On the Street
Antifa in action against an African-American Trump supporter & why people are starting to #walkaway
WalkAway
The Unsilent Minority is a movement of liberals and progressives who are rejecting identity politics. Brandon Straka's viral video is another indication that the influence of identity politics is weakening. He's a gay hair-stylist, aspiring actor, and a powerful agent for change.
Brandon's call to unity and civility echos a powerful message in Donald Trump's inaugural address which isn't mentioned on corporate media because it doesn't fit the narrative:
“At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other. When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, 'how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.' We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity.”
This post isn't intended to be political, it is merely a rejection of the idea that it is acceptable to label someone a racist, fascist, or xenophobe who doesn't share your views. Naturally, people have differing views, but hate, vilification, vitriol, and name calling don't solve problems, they exacerbate them.
Walking Away to my Steemit Summer Vacation
After a year of diligently posting on Steemit I've decided to take the rest of the summer off from Steemit and other active pursuits on the Internet – it's time to spend some quality time in the real world.
Wishing you all a great summer!
Credits:
Voting Stats from https://ropercenter.cornell.edu
Photo collage by @roused from YouTube screen captures