Parker: Trump’s divisiveness is a ploy critics keep falling for
Lebron James, an NBA world superstar, told CNN newsman Don Lemon he called Trump a bum because “he kinda used sports to kinda divide us. And that’s something that I can’t relate to because I know that sports was the first time I was around someone white.”
Donald Trump followed with this tweeted response. “Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon,” Mr. Trump wrote. “He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!”
Trump made his calculated attempt at division with an apparent mention of Michael Jordan, essentially confirming James’ observation.
Historically, these United States have existed along a racial fault line or constrained by socioeconomic boundaries. U.S. citizens continue telling our ginormous lie about integration success, that we moved beyond racial animus with the election of President Barack Obama.
Trump has again underscored his limited knowledge of black folk with an old plantation attempt to pit one black man against another, a selection process that intended categorization of either field hand or house man.
African-Americans may debate James vs. Jordan on-court dominance but Trump continually shows that he misunderstands black people. He remains incapable of any realization that we love both men.
Our sentiments rarely reach either or for any black person who rises based on understanding that such accomplishments require Herculean efforts.
Our love exists for Malcolm and Martin not necessarily supporting their doctrines as much as acknowledging that they exhibited strength, intelligence and power.
Our adoration extends to Republican Condoleeza Rice, the first African-American U.S. Secretary of State, First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah. Their blackness tethers struggle yet their ascent empowers women of all skin tones, ethnic backgrounds and faiths.
Many of their supporters find strength through knowing what those aforementioned black diamonds endured to reach such lofty perches as women of influence.
Women rising to any significant post as a leader in corporate America, politics, athletics, etc, registers as a major accomplishment in a male-dominated society. Getting there as a woman of color? Many comprehend a diverse level of challenges that await ethnic minorities and women who break through chauvinistic barriers.
For instance, a high regard exists here for Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor, Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan.
Trump remains a master of child-like petulance, hurt by any criticism and forced to push back against any perceived slight or difference of opinion. His behaviors have diluted the power of the U.S. presidency as the United States divides.
Trump’s many comments register as social lightning rods, intended to spark controversy, hurt and rile. His most ardent supporters offer allowances that continue their wanton wishes for white dominance.
Eventually, Trump critics will dismiss him as the child in Aisle A, floor-twirling like Curly the Stooge, needing immediate and perpetual attention.
All Donald-all the time prohibits any real movement toward problem solving. People want solutions to their problems and not this perpetual drone of Trump wielding his bombastic bastard sword.
Still, try as we may, Trump almost always draws a response. He’s got us in his clutches. Lebron or Mike?
Both.