What is the narrative?
Americans need to think about the words, actions they want to lead the public discourse
Take a moment to think about these words; separate, divide, hate and alienate.
Now think of societies, or times in history, when these words dominated the political rhetoric and their impact on government policies. Think of Nazi Germany, the KKK, Jim Crow Laws, the Inquisition, or South Africa’s Apartheid. How did the narrative influence social actions and determine social behaviour that set the standard of tolerance or intolerance of that society?
Now think of Donald Trump. Perhaps some are blind to the connection or maybe not?
Words, from leaders, send messages to their followers. Words that emphasize differences, distinctiveness, unrelated, unconnected, isolation and exclusiveness, all help create attitudes. What is the definition of the word “attitude”? “A settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behaviour.” In turn, words that contain a veneer of hate, or in Trump’s case bluntness, encourage a schism in society that breeds alienation, intolerance, hostility, segregation and discrimination.
The historical fruits of mean-spirited narrative bear sad evidence of this fact. We have witnessed slavery, denial of civil rights, apartheid, acts of genocide, the fight for gay rights, women’s rights and more. People of goodwill wage a never-ending struggle to bring people together instead of tearing people apart.
Those whose narrative fuel fear, anger and hatred in the name of making something “great again” use the techniques of con-men like the fictional character Elmer Gantry, or the real character of P.T. Barnum. Barnum, said of himself, “I am a showman by profession ... and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me,” and his personal aim was “to put money in his own coffers.” Barnum is credited with coining the phrase “There’s a sucker born every minute.”
Both Elmer Gantry and P.T. Barnum have been reincarnated in the amalgam of the person of Donald J. Trump. Trump’s unique ability to label his opponents, rightly or wrongly, has permanently tarred many of his adversaries. His talent for creating excitement and entertainment by calling upon the emotional fears and passionate anger in people is worthy of an Oscar performance. Burt Lancaster, if alive today, would praise his acting ability. P.T. Barnum would applause his shrewdness to con the masses.
If America, collectively, celebrates this narrative I sense an unease and deep anxiety over a pending social upheaval on the streets of America the likes of which we have never seen. The world’s; some say, “the modern cradle of freedom and democracy” will be destroyed. The face of a United States of America that I once knew will be transformed. Transformed into some kind of ugly deformity of a republic that is not great.
The caring, inclusive and welcoming country that so many people from different cultures, religions and nationalities have made their home I fear will disappear. Americans, at this point in time, have the opportunity to pause and think about the words and actions that they wish would lead the public discourse. Will it be the words of division or will it be words of togetherness, unity, friendship, acceptance, tolerance and grace. The choice has never been so clear or so stark.
In a world that too often employs the language of divisiveness, Americans will be challenged to show the kind of leadership that embraces togetherness. I fear in recent years we have seen some slippage in the positive narrative from the right of the political spectrum. If words matter, they would reflect one’s values. If values are put into action, America’s ambassadors on the world stage, whether in sports, politics, business or the arts, can communicate a strong message. The U.S. presidential election, in the political arena, affords Americans the opportunity to leave a positive message as they go forward to face the daunting challenges of the future. Their behaviour and language can leave an indelible impression upon the world. Pride in the American dream may rely upon a fine line between hate and love. Which will America choose?
In a world that too often employs the language of divisiveness, Americans will be challenged to show the kind of leadership that embraces togetherness.