In this opinion piece in the New York Times, Charles Blow calls
for resistance against President Trump as he outlines the president’s racist
and sexist tactics. Blow holds nothing back as he brings attention to the
numerous red flags surrounding the Trump Presidency, including his countless
actions that display and support racist, misogynist, and homophobic views. I
admire Blow’s blunt and honest take on President Trump, but what grabs my
attention the most, is Blow’s call for resistance. Resistance is not something
always seems prevalent in our so called “modern and civilized” society. However,
Blow challenges this by establishing that President Trump is unaccepting of
anyone who is not a white male Christian. Whether you agree with this statement
or not, Blow’s piece illuminates the very reasons as to why resistance is a
necessary and vital piece in fostering an accepting and equal society.
The act of resistance has a long and brutal history in
our country, yet it is these very acts that have sparked awareness and led to
progress. Blow’s resistance is driven by the crude, unethical remarks of our
president, in which he fails to acknowledge the presence of struggle and
marginalizes so many. When I think of resistance with respect to Blow’s
article, I think of the Civil Rights Movement and the way in which black folks
defied the power of the government and white people to break down barriers. Through
many different forms of activism, the Civil Rights Movement united people
around a common goal. Accepting the pure and simple fact that they deserved
better, those engaged in the Civil Rights Movement displayed the power of
resistance and begun to change the path of black folks. While this narrative is
often skewed or misunderstood, this display of resistance still resonates
today. The Civil Rights Movement brought national attention to the system of
oppression, and while it made astronomical strides in the fight for equality, many
are still left at a disadvantage based on mere physical traits. Resistance is not
an act of disobedience but it is about accepting the fact that minorities, or
any oppressed group, deserve equal treatment and acceptance into society. Though
it is met with backlash, resistance is necessary because despite numerous laws
put into place, systematic inequality is still very prominent and no doubt
ignored, if not encouraged, by the current administration. Especially today, where
it is widely believed that equal opportunity is available to all, defying the
oppressive and marginalizing voice of those more powerful than us is
fundamental to combatting inequalities and injustices.
WC: 429
Pledge: Olivia Holmes
No comments:
Post a Comment