The Wake-Up Call of Racism: A Turk's Perspective on America

Introduction

As a Turk living in Arizona for the past six years, I have closely followed US politics because Trump's decisions often directly impact my life. This has led me to realize that the concept of an 'enlightened' society may not be as advanced in America as one might believe. In this article, I will explore my experiences and observations on the state of racism in America, and discuss the implications for both Republicans and Democrats.

The Comfort Zone

Before Trump, many Americans, particularly liberals, held the belief that the country had reached a level of enlightenment beyond basic racism. However, my personal experiences have shown that such statements could not be further from the truth.

Everyday Racism

I have encountered numerous instances of racism in seemingly unexpected places. For example, at an In-N-Out restaurant, 25 out of 25 employees were white, despite the fact that the Latino population makes up 30% and the black population makes up 10% of this state. Racially insensitive comments filled the air on a daily basis. A person once commented on my Obama shirt by comparing it to an orangutan, and during a professional setting, like an onsite interview with Dupont, I noticed a lack of diversity, with 17 out of 17 individuals being white, and a majority of them being men. In another instance, a father chose not to play with his child while on a playdate, instead focusing on mowing the lawn, simply because he was ignoring me while I waited for my child.

Racism: A Natural Human Instinct

Racism, though deeply disturbing, is a natural human inclination. Comparatively, the US has managed this issue better than many Western countries. For every negative experience I have had, I have also experienced positive interactions with white individuals who treated me normally. I do not complain about my personal experiences, as they are a part of my lived reality.

The Mismatch: Liberals vs. the Majority

However, a significant problem lies in the mismatch between liberal beliefs and the reality faced by the majority of Americans. During Obama's final year in office, the main topic of discussion among liberals was bathroom options for transgender people. While this may indeed be a problem, it seems trivial when considering that half the country would prefer sending transgender people to reorientation camps. Instead, we should focus on addressing larger, more pressing issues like employment opportunities, income disparities, and healthcare costs.

The Republican Response

The overt and brazen racism of the Republicans serves as a wake-up call for everyone. We must acknowledge that the country is not where we think it is. Liberals need to observe, learn from this reality, and adapt accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ongoing debate on race and politics in America is far from resolved. It is clear that there is a significant gap between the perceived state of America and the reality faced by everyday individuals. As a Turk, I hope to bring awareness to these issues and contribute to a more informed discussion on the topic.