Fallacy of Greatness
The desert landscape is enchanting. It’s become my sanctuary. My soul loves nature; my soul is at peace amongst the mountains. Dawn’s early light began to dance along the edge of the peak that gracefully towered above my community. Folks waved and uttered their salutations as I jogged by. I was in stride. Everything was clicking; my body felt great with each mile. I slowed my cadence as I reached the end of the block when I noticed a “Make America Great Again” sign in someone’s yard. This wasn’t uncommon as Arizona has always been considered a conservative state. I chuckled at the possibility of Trump being elected again. We’re better than that as a nation. Sure, America has its glaring flaws but we wouldn’t dare go down that path again.
Last night, I sipped tea at my writing desk as I watched the live election broadcast. The polling numbers flashed on the screen as each state began reporting results. Trump’s early lead concerned me, but there was plenty of time. As the night continued, his lead grew. This can’t be right, I thought. How could we find ourselves here again after the insurrection, multiple lawsuits, and documented crime convictions? To put it bluntly, Trump encapsulates all that is wrong with this country; he is America personified.
Tuesday night showed me America simply does not wish to progress. The fact Trump was even allowed to run again after a myriad of moral, political, and legal failures, highlights the fallacy of America’s greatness. Open racism, police brutality, sexism, classism, intolerance, and faux Christian values appear to be its guiding principles. The American justice and political systems continue to fail the people. As a Black man, of course, I knew this. As Black people, we are intimately aware of the systems at play.
Sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty sweep the nation as I write this essay. It’s okay to be angry. I know it’s hard to see a path forward right now. I ask you to protect your mental health. Prioritize taking care of yourself. Guard your heart and mind with everything within you. Don’t give in to the bullshit. Distance yourself from those who wish to burden you. We will be okay. Today we mourn, tomorrow we fight.