Toggle Menu
Greater Diversity News Homepage
  • Latest Jobs
    • Search Jobs
    • Send Advertisements/Jobs
    • Weekly PDF Editions
    • Subscribe to Print Edition
  • Books of Knowledge
    • Latest Books
    • Get Started: Reading Order
  • A Call to Colors
    • A Call to Colors Articles
    • About Civic Engagement Project
    • Civic Engagement Headlines
    • The Network for 2018
    • About Economic Equity
    • Economic Equity Headlines
    • GDN eNews Archives
  • Student Engagement
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe to Print
    • Subscribe to eNews
    • eNews Archives
  • Virtual Events
  • Eastern NC
  • Sections/Archives
    • Latest Headlines
    • GDN eNews Archives
    • Books of Knowledge
    • Civic Engagement Headlines
    • Economic Equity Headlines
    • NAACP News
    • Print PDF Archives
    • All GDN Posts
  • Contact Us
    • General Questions
    • Send Advertisements
    • Contact GDN Sales
    • About GDN Products
    • Advertise
ACTC ACTC
The Real Reason Trump Won: White Fright

The Real Reason Trump Won: White Fright

by GDN Shared Post November 18, 2016

By Christopher Sebastian Parker, Professor of Political Science, University of Washington

Many presidents have assumed the reins of a divided nation, but we’ve never seen anything like the reaction to Donald J. Trump’s 2016 presidential election.

It didn’t happen to Richard Nixon while the country was bitterly split over race and war.

Half of the country believed Al Gore was cheated out of his shot at the White House in 2000, but the run-up to George W. Bush’s presence in the Oval Office offered nothing like what we are seeing now.

President Barack Obama, by turns believed a socialist and African national, among other things, was feared by some on the right, but didn’t face what the current president-elect now faces: a country whose division is exceeded only by Civil War-era America.

If Trump is so divisive, why did he win?

The conventional account

If we are to believe the emerging consensus, Trump won with the support of working-class white voters, people anxious about their economic prospects in a globalizing economy. The theory goes that the automation that has replaced workers, and the pull of capitalism that pushed manufacturing jobs overseas, squeezed the white working class. As a result, the white working class supported Trump and his promises to blunt globalization and curb free trade, moves that will preserve working-class jobs.

Hogwash.

Reasonable people may disagree on the definition of “working class,” but let’s agree that it resides in the US$30,000 to $50,000 range. Even if we add in those classified as poor – that is, households earning less than $30,000 – this group constitutes only about 36 percent of the electorate. Substantial, but not enough to hand Trump the election.

Especially not since Hillary Clinton actually beat Trump among poor and working-class voters: 52 percent to 41 percent.

So, where did Trump beat Clinton if income is the criterion by which we’re judging the election? Even if not by much, exit polling indicates he bested her among those earning at least $50,000 – that is, the middle and upper class.

But for the fact that much has been made of the white working class riding to Trump’s rescue, it’s not entirely shocking that the GOP standard bearer won the middle- and upper-class white vote: It’s been this way for some time, for several decades, in fact.

Instead, what’s most arresting is that middle- and upper-class whites voted for this particular candidate. College-educated whites tend to be more tolerant than those without a college diploma. In a nutshell, a college education is generally tied to a commitment to democratic values. But Trump’s brazen misogyny, racism and navitism run afoul of these values.

By the way, I’m not the only one to conclude that Trump’s victory had at least as much to do with support from voters who remain unencumbered by economic anxiety as those riven by it.

The real reason he won

If social economic status – especially education – is a gateway to a more tolerant, democratic society, why did middle- and upper-class voters back someone who represents the antithesis of such values?

It’s actually pretty simple, in my opinion. My reading of history suggests that the boundaries of American identity intersect with whiteness, patriarchy, xenophobia and homophobia. This means that anyone, any group that falls outside of such a definition of American identity, is considered beyond the political community; they’re aliens.

Rapid social change, which poses a threat to this truncated version of American identity, activates anxiety and anger on the part of those who lay claim to this identity. The America with which they’ve become familiar is changing too fast. Hence, the slogan for the Trump campaign: “Make America great again.” This suggests that America, in its present state, is defective in some way and needs to return some previous version of itself.

Let’s consider what could be “wrong” with America circa 2016.

Rapidly changing demographics means that America will transition to a “majority-minority” country no later than 2044. Women are now more visible in public life than ever. Three serve on the Supreme Court. One even ran for president – twice. Same-sex marriage is now the law of the land. Last, but not least, we’ve had a black president for almost eight years.

With this in mind, many Trump supporters believe themselves to be losing “their” country, something that leads them to prefer a social milieu more consistent with days gone by – one in which primarily white, middle- and upper-class, heterosexual, native-born men reigned supreme.

It isn’t the first time America has witnessed something like this. Rapid social change spurred the growth of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s and the John Birch Society in the 1960s.

Ku Klux Klan members supporting Barry Goldwater’s campaign for the presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention, San Francisco, California in 1964. United States Library of Congress

Like Trump’s supporters, economic anxiety had next to nothing to do with why people supported the KKK or the John Birch Society. These people were relatively well off. Instead, it was the perception of existential threat that pushed people to join each. The KKK felt threatened by the “New Negro” and religious minorities; for the JBS, it was about the civil rights movement joining forces with the Soviet Union.

But we needn’t look back as far as the 20th century to identify the most recent example the reactionary sentiment that fueled Trump’s stunning victory.

As I have written elsewhere, the Tea Party movement formed in reaction to the election of the first black president. He represented social change in which 20 percent of white voters couldn’t believe.

When one considers the extent to which these groups overlap, these similarities come as no great surprise. My analysis of existing polling data suggests 83 percent of those who identify with the Tea Party also supported Trump’s candidacy during the campaign. In other words, Tea Party supporters are now Trump supporters.

More importantly, if the policy preferences of Trump supporters are even remotely similar to those who supported the Tea Party, progressives have reason to be concerned. Tea Party types are far less inclined to support progressive policies than establishment conservatives.

Still, a silver lining may exist. Trump’s victory, in light of all of his antics during the campaign, makes it all but impossible to deny the continuing currency of racism, sexism, xenophobia and homophobia in the United States. It’s on display for all to see.

This could be a good thing: It forces us to reckon with who we really are. Is America really about the democratic, progressive values professed in the founding documents? Or, are we really the small-minded, bigoted place Trump’s election represents?

If we hope to maintain a claim to exceptionalism, we must find our way back to the values on which this country was founded, ones that include equality and freedom.

If Trump and his supporters really wish to “Make America great again,” perhaps they should go all the way back to these founding principles. Only this time, they should leave behind the racism, sexism and nativism.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email


Related GDN Headline Articles

Similar Posts From GDN Headline Category
Voter Suppression Won Again: We Lost a Battle, Not the War

Voter Suppression Won Again: We Lost a Battle, Not the War

October 31, 2014
The National Coalition of Black Veterans Organization urge  President Barack Obama to promote the late Colonel Charles Young, a Buffalo solider, to the honorary rank of Brigadier General

The National Coalition of Black Veterans Organization urge President Barack Obama to promote the late Colonel Charles Young, a Buffalo solider, to the honorary rank of Brigadier General

January 28, 2013
Hate Crimes and Solutions offered by Activists

Hate Crimes and Solutions offered by Activists

April 29, 2019


Greater Diversity News Print Edition

Latest Jobs & Bids

Click here to send us your ad and get more information about advertising, or call 800-462-0738.

  1. Vecellio & Grogan, Inc.

    NCDOT US70 Business to Neuse River Bridge w/Interchanges at SR-1501 & SR-1919 Project in Johnston Co., NC

  2. Jacksonville Mechanical, Inc.

    Decatur Pump Station Abandonment, Jacksonville, NC

  3. Branch Builds, Inc.

    Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises for the upcoming bid for Olympic HS, Harding HS, and South Meck HS CTE Renovations located in Charlotte, NC

  4. Branch Builds, Inc.

    Olympic HS, Harding HS, and South Meck HS CTE Renovations located in Charlotte, NC

  5. All Hands Cleaning, LLC

    We Clean Anything Residential or Commercial 

  6. Bar Construction Co., Inc.

    Ballfield Infield Renovations at Valley Springs Park in Durham, NC

  7. Bar Construction Co., Inc.

    Eastern Alamance High School Additions & Renovations in Mebane, NC

  8. Bar Construction Co., Inc.

    Go Triangle Bus Stops Construction (Group A) in Durham, NC

  9. Bar Construction Co., Inc.

    Walter M. Williams High School Electrical Service Relocation in Burlington, NC

  10. Bar Construction Co., Inc.

    Graham High School in Graham, NC

  11. Bar Construction Co., Inc.

    Western Alamance High School Additions & Renovations in Burlington, NC

  12. Lomax Construction, Inc.

    Walter M. Williams High School Bond Project, Burlington, NC

  13. Lomax Construction, Inc.

    Eastern Alamance High School, Burlington, NC

  14. Town of Smithfield, NC

    Police Officer I, Firefighter I, Public Works Director

  15. Baker Mechanical, Inc.

    Seeking Minority Prices for work relating to HVAC

  16. Southeastern Community College

    Carpentry, Electrical, General Contractor, Outboard Engine Maintenance PLC, Plumbing, 3D Printing, Real Estate, Roofing

  17. Southeastern Community College

    Chief Operating Office/VP Of Administrative Services Director, Small Business Center Grounds Maintenance Worker

  18. Jimmy R. Lynch & Sons, Inc.

    Winston-Salem (Forsyth County) Access Road at Idols Road Lift Station.

  19. North Carolina Department of Public Safety

    Johnston County out for bid: C-TBD Johnston CI Boiler and Water Heater Replacement

  20. Cooper Construction Company, Inc.

    NEP Area 6 Water Distribution Systems (Formerly NEP Area 7 Water Distribution Systems)

  21. City of Statesville, NC

    Recreation & Parks Department Statesville Fitness & Activity Center: Facility Manager

  22. Wilmington Housing Authority

    Maintenance Supervisor and Housing Choice Voucher Inspections Coordinator

  23. Robeson Community College

    Admissions Specialist

  24. State Utility Contractors, Inc.

    Rockfish Creek Water Reclamation Facility Screening Improvements project located in Fayetteville, NC

  25. Pender County Schools

    Request for Proposals for Insurance Services

  26. Haren Construction Company, Inc.

    Fayetteville, NC – Rockfish Creek WRF Screening Improvements Project

  27. City of Asheboro

    Chemical Bids For City of Asheboro Water/Wastewater Treatment Plants

  28. Barnhill Contracting Company

    Town of Sunset Beach 2021 Street Resurfacing 8641Linear Footage Of City Streets

  29. H.M. Kern Corporation

    Graham HS Renovations project

  30. H.M. Kern Corporation

    Asheboro HS Phase 3 Renovation project

  31. H.M. Kern Corporation

    NC A&T Merrick Hall Roof Replacement project

  32. CNS Builders, Inc.

    Gas Station Convenient Store Greensboro, NC

  33. Barnhill Contracting Company

    Heavy Highway Division Contract ID:  C204359

  34. North Carolina Department of Public Safety

    DART Cherry Mold Abatement and HVAC Repairs

  35. Global Process Automation, LLC (Wilmington, NC)

    Sr. Automation Engineer

  36. New Atlantic Contracting, Inc.

    Asheboro High School Renovations – Phase 3, 1221 South Park Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203

  37. NHM Constructors, LLC

    03/09/21: DN00493 Haywood-Bridge No. 401 over Little East Fork Pigeon River on SR 1236 (Brown Hollow Rd) and DN00495 at Bridge No. 276 over Burnett Creek on SR 1104 (Burnett Cove Rd)

  38. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Mitchell-Dey Electrical Upgrades SCO Project # 17-18102-01

  39. City of Sanford

    Selection, Design and Implementation of a File Retrieval And Archival System

  40. Town of Greenevers

    USDA – Greenevers Street Improvements, Contract No. 21 – 2021 Street Improvements

  41. Town of Ayden

    2020 Sanitary Sewer Improvements Contract No. 5 – NC 102 East Sanitary Sewer Extension

  42. Beco, Inc.

    Walter M. Williams High School Electrical Service Relocation

  43. Barnhill Contracting Company

    Town of Rose Hill Street Resurfacing FY 20-21 #2, NCDOT Onslow County Resurfacing & Pavement Preservation and NCDOT Lenoir County Milling, Strengthening, Resurfacing, & Shoulder Reconstruction Projects

  44. Barnhill Contracting Company

    NCDOT Contract: #DA00428 Pasquotank County – Drainage, Base, Paving & Resurfacing at US 17/NC 158 and Main St Extended

  45. Balfour Beatty Construction

    New Chatham County – Emergency Operations and Communications Center in Pittsboro, NC

  46. Robeson Community College

    Financial Aid Specialist

  47. City of Statesville, NC

    Public Works Department Stormwater Division: Skilled Laborer, Public Utilities Department Water/Sewer Maintenance Division: Commercial Driver

  48. H.M. Kern Corporation

    Lee Co. Government Center Re-Roof project

  49. H.M. Kern Corporation

    Raleigh PD HVAC Replacement project

  50. Cumberland County Schools

    South View Middle School Phase 2 Classroom HVAC Upgrade.

  51. North Carolina Department of Transportation

    (C204359) Johnston; (C204202) Henderson ; (C204521) Pitt; (C204618) Vance; (C204610) Person

  52. NC Department of Public Instruction / School Planning

    Woodard Hall Toilet Renovations project (SCO ID# 20-22543-01) at the Eastern NC School for the Deaf in Wilson, NC

  53. Robersonville Housing Authority

    Comprehensive Purchasing Consortium (CPC) Carolinas Council of Housing Redevelopment & Codes Officials, Inc.

  54. UNC Charlotte

    Redesign of Modifications to J.W. Clay Blvd. & Robert D. Snyder Rd. project

  55. North Carolina State Ports Authority

    C-1520 Radio Communications Tower and Civil Works, North Carolina State Ports Authority, Port of Wilmington and Port of Morehead City, NCSPA Contract No. C-1520.

  56. North Carolina State Ports Authority

    Security Generator Replacement – MHC, Port of Morehead City, NCSPA Contract No. C-1535(M)

  57. Turner Murphy Company, Inc.

    City of Bishopville WWTP Sludge Dewatering & Clarifier Upgrades

  58. Turner Murphy Company, Inc.

    Batesburg-Leesville WWTP Aerator Replacement Project

  59. Piedmont Triad Airport Authority

    Runway 5R-23L Rehabilitation Project, Construction Phase 4

  60. North Carolina School for the Deaf

    NCSD – NCSSM Campus Wide Water System Improvements

  61. Balfour Beatty Construction

    NCSU Electrical Distribution Upgrade

  62. Jones County School Board

    Jones County Schools Athletic Fields

  63. Alamance -Burlington School System

    Western Alamance High School – Additions and Renovations Elon, NC

  64. Alamance -Burlington School System

    Eastern Alamance High School – Additions and Renovations Mebane , NC

  65. Alamance -Burlington School System

    Walter M. Williams High School Bond Project

  66. City of Sanford

    Street Resurfacing Project 2020-2021 Project

  67. Robeson Community College

    Public Information Officer

  68. Haynes Electric Haynes Heating & Cooling

    Estes Elementary School – Three Classroom Addition

  69. Barnhill Contracting Company

    Northern High School Replacement Project

  70. North Carolina State Ports Authority

    C-1544 Radio Communications and Mass Notification System,  North Carolina State Ports Authority, Port of Wilmington and Port of Morehead City, NCSPA Contract No. C-1544

  71. LJB, Inc.

    Monroe Brine Pump Shed and Utilities at the Union County Maintenance Yard

  72. A. R. Chesson Construction

    EWM Terminal Building Rest Room Maintenance & Upgrades

  73. NC Department of Public Instruction / School Planning

    New Maintenance Garage project (SCO ID# 18-18485-01A) at the Eastern NC School for the Deaf in Wilson, NC

  74. H.M. Kern Corporation

    RCC Gymnasium Re-roof project

  75. H.M. Kern Corporation

    Western Rockingham MS Tennis Courts project


tetsaro
actc video
Banner

  • Refund Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Job Posting
  • GDN eNews Subscription for Economic Equity Updates

Designed by Raibach Inc.

© 2017 Copyright Greater Diversity News. All Rights reserved.

  Close Window

Loading, Please Wait!

This may take a second or two. Loading
SUBSCRIBE
Processing...
Thank you! Your subscription has been confirmed. You'll hear from us soon.
Subscribe to Get Updates and the Latest Headlines
Email updates sent weekly on Voter Engagement, Economic Equity, and weekly Job Postings.
ErrorHere
Powered By Campaign Monitor