Soon after Donald Trump was chosen as the President elect of the United States the number of hate crimes committed has escalated. These crimes include vandalism, physical and verbal assault, specifically towards minorities who live in the United States. These minorities include Blacks, Muslims, Hispanics and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities who have all fallen victim to these acts of hate.
“Before Trump was elected president, minorities have always been targeted, his election has escalated things, therefore making it worse for the minorities,” said Hanna Ibrahim, senior.
The targeting of minorities has been especially evident in school environments. Chants such as “build a wall” were vocalized in the cafeteria at Royal Oak Middle School in Michigan, just four days after the election. Places of worship have also been targeted, for example, at a local church in Maryland that advertised spanish services, received a message spray painted on their building, which said “Trump nation whites only.” This incident occurred just five days after the election.
“As a Muslim my family and I have been subject to many racist comments and uncomfortable situations. The day after the election a girl in my little sister’s class went around to all the people of color in the class and told them “goodbye.” This girl is only 11 years old and it’s scary to see that she already has this hatred in her,” said Ibrahim.
After election day, fear for the “minorities” lives has drastically increased. On December 3rd, a man was charged with a hate crime for terrorizing a Muslim police officer and her son in Brooklyn, New York. They were told “go back to your country” while the man proceeded to shove her son. Some people are now thinking that it is okay to commit these hateful acts since they have the same views as Trump when it comes to these different kinds of people.
“I think this has empowered them to attack random people because they feel like they can do it without repercussions and that it is a common opinion,” said Kerry Wilson, senior.
Although a multitude of hate crimes have been committed, the unity from the minority groups in these different communities has become stronger. Throughout the election many peaceful protests and kind messages were spread. For example, after the vandalising of the Church in Maryland, a banner was put up that said “Silver Spring loves and welcomes immigrants.”
“Bystanders should not be quiet if they witness a hate attack, they should step in and call out the perpetrator for their vicious attitude,” said Wilson.
Many people are taking precautions because they are so worried about their safety. Some minorities are trying to change who they are in fear of getting hurt by trying to “blend in” with Trump’s definition of America, in fear of being targeted.
“ I know a couple girls that are thinking about taking their hijab off, in fear of being harassed or physically injured. This is truly sad and disheartening. All I can do is be there for my friends, especially if they have become targets and victims of hate,” said Ibrahim.
Trump being our President – elect has already impacted America. As many as 868 hate crimes or incidents of harassment was reported within ten days of President- elect Trump’s nomination.
“People think it’s okay to act on their immoral views because they have elected a man who shares these views with them. By voting for Donald Trump and seeing that he won the election, they’ve gained the bravery that most of them never had to outwardly show their hatred for anyone other than the people like them,” said Ibrahim.
