Republicans, particularly of the last several decades, have shown their lack of concern for poor and underserved communities. Many of you, like me, likely shared some conservative views at one point in your lives. But conservative values have steadily gone so far-right that it’s become impossible to agree with much of anything they offer anymore.
Other than the willfully insensible, it’s difficult to understand how so many working-class white folks and Latinos can’t see past the divisiveness of the party while continuing to support them. You got to give the Republicans one thing, they play the propaganda game well.
From conservative perceptions of having their guns taken away to the browning of America to fears of having people of color coming into political office, conservatives have historically represented views steeped in racism and bigotry. Views that allow them to manipulate voters into believing things like immigrants are taking their jobs (they’re not).
It’s a strategy that is not unknown and has been in use for some time. The results of those policies are now beginning to garner widespread attention thanks in large part to social media. But social media is also responsible for the spread of racially motivated division by providing a space to normalize hate speech and coded-language. Many of these views are derived from the use of dog-whistles by conservative public figures and elected officials — furthering divides.
Now, don’t get me wrong, some Democrats are behind the times on race and many other issues. But, I would argue that much of it is unintentional (at best) or progressive ignorance (at worst). Political influence is changing with an ever-increasing push for more representation of minorities in public office. And while modern-day Democrats may be lacking in some areas, one thing they are largely not is blatantly racist — as so many conservative voices are.
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