In 1968 in the midst of an unjust war, Richard Nixon was faced with a series of adversities, anti-war protests and racial protests, which plagued the United States, causing a divide between an underprivileged minority and a privileged majority.
It appears that the adversarial history of 1968 has repeated itself. The country is once again divided after the controversial 2016 presidential election. Today’s division addresses the racial tension that was brought to the forefront during the 2016 presidential campaigns. Confederate statues have been vandalized because many believe that by attacking Confederate ideologies the issue of racism will be recognized and addressed.
Politics and the recent adversities have caused those in entertainment industries to utilize their platform to voice their opinion. The National Basketball Association 2017 Champions, the Golden State Warriors, have denied an invitation to the White House because members within the team do not agree with President Trump’s sexist and racial remarks. The National Football League has chosen to take a stand against the racial tension by allowing players, coaches and general managers to refuse to stand or cover their heart for the national anthem.
Other celebrities and entertainers have been seen marching in protests, seen wearing anti-Trump clothing, and some have created songs that speak out against the injustice targeted at America’s black people – injustices like police brutality, the alarming number of deaths at the hands of law enforcement, and recent Ku Klux Klan and white supremacist rallies.
What is next for America? Will the United States continue the division by rejecting the idea of change, or will the country come together to accept the optimism of change? Will racial tension increase in the coming months?
American tragedy does not end with challenges faced within the borders of the United States. In recent months, North Korea stated that it possesses a nuclear-tipped missile that can reach the United States’ West Coast. President Trump has hinted via social media that he is ready to take the necessary military action after belittling the North Korean leader with the name “Little Rocket Man.” This has led the U.S to prepare for what may become World War III.
The United States is known for turning tragedy into triumph, despite the hardships and uncertainty the country has faced this year. War is not the answer! After all it will be the young, the poor and the black folks who will fight. Remember Vietnam.
Joshua Peters (D-St. Louis) represents District 76 in the Missouri House of Representatives.
