If it is Not for All, it is Not for Us: Reflections on Racism, Nationalism, and Populism in the United States

Abstract

Contrasting the leadership styles of Donald Trump and Barack Obama, this essay discusses the complex roots that foster and feed racism, nationalism, and ethnic fears. The work of African American social critics and artists, sociologists, and Eric Berne’s writings on group psychology and existential life positions are drawn on to illustrate the psychological and social depths that underpin and motivate racial, ethnic, and nationalistic bias and hatred. The author describes efforts to address and work through some of the social and economic consequences of racism through the efforts of his own community. The forces contained within the contemporary rise of nationalism and populism are complex. These can be—and must be—seen from multiple points of view.

Keywords:

• Racism
• nationalism
• procedural justice
• disenfranchisement
• poverty
• existential life positions
• Eric Berne
• transactional analysis

Disclosure Statement

The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The author received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Notes on contributors

William F. Cornell

William F. Cornell, MA, is a Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy) who maintains an independent private practice of therapy, consultation, and training in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as well as leading frequent training groups in Europe. He is one of the coeditors of the Transactional Analysis Journal and the author of numerous articles and books. He can be reached at 145 44^th St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201-3038, USA; email: [email protected].