We are not alternative facts: feeling, existing, and resisting in the era of Trump

Abstract

In this article the authors argue that Donald Trump is not simply a presidential figure, but the embodiment of white supremacy, capitalism, racism, neoliberalism, patriarchy, xenophobia, Islamaphobia, homophobia, and more. It is our belief that historically marginalized communities are in a state of constant terror as we try to make sense of how to navigate, live, and merely exist in a world where our livelihood is constantly under threat. In this article, we aim to showcase some of the ways in which people in our communities are coping and making sense of Trump’s presidency and his spiteful rhetoric. The authors include personal reflections, and weave in art, poems, and Facebook statuses of Students of Color who are also responding to the current administration. By meshing many perspectives, we seek to understand glimpses of the totality and impact of this president in our daily lives.

Keywords:

• Donald Trump
• students of color
• (undocumented/DACAmented students)
• whiteness
• coping

Notes

1. These emotions are overwhelming, and difficult to describe

2. Contradicting emotions

3. The people whom, like me, don’t have papers [are undocumented]

4. [Undocumented] community members

5. You know what, perhaps we should grant citizenship [status] to everyone who works the land. At the end of the day, the bread loaf that sits on our table, someone had to plant, water, care for (repeatedly), harvest, prepare, bake, cut, pack, transport, unpack, and organize in the shelves of our favorite grocery store

6. Since we have dedicated time to cultivating authentic realities, not superficial realities filled with shoes designed by Ivanka. The lives of undocumented individuals in this country are important not only because they are human lives, but because undocumented folks exemplify love can achieve more than hate

7. Businesses

8. A piece of paper that tells me

9. But honestly, that piece of paper is simply an object; my life, and the lives of 11 million undocumented people and their families are much more valuable than a simple piece of paper. And if Trump really wants a piece of paper, I invite him to print this essay and shove it where the light don't shine

10. I want to ensure readers that I do not employ the F-word lightly, nor am I using it for mere 'shock' value. It is meant to communicate my emotions and to punctuate the degree of anger I felt when I wrote this reflection. For what it's worth, the word is no different than what Donald Trump once said on the campaign trail and in previous television interviews (LaFrance, 2017). It is also no different than what now-former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci, once used when talking to members of the press (Baker & Haberman, 2017). My use of this word and my perspectives in this reflection, do not reflect the feelings/sentiments of my co-authors, my academic institution, or the journal in which it appears. If there are any concerns or trepidations about my use of this term, readers should direct them to me at my email address