Dear Editor,
The fiasco that has arisen due to Donald Trump’s imprudent remarks about Mexicans has deservedly had a disruptive impact on his business. Even his presidential bid is likely to have been impacted by his remarks but we are unsure whether this is negatively or positively. It has been reported that those remarks may have given him a surge to number two in the Republican Party’s presidential list of candidates. This should serve to reinforce the belief held by many people that many Americans are jingoistic and xenophobic. Americans have been taught that they are the first or best in everything; the strongest economy, military and opportunities to name a few salient areas. These achievements have emanated from the societal anchor of freedom and democracy. However, all these factors could culminate in excess. Trump has indulged in excess, the focus here being in terms of expression and self centredness. His lack of remorse, reiteration of his outbursts and his outcome at the polls will provide an insight into the American psyche.
American society is multi-ethnic and its success is undeniably attributed to that factor. It is crass and boorish for a presidential aspirant to denigrate immigrants, many of whom are legally resident and making a significant contribution to the success of American society. Let us not take lightly the election of such a person as Trump to the position of US president, referred to and acknowledged as the most powerful position in the world. Trump’s eagerness to be disputatious and to emerge as victor, seems appealing to the average American but may not play out well on the international stage in a world of terrorism, nuclear weapons and other armaments. As his outbursts continue and he creates a chasm between himself and his Republican colleagues, the spectacle is garnering local and worldwide media attention. “The Donald,” as he is sometimes referred to, is known to revel in such sensationalism and attention, and feels that he is untouchable and without blemish. Maybe he needs to be ignored as much as possible. Maybe he should stick to real estate and his other business operations in order to preserve his likeability and Midas Touch. The decision is surely his.
Yours faithfully,
Conrad Barrow
