It seems that newly appointed Prime Minister Boris Johnson has much in common with US President Donald Trump, apart from donning a similar floppy, blonde cut. A new era has dawned in western politics, whereby the winning ticket might now be predicated on how far your racism and hate for women spans. Both Trump and Johnson have not shied away from either, publicly and consistently reinforcing their xenophobic and misogynistic views.
Two weeks ago, Trump published a series of racist tweets against Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), all four women of colour, demeaning their ability to effectively lead their constituencies based on their heritage, urging them to “go back” to their “broken and crime infested places”.
Although unknown for his sophisticated articulation, Trump’s tweets articulated a deeper theme that has defined US politics for a long time. If you are not white, your heritage is in danger of being lumped together into a pile of other non-white countries, regardless of its unique history, culture, and peoples. If you are not white, your patriotism and “Americanness” will constantly be up for contestation.
