Why Some 4th World People ‘like’ Trump

We were sitting in a Syrian cafe, in Ligunea (that’s a section of upper Kingston) in Jamaica.  This was a group of people from all about the place; Africa, South East Asia, and, of course, the Caribbean who were attending some conference on whatever.

One of the chaps, from Ghana, said; (and I’m cleaning up the conversation a little, cause all of us were using our ‘foreign language’  that is stuff Not Suitable For Airplay);

“America has always been a racist, xenophobic, prejudiced nation.  The election of Obama was mere subterfuge.”

Everyone had an opinion and we moved off into our contacts with various American officials and unofficials.

A lady from Barbados mentioned;   “This American official was talking to another American in usual voice, and when I came up he turned to me and began to speak slowly in ‘Special English’ as if I were an idiot.”

Everyone had a similar anecdote.  How the assumption was that people from 3rd and 4th World countries can’t speak or understand English; even when they are University Graduates holding Positions.

A brethren from Jamaica said; “For the first time, the veil is off.  We can see the racism without squinting, hear the xenophobia without straining, and experience the contempt without the usual politically correct terminologies.”

Of course, we all had deportation stories; Africans, Jamaicans, others, even with good documents, grabbed off a street and deported.

I was told by a police officer;  “Y’know, I’m at the airport, used to people being deported for something. Now they are deported for nothing.  Papers, perfect, time not elapsed.”

Everyone who has family and friends in the United States mention how they no longer go to any ‘ethnic’ spot. That is, Jamaicans avoid Jamaican restaurants and Jamaican clubs because ICE (the American Immigration and Customs Enforcement) go there.

In fact, ICE drives around various neighbourhoods and grabs up people to ‘check them out’.

Although there have always been deportations this time it was more upfront, more racist.

Someone who had done some research mentioned that there 50,000 undocumented Irish in America.  And no one is looking at them, checking papers, talking about getting rid of them.

“The mask fell off,”  said a woman from Belize.

We all agreed that before Trump all of the racism and xenophobia existed, but was masked.  That since Trump people in America feel free to excrete their hatred without penalty.

Those of us whose governments were underthrown, (or an underthrow was attempted)  those of us who have experienced American Interference in our lives, could share and admit, that with a guy like Trump, we know what is suggested is NOT in our interest and we have no reason to play nice, to bite our tongues, because this is guy who was born racist and xenophobic and will not change.

Another point that was raised was the fact that he says one thing, does another, or changes his mouth mid word.

It happened before but less clear,  less in your face.   There was often a space between a statement, then a slow back step, then another, then a different reaction than previously uttered.   Now, with a guy as mercurial and partially sane as Trump, nothing can surprise us.

One doesn’t need to listen to what he says for that has nothing to do with what he will do or what he’ll say next week.

“The Emperor is Naked.”