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Let's talk about racism and xenophobia in latinx communities, and how- of course- it absolutely DID play a huge role in some of them voting against their own interests (and ours). 1/
So here's the thing. Slavery and colonization didn't only happen here. There are broken and horrifying class systems in most (if not all) countries that are deeply rooted in colorism. The people that come here, even those who white people consider POC, contend with that also. 2/
A lot of Cuban Americans consider themselves white. A lot also *are* white, and enjoy the benefits of passing whiteness. Even if they've been discriminated against for their accent, they walk down the street & LOOK white. That in itself, is a privilege that many don't see.
3/
3/
That, and the special treatment they got when escaping fascism & torture (that has unfairly not been extended to others in the same situation) made some of them really believe that "Cuban exceptionalism" means they are better than others, and that that's "Cuban pride". Ugh.
4/
4/
No. That's the wrong kind of pride. That's the "QueQueQue" type of pride. It's disgusting. The thing is, latinx people, "POC", we are not a monolith. We cannot be lumped together. It doesn't work. Because some of us fucking hate each other. We can't pretend that isn't true.
5/
5/
We have to be responsible for doing the work in our own communities to undo the work that has been done on us. Only then can we truly come together. Because this game of "which minority's had it worst" is exhausting. And futile.
(And the actual answer is black trans women)
6/
(And the actual answer is black trans women)
6/
The reason that game just turns into a shouting match is because individually, there is no answer. Everyone's gone through shit, and they're protective of who they are because of the shit they've endured. However, your trauma does not excuse your mistreatment of others.
7/
7/
I believe that a lot, if not most, of Trump voters are racist. I don't believe it's all of them. We'd be stupid to simplify it so much & write all of them off that way, & it won't serve us if we're dealing with the wrong issues when trying to flip those voters in four years.
8/
8/
I wrote a thread last week about some of my family and friends who voted for T, and how I believe (and know) that racism wasn't the issue there. I certainly have family members who ARE racists. I don't speak to them. Or for them. I don't have racist friends cause FUCK THAT.
9/
9/
I want us to win in a landslide in 4 years. To do that, we need to try to understand all of the issues that different Americans are facing. If we over-simplify, we're being myopic and letting our own pain get in the way of a future we all want. Let's get to work.
10/10.
10/10.
