The Deplorable Party

Inadvertently, Hillary Clinton has given the right wing an opening to outwardly parade their “politically incorrect” views. She stated that half of Trump’s supporters—those who are "racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic”—might be labeled "a basket of deplorables." Some people have argued that this number might actually be more or less, but the percentage doesn’t matter.

What is important is that many conservatives have jumped at the opportunity to include themselves in this basket. They are quick to say, “I am a Deplorable and proud of it.” In other words, they are turning a derogatory, almost loathing remark by a woman they hate into a badge of honor. They can now state proudly, “Yes, I do not like black people, queers should be in prison, Muslims should be kept (and thrown) out of the country, women should stay home and shut up.”  By being in the basket, they can admit it without actually having to say it. 

Okay, fair enough. Racism, sexism, and the like have not disappeared from American culture. But not since the Civil Rights Movement over a half century ago have people been socially allowed to admit their prejudices. Although it has been Donald Trump (and to a lesser extent Ted Cruz and his reactionary ilk) that has actually given his followers permission to hate again, the “basket of deplorables” seems to have galvanized them into a homey little group.

It is hard for me to understand how anyone could be proud of disliking and scorning a group of humans because of their skin coloring, sexual preference, country of origin, and the like. It boggles the mind, actually. But these people do exist. They look to a progressive future with a lot of fear—a fear that their beliefs—which they have been hand fed for centuries—may be wrong. And of course, they are wrong. 

When I look to the future I am not saddened or angered—or fearful—that in 50 years, a century, two centuries, whenever, most Americans will be of mixed race. I see this as a good thing, really. Which is fortunate, because I also think that it is inevitable. Trump’s supporters are fighting tooth and nail to prevent this and may see Trump as their last chance. Maybe, hopefully, he is. 

So here’s an idea. Why don’t the Trump supporters—and Trump himself—create their own political party? They can call it The Deplorable Party. It will certainly save the Republicans (and Democrats, if truth be told) the messy job of weeding them out over the next decade or so. The ironic thing about it is that The Deplorable Party platform will have been written by Hillary Clinton, their most hated enemy, and will consist of the same five simple words that she mentioned in her speech. 

I'm sure there are many conservatives that have negative views on Islam that might be perfectly fine with the LGBT agenda; there may be those that believe Mexican immigrants are lazy bums but also heartily support women's rights. And so on. In other words not all conservatives have exactly the same prejudices. The election may hinge on how many of these are willing to draw the line at allying themselves with the hardened haters who have little use for anyone other than themselves.  I mean, look up the word "deplorable," guys.