General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBlack male supporters of Trump
I came across a clip today on CNN where Chris Wallace interviewed Stephen A. Smith, and they were discussing why Trump seems to have some level of support among young Black men. I was initially skeptical of Smith's take, given Trump's controversial history, but his response gave me something to think about. He mentioned that Trump speaks to a certain demographic, and honestly, theres some truth to that.
Speaking as a Black man who knows a diverse range of other Black men, from different backgrounds and regionswhether wealthy, middle-class, or from the more disadvantaged parts of societythere is a segment that resonates with Trump. Unfortunately, this tends to be among those who are less engaged with politics, some whove had run-ins with the law, and others who may not be as informed about the issues. Some hold misogynistic views, which might explain part of their attraction to Trumps rhetoric. Others just enjoy being contrarian for the sake of it. Theyll even go to barbershops or cookouts just to stir things up and cause upheaval in discussions, thriving on pushing buttons and provoking reactions. And, to be blunt, some of them are just downright idiots who dont grasp the bigger picture or understand the implications of their choices. Many of them have never even bothered to vote, despite all their talk.
The key thing to remember, though, is that even if some of these individuals feel a certain way, many dont actually vote, either because they arent registered or, in some cases, cant due to felony convictions. So, when all is said and done, Trumps share of the Black vote is still unlikely to exceed 10%. And that 10% tends to be people like Clarence Thomas and Tim Scottthose who have a different worldview, lean contrarian, and align more with conservative ideologies than the majority of Black Americans.
brewens
(15,222 posts)opposing democrats, you get more gigs when they are in power.
Dan
(3,936 posts)But I would append your article with this comment:
You can say the above is true for just about any male demographic regardless of race.
USAFRetired_Liberal
(4,293 posts)I believe the key difference is that many low-information white male voters from rural areas or low-income neighborhoods made the effort to register and vote, often for the first time, in 2016. This is what helped Trump win and contributed to the closer-than-expected outcome in 2020. However, I don't think the same will hold true for his Black male supporters from similar backgrounds.
Solomon
(12,457 posts)male I don't know of all these black males that are gonna vote for Trump. They get paid to say so. Smith gets paid to shrill for white supremacy.
USAFRetired_Liberal
(4,293 posts)But Ive seen the Trump support firsthand, and its real. To be blunt, these are black men with lives that include several baby mamas, past arrests, no high school diploma, unstable housing, and theyre easily influenced by social media, especially by rappers who praise Trump. They also think theyre pro-Black, even though their views often contradict themselves. They think being a contrarian makes it them smart. Despite their Trump support, most of these Black men have never voted before and wont follow through this year either. They were never in the Democractic column. Among the Black men who do vote, I expect it will be about 90-10 in favor of Harris.
Aepps22
(283 posts)As a Black man I've talked to many of these young brothas and the common theme is that many of them are grifters and scammers themselves and think being a contrarian for Trump is the ticket to acceptance and possible financial benefits. It's a complete disgrace but they look at how successful clowns like Silk and Diamond were and they want that fame and acceptance too.
kimbutgar
(22,683 posts)I bet they don't know the story and I would educate them and tell them to look it up on the internet.
USAFRetired_Liberal
(4,293 posts)I've tried explaining things to them, but their ignorance is incredibly frustrating. They're so combative, believing they sound intellectual, that I no longer want to waste my time. They're not really listening. Instead, I focus on speaking to non-voters whose views align with the Democrats but haven't voted yet.
kimbutgar
(22,683 posts)Just to put them on the spot?
ecstatic
(34,091 posts)Where plainclothed cops can pretty much take your money and not give it back to you. President Obama stopped it and trump reinstated it.
And now we have at least 2 women who trump and his supreme court picks killed (may not be an effective argument with misogynists but if they're married and their wives are still able to get pregnant, it could make them think twice).
Most importantly: trump doesn't work alone -- he comes with a package of white supremacist thugs (and self-hating "black nazis" ) who are fully AGAINST police reform, voting rights, black history, and diversity in college and the workplace. And when these racist thugs pass their wacko laws, guess who will sign it? TRUMP!
https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/11/08/plane-sight-police-can-take-your-money-without-an-arrest/
https://www.investigatetv.com/2024/03/08/plane-sight-dea-officers-seize-mans-life-savings-paper-shopping-bag-airport-gate/
chouchou
(1,170 posts)"some of them are just downright idiots who dont grasp the bigger picture or understand the implications of their choices."
That line is true but, many a non-Black person can take up the slack...regarding dumb ass.
ecstatic
(34,091 posts)The people who parrot trump's ridiculous arguments about Kamala not being black or who bring up the stimulus checks etc etc are not likely voters. Many of the naysayers want to dissuade others from voting in order to justify their own lack of participation--that's how they're dangerous. We have to get *at least* 81 million votes again. Every vote counts!
IcyPeas
(22,375 posts)PeaceWave
(670 posts)And, it doesn't just affect black men. To some degree, all minorities (particularly when they're young) can fall into the trap of believing that - as long as they conduct themselves like white people - they will be treated like white people. Of course, as things currently stand, life doesn't work that way.
JI7
(90,166 posts)actual criminals. Not those falsely accused.
B.See
(2,934 posts)a chip on their shoulder and a sense of victimhood for which they take no responsibility.
As stated, contrarians, like Trump, who are mad at women, mad at the world, or just plain mad.
At least the more vocal Black props for fascism like Robinson, Donalds, etc. do it because they're getting paid. Whereas the street contrarians sell out for free.
Though, what they'll fuck around and find out is, if Trump and Co. gain control, his police force, equipped with FULL immunity, might start gunning down without much provocation, those contrarians who typically prey upon their (our) own community.
Karma being what it is.
chowmama
(476 posts)I hope there won't be many, but there are always some.