This past July in Dallas, a protest against recent police brutality in Louisiana and Minnesota became violent when 5 police officers were killed by a sniper shooter. It was confirmed that the shooter was acting alone and not a part of this initially peaceful protest. In response, Donald Trump posted a video to his Facebook page calling for national unity in order to “Make America Safe Again”.
Now, Trump actually handled the situation pretty strategically, because a campaign speech was scheduled for that day, but he cancelled it out of respect for the victims’ and their loved ones. In addition to the video, he also issued a sizable statement about the attacks which included this quote: “Our nation has become too divided. Too many Americans feel like they’ve lost hope. Crime is harming too many citizens. Racial tensions have gotten worse, not better. This isn’t the American Dream we all want for our children.”.
Rhetorically, as a candidate for change, it was a good move to bring up the American Dream and the notion of lost hope. The American Dream theme is to make a better life for yourself and the next generation, and I think it’s a point of common understanding for a lot of Americans.
Perhaps ironically, the point of the protest in which these people were injured and killed was to express disdain for the shootings of the black men in Louisiana and Minnesota. The demonstrators were actively trying to make a better life for themselves and the next generation by protesting and demanding justice. The demonstrators were clinging on to their hope and fighting for their equal rights in regards to law enforcement.
Even though Trump was most likely speaking to conservatives who were deeply saddened at the loss of our law enforcement officials about law and order, racial tensions, and safety, a lot of people that are also seriously concerned with their future and their “American Dream” are the people who are suffering from the racial injustices that plague our society today.
I agree with you saying a good strategic move on Trump’s part. He made good use of the American Dream analogy and bringing different characters in like children, law enforcment, and African Americans.
I agree with you saying a good strategic move on Trump’s part. He made good use of the American Dream analogy and bringing different characters in like hope, change,children, law enforcement, and African Americans. It was interesting to see him mention the two African males who were killed prior to that incident, but I wish he could of tied that in together more. Along with that, I would of liked to hear more about what he wants to do to help fix the worse racial tension in the nation.