1/ Had a great event today @sacstate. About 1k people for my talk on white nationalism/racism in the age of Trump. Discussed the structural nature of racism, beyond bigotry, and how overt white supremacy is tied to the history and structures of the country.. not an aberration..
2/ Also how we are ALL responsible for addressing the legacy of racial inequity and injustice, and it isn't sufficient to put in on Trump or the right. We've all fallen short when it comes to holding this country accountable for its legacy...
3/ Had some MAGA hat folk there, but unlike Fullerton College last year (where similar folks made the mistake of heckling me), these guys were respectful, asked good questions, seemed to appreciate--even if disagree w/--my answers & took my jabs in stride. I appreciate that...
4/ Despite my deep disdain for their ideology, I don't hate them as people, and enjoyed the opportunity to respond to their questions. I think we all modeled respect, and if all right/left dialogues were that way, we'd be in a better place in this country...
5/ That said, I am aware that I'm not the target of their ideology. MAGA isn't aimed at me, except as a troll move against the left. So I entirely understand why POC, Muslims, recent immigrants, LGBTQ folks and women of all backgrounds might be far less ecumenical than I was...
6/ My goal was to critique the ideology and the historical ignorance and indifference at its root, while trying to remember that people are shaped by their learning and environments. Hard on systems and soft on people. Sarcasm, and snark, yes...even some anger, yes..
7/ But never so much that I lose sight of their humanity. The entire interaction also demonstrates the superior value of face to face encounter as opposed to social media encounter...I hope folks there found it helpful and that even those who disagree got something out of it
