Recently in our local newspaper a lady wrote about an experience she had at a grocery store. Apparently a gentleman also shopping at the store was wearing a Trump t-shirt. She related her reaction to the man and the t-shirt in a letter to the editor. She stated that she was afraid, yes she admitted to being very fearful being in the same store with an obvious Trump supporter.
In the next edition of the paper there was an avalanche of criticism in the form of letters to the editor. Obviously all of these letters were from Trump supporters. The fearful lady was attacked for being afraid and for expressing her fears. There wasn't any supportive input at all.
My reaction is that this was a mind-boggling, perfect opportunity for the Trump supporters to prove to the lady that she didn't need to be afraid. They could have responded with caring and understanding and perhaps could have changed the fearful lady's mind about Trump supporters. Instead she was soundly attacked probably increasing her fear. With the polarization we have in this country we need to take steps to build community that can increase understanding and acceptance.
Too bad. A mind-boggling opportunity missed.
Stan the Man
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