Donald Trump’s insensitive, racist statements and harsh, right-leaning viewpoint has many Santa Rosa Junior College students losing respect for the system.
Encountering pro-Trump individuals in the mainly liberal Sonoma County can be a challenge. The majority of students interviewed had adverse responses to Donald Trump’s current influence in the political arena.
Anti-Trump sentiment may not be that uncommon within an educational environment. According to several NBC polls, there’s a strong positive correlation between people’s agreement with Donald Trump’s stances and the individual’s lack of education. Those who have been to classes and places with diversity and been educated on key issues may have a more progressive stance.
“Trump’s whole stand on immigration is a joke,” said Eduardo Reyes, a Sonoma State University student. “Mexico paying for the wall…OK? And trying to deport all undocumented immigrants? Good luck.”
Frustration and fear at Trump’s perceived racist behavior seemed to be a trend within the responses of SRJC students.
“He’s insulting all kinds of minorities and cultures all over the world,” SRJC student Annie Cockcroft said. “Which is not what a president should do, because a big factor of America is that we do support and have people of all different minorities and cultures.”
Some have come to understand how the Trump campaign has gained momentum; among them is SRJC political science instructor Robert Proctor.
“The Republican Party has positioned itself to bring into its base working-class, less-educated white votes, mostly males, disaffected and disadvantaged by liberal policies, including affirmative action, free trade, immigration reform and some other Democratic policy positions,” Proctor said. “Trump’s message has resonated with these voters.”
Others who have found some reason within Trump’s statements claim he’s not like other politicians who lie about their plans: he speaks his mind.
“I’m so tired of candidates who act fake,” said SRJC student Jason Giavina. “Trump has run successful businesses, so he can also help run the country. People always like to put words in his mouth.”
SRJC student Lorenzo Hernandez said, “He appeals to people’s emotions; that’s why many people like him. People like the more outgoing of the bunch.”
Most SRJC students interviewed have turned to Bernie Sanders as their savior from Trump, who is often compared to Hitler. Most claim that Sanders’ breakthrough policies on free college education, immigration and other issues greatly contrast Trump and his proposed policies.
“Building a wall to keep immigrants out? I laughed out loud when I heard that,” Cockcroft said. “This is the first year when I’ve been so passionate about someone not being president.”
Though there is certainly a diverse set of opinions on Trump’s political presence among the general population, it seems that several people in Sonoma County find his views unfavorable, enough so that they’re influenced to vote.
“We are definitely feeling the ‘Bern,’” said a group of students in the Bertolini Cafeteria.
