Opinion: Elitism is ultimately an obstacle to true democracy

Donald Trump and his ideas, chiefly entertaining the idea of tracking all Muslims in the United States and closing mosques, have properly been taken to task as idiotic and dangerous.

Such comments play on misinformed and racist anxieties of the “other.” But in the rightful condemnation of Trump and those xenophobic ideas, we should be careful not to condemn populism.

Listening to those outside of “elite” circles is essential to our democratic system. It is what we ultimately need to respond to an inequitable financial system, structural racism and an impending energy crisis. As college students insulated in the Chapel Hill bubble, we can forget our own elite biases.

As students at a school funded by tax dollars from across the state, we should not pretend that the contributions and voices of those who society considers “less than” are not important.

Often, those who society considers “less than” will also hold views that are objectionable to the well-educated ranks of the UNC community. That should not be an excuse to write off, ignore or degrade marginalized populations. Doing so dashes hopes of democratic coalitions for change in the name of shared interests. This work can be difficult, but it cannot happen without an effort.

It is true Trump leads in greater numbers, according to polls, among those who are economically disadvantaged and less educated. It is wrong that he chooses to stir voters with racism and fear.

Moreover, it is ironic. Populism in North Carolina led to one of the largest victories against racism in the South. The Fusion movement of the 1890s, a partnership between black and white populists, took the General Assembly and struck fear into aristocratic and wealthy whites. The movement put around 1,000 black politicians into office.

In response, a policy of white supremacy and Jim Crow was etched into our state’s laws as a way to divide the “Fusion.” Potential black voters were intimidated.

There was also a cultural component, to which Silent Sam is a living monument. A false history was constructed of pride among poor whites for the Confederacy. In reality, many Southern poor whites were actively opposed to the Civil War.

But, the new history gave poor whites a certain pride, made them better than somebody. These tactics of white supremacy divided the “Fusion” movement.

Just as Trump does now, rich whites then sought to control and capture the poor white vote through racism. It is sad to think how well both have worked. It is sad to think how this has continued.

Trump leads in the polls and Southern whites cling to the Confederate flag.

Populism’s history is not so wholly clean. It has been used for many evil things too. Trump’s lead can be added to that list. We are not saying populism is perfect.

As we discuss the presidential election we should be aware of our history and our language.

It is one thing to call out Trump and his fear mongering. It is another to belittle his voters as “stupid.” Doing so plays into a system that he has set up. It makes the argument the elites versus the common person. It continues the narrative that he is attacked for speaking the “truth.”

The truth is simpler: The voice of all Americans matter.