The NCCFT applauds SUNY Chancellor King’s quick defense of Puerto Rico, and his reminder of the innumerable contributions that its U.S. citizens — and the millions with ancestral ties to the island —- have given to our fabulous multicultural nation. Chancellor King’s leadership is among these gifts.
The attitude that any ethnic or religious group among us is disposable is the antithesis of the spirit of a multicultural democracy. We know that hateful rhetoric cannot be dismissed as unimportant — as not serious — particularly when on the stage of a political leader; all too often its use is to foment a collective attitude that enables atrocious, inhumane action.
As educators, we encourage our students to develop the habits of respect and cooperation because we know we need those qualities in our leaders. Look to those politicians who exhibit these skills.
At NCC, we celebrate the work of La CASA, and we hope that the administration will renew our language immersion program by providing necessary funding for its coordination.
6 Responses
As an individual of Puerto Rican descent, I was appalled to hear the remarks at the most recent Trump rally. As a human being I am disgusted that there are people who seek to dehumanize others based on religion, national origin, sexual orientation or anything else.
Those of us who see the stark parallel between the Nazi party and the followers of Trump are truly terrified that history WILL repeat itself if he wins this election.
I do not make this statement frivolously. It doesn’t matter what our political affiliations are as long as we care enough about our fellow humans to root out hate and discrimination. It is not OK to spread lies about groups of people. It’s not OK to characterize groups of people as subhuman. It’s not OK to incite people to violence. And it’s not OK to vote for an individual who embodies these values.
Amen to the response regarding Trump’s comments as well as his derogatory comments for years denigrating the many racist people in this country.
He’s a disgrace to my beloved United States Of America 🇺🇸.
Agree that harmful rhetoric should be acknowledged and disavowed. I am wondering if the NCCFT will also denounce President Biden calling Republicans garbage? Literally half the country, and many of your members, I might mention. I feel that If we are going to step into this arena, we should be fair and acknowledge the divisive hurtful things that are said across the board.
Hi Kim,
I believe our post actually speaks to your question; we emphasize that we should look to leaders who show an attitude of respect to those outside their party.
While I agree that it is not acceptable to dehumanize others, the assumption is being made that the person uttering the remarks was sanctioned by the Trump campaign. It is just as likely that the person uttering the remarks was attempting to undermine the Trump campaign, given that at the same time Harris was talking about aid to Puerto Rico.
Biden then dehumanized half the population in the US – very disgusting and dehumanizing.
Hi Diane,
I believe our post actually speaks to your concern; we emphasize that we should look to leaders who show an attitude of respect to those outside their party. Kamala Harris, it is worth noting, has consistently reached out to opponents with respect.