Milwaukee Acid Attack in Trump’s America [EDITORIAL]

After the recent acid attack that took place here in Milwaukee earlier this month, it is finally time that someone takes responsibility for the racist rhetoric that has been dividing the country and inciting violence for the past few years. Who better than those who spew it the most and those who allow it to happen?

On November 1, Mahud Villalaz, a Hispanic man, was the victim of a horrific hate crime after a dispute over parking quickly escalated to an acid attack. Clifton Blackwell, a white man, has been arrested for the crime, but the blame is not his alone.

Since Donald Trump’s election in 2016, people have felt a sense of entitlement and bravery in attacking minority groups, either verbally, physically or both – and it shows. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that there was a 17% increase in hate crimes and a 24% increase in anti-Hispanic incidents during Trump’s first year in office, according to FBI data. Coincidence?

In 2015, a pair of brothers who beat up a homeless Latino man said to police after the attack, “Donald Trump was right – all these illegals need to be deported.” That same year, an African-American protester was beaten at a Trump campaign rally in Alabama. Trump sided with the attackers. Remember when he falsely characterized Mexican immigrants as rapists and criminals? The man’s entire presidential campaign coasted on the concept of building a literal, physical divide between the United States and Mexico.

Before he threw acid in Villalaz’s face, Blackwell allegedly told the victim to “get out of this country,” and called him “illegal.” Sound familiar?

Although Blackwell’s political affiliation is unknown, it bears little importance. When an elected official implies or directly states grotesque remarks about minority groups and incessantly treats them as “other,” it sends a message to people that that kind of behavior is tolerated and accepted, and they will see it as permission to do the same. Of course, each individual is responsible for their own actions, but if people are taught to be intolerant of those who don’t look or live like they do, can we really be surprised when they finally act on it?

President Trump can’t take all the credit, though. Anyone who spreads racism, ignorance and hate in any way shape or form is to blame. Anyone who allows and/or tolerates racism, ignorance and hate is to blame. House Speaker Paul Ryan called out one of Trump’s racist comments back in 2016 and yet he still endorsed him in the presidential election.

The United States of America has a collective responsibility to reject racist rhetoric and to ensure that racist behavior will not be tolerated in any way, no matter who you are. As the President of the United States, Donald Trump should be held to a higher standard than the one he’s been held to his entire presidency. He should promote unity and acceptance, but instead all he has done is created a hostile environment. It’s time to acknowledge that what Trump says is not harmless and carries a sense of validation for those waiting for it.

This editorial was based on deliberations by a JAMS 504 editorial board.