America faces a crisis of belonging

[BidenPresident]

A new report suggests that feelings of exclusion may be spreading and creating a crisis of belonging, with downstream effects that pollute social and civic trust — while providing steam to anti-democratic politicians and activities. The study, titled “The Belonging Barometer: The State of Belonging in America,” is the product of a partnership between nonprofits Over Zero and the American Immigration Council.

Sixty-eight percent of Americans report feeling a sense of national non-belonging. Just 1 in 3 White and Hispanic Americans, and only 1 in 4 Black, Asian and Native Americans feel they are nationally accepted, connected and seen as a good fit for the nation we have.

Some 64 percent of us feel alienated in our workplaces. That number climbs to 74 percent in our local communities.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/21/why-americans-feel-left-out/

 

[BidenPresident]

"Few have spoken as directly to White disaffection as Donald Trump. His campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” openly evokes a time when White people’s Americanism was generally unquestioned. Indeed, it could be a euphemism for making them feel like they belong again. Through the lens of non-belonging, Trump’s words before the Jan. 6 riot take on new meaning: “We fight like hell. And if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.” Earlier this month, Trump raised the rhetoric another notch. “I am your warrior,” he declared. “I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution.