I’m just becoming fully aware of how presumably well-meaning people can be easily manipulated into amplifying right wing extremist messaging. Within the last few days this has been expressed through sharing memes supposedly intended to ridicule the absurd allegations of immigrant pet-eating in Springfield, Ohio. For example, one depicts a carful of dogs and cats driving away from Springfield to escape. While many of us understand this to be satire, it suggests and reinforces the malicious message that Haitian immigrants are actually committing the alleged horrendous acts. It’s astounding that many who should know better don’t understand their complicity in placing the Haitian immigrant communities, and all immigrant communities in the United States, at risk. This is deeply disheartening.
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@GlennMarlowe It is important that the underlying messages of hate are shown to be as hateful as they are. However I will never underestimate the power of humour to air something totally absurd and that humour has a place in demolishing the Emperor with his new clothes. The main thing here is that Trump is being laughed AT not laughed with. He's an appalling example of a human being and the sooner he's beaten the better even if it means he's laughed out of the election.

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@lindasgoluppiart I absolutely agree. We must understand how to make certain that our humor/humour clearly focuses on him and his movement without inadvertently causing harm to their targets. Unfortunately, the Ohio town at the center of this week’s controversy is now experiencing bomb threats and other hate messaging. So we must be careful. Thank you. I appreciate your comments.
@GlennMarlowe I've just seen some of the reports about what the town is experiencing but I am also hopeful because one of the reports shows local people getting together with the Hattians that the hate has been targeted at. It's the sort of reaction that is good to see. Even so I agree, we must be careful with the messaging.
@lindasgoluppiart I saw a photograph of Springfield residents gathering at a Haitian restaurant to support their neighbors. Yes, great to see. I’d love to see this type of imagery become the dominant message. In general, the positive tone of Kamala Harris’ campaign has helped to lift the mood here. But we have a long way to go to break the MAGA spell. I believe the future of the world depends on it.
@GlennMarlowe I agree. We need to learn to do things in a better way. If each of us changes a little about ourselves then that change becomes a big change.