Editorial: America: Land of the free, laughing stock of the world

Illustration by William Nies

The votes are in. Former president Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the next United States president come January 2025.

On a national scale, American citizens have a lot to say about the varying outcomes in the new leadership to come, but they aren’t the only ones. As a globally observed election, tensions and a whole line of belittling media spanning several social media platforms has now come to be associated with American politics. 

We, the Ranger staff, believe that since the election, America has become the undisputed laughing stock for people all over the world. 

Donald Trump’s controversial leadership, in his first term, has caused individuals from all over the world to panic over his reelection. The promise of an authoritarian approach threatens alliances and is creating resentment from other countries as the obvious rollback in progression of politics has struck a chord for those fighting for justice in times of war, immigrant hate and LGBTQ+ backlashes. Not to mention, the former president’s blatant disrespect and belittlement towards women, even those of his own party, does not go unnoticed.

In an article written by The Week, Trump gained notoriety for over 80 disgusting and often sexually explicit remarks targeting multiple women including his own daughter, the #MeToo movement and even fellow presidential candidate and fellow GOP nominee Nikki Haley. He said this about Haley on Sept. 23, 2023,  “Birdbrain doesn’t have the talent or temperament to do the job.” 

Now, if that was not enough to steer away a father, an uncle or a brother away from such shameful character, one would have hoped that his racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric would. According to Politico, Donald Trump promised to “rescue” Aurora, Colorado, from immigrants; people whom he described as rapists, underminers of the nation’s fabric and culture, “bloodthirsty criminals,” “most violent people on earth.” After referring to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” and pledging to deport millions of immigrants, as cited by Time, the support of Hispanic voters should have turned heads away from this man. Yet, Latinos for Trump continue to stand. 

In addition, nationalist Christians and far right internet trolls have been setting the tone of mockery in America since the election. Social media influencer Nicholas Fuentes has been shining in the political spotlight for his far-right, misogynistic view points across the internet. His claim, “Your body, my choice” in reference to the overturn of Roe V Wade has gained over 90 million interactions and counting on various social media platforms. Other media outlets such as Saturday Night Live showcase Trump in different scenarios being mocked and ridiculed for his hateful rhetoric. A popular one trending on TikTok features dogs and cats looking surprised as Trump says immigrants are eating the pets of people that live in Springfield, Ohio. A statement which was immediately fact-checked on air at the presidential debate. 

The eternal conflict America is facing post-election is being witnessed by countries and individuals from all over the world. And its democracy has seen mockery not only within, but around the world. The president-elect, lacking in character and respect for all groups, is a reflection of this laughingstock of an era. It is impossible to expect admiration from other world leaders and people when we have elected a leader who believes the race of his other opponent is the most pressing issue. 

Harris might have been a woman but America hired the next geriatric to run a country on a promise of $1.50 gas and making it great again. And maybe a wall. 

Cheers to another four years, Amarillo College. 

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