In recent months, the location of the US Republican presidential candidate and former President Trump’s rallies has attracted the attention of the outside world. These cities are scattered across the United States, but they have one thing in common: they are called "sunset towns." Where does the word "sunset" come from? Why did Trump take the stage in Sunset Town to build momentum?
Black people are not allowed to enter after dark
"Sunset towns" are notorious for racial discrimination
"Sunset towns" refer to some towns and communities in the United States that intentionally adopt discriminatory laws and policies to ensure an all-white population. These towns were typically founded in the late 19th century after the abolition of slavery, when large numbers of blacks fled the violent racism of the South and moved north in search of better economic opportunities. In order to maintain racial segregation, many white communities used various means to prevent blacks and other minorities from living there. They posted notices at the entrances of towns warning blacks and other minorities that they must leave before sunset or face violence or punishment, or even lynching, hence the name "sunset towns."
In August alone, Trump chose at least three once-infamous "sunset towns" to hold rallies: Howell, Michigan, has been one of the centers of activity for the white supremacy organization the Ku Klux Klan; Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and La Crosse, Wisconsin, are both known for their histories of violent exclusion of black people.
By the mid-20th century, though, legal changes such as the Fair Housing Act of 1968 began to weaken the legal basis for these exclusionary practices. But many "sunset towns" used informal means to prevent black families from moving in, such as real estate bootstrapping, discriminatory lending and school zoning strategies. This systemic racism still shapes racial segregation in the United States today. In the three "sunset towns" mentioned above that Trump visited, the current proportion of white residents is close to 90%.
Why does Trump love "Sunset Town"?
Sending political messages to specific supporters
It is no accident or coincidence that Trump held a rally in or near Sunset. Many political analysts believe that he did this to send a political message to a specific group of supporters, especially those voters who support xenophobia and racism, and to show that he will defend their values and regard racial diversity and racial integration as threaten.
During his campaign and presidency, Trump was repeatedly accused of inciting racial tensions, including questioning Obama's birthplace, defending white supremacist rallies, and more. Choosing to hold rallies now in places known for their histories of racial exclusion and violence shows that Trump is tapping into deep historical racial animosities.
Pursuing racial polarization strategies
Another motivation for Trump to hold a rally in "Sunset Town" is related to the demographic changes taking place in the United States. The United States is becoming more multiracial and diverse, with white Americans expected to become a minority by the middle of the 21st century. For many of Trump's supporters, especially white older voters in rural areas, the changes are seen as a direct threat to their political, economic and cultural dominance.
Trump evoked among his supporters nostalgia for a time when racial hierarchy was unquestionable. This racially polarizing tactic has been very effective for the Republican Party because it taps into the anxieties of white voters who fear losing their majority and casts Trump as a defender of traditional American values.
Trump’s rally in “Sunset Town” revealed the racial polarization in American politics. His political strategy relies heavily on energizing a base of mostly white, working-class voters who feel alienated by the country's growing diversity and progressive policies aimed at addressing systemic racism.
The location of the rally reflects the divisive nature of American politics
Although Trump’s political strategy has been successful in stimulating his base support, it has far-reaching implications for the future of American politics. It has exacerbated racial divisions, made it more difficult to build alliances across race and class lines, and widened the divide between urban, multicultural areas and rural, majority-white areas.
Trump’s strategy of choosing to hold a rally in “Sunset Town” reflects the complexity and division of race and identity in contemporary American politics. Even after Trump leaves the political scene, the Republican Party, especially the conservative wing of the party, is likely to continue to use similar tactics to win votes by stirring up racial and cultural anxieties. It's a sign of the intense battles over race, identity and power that will continue to rage in American politics for years to come, conflicts that will continue to shape U.S. elections. (CCTV reporter Liu Xiaoqian)
©2024 China Central Radio and Television. All rights reserved. Please do not reproduce or use without permission. In recent months, the location of the US Republican presidential candidate and former President Trump’s rallies has attracted the attention of the outside world. These cities are scattered across the United States, but they have one thing in common: they are called "sunset towns." Where does the word "sunset" come from? Why did Trump take the stage in Sunset Town to build momentum? Black people are not allowed to enter after dark "Sunset towns" are notorious for racial discrimination "Sunset towns" refer to some towns and communities in the United States that intentionally adopt discriminatory laws and policies to ensure an all-white population. These towns were typically founded in the late 19th century after the abolition of slavery, when large numbers of blacks fled the violent racism of the South and moved north in search of better economic opportunities. In order to maintain racial segregation, many white communities used various means to prevent blacks and other minorities from living there. They posted notices at the entrances of towns warning blacks and other minorities that they must leave before sunset or face violence or punishment, or even lynching, hence the name "sunset towns." In August alone, Trump chose at least three once-infamous "sunset towns" to hold rallies: Howell, Michigan, has been one of the centers of activity for the white supremacy organization the Ku Klux Klan; Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and La Crosse, Wisconsin, are both known for their histories of violent exclusion of black people. By the mid-20th century, though, legal changes such as the Fair Housing Act of 1968 began to weaken the legal basis for these exclusionary practices. But many "sunset towns" used informal means to prevent black families from moving in, such as real estate bootstrapping, discriminatory lending and school zoning strategies. This systemic racism still shapes racial segregation in the United States today. In the three "sunset towns" mentioned above that Trump visited, the current proportion of white residents is close to 90%. Why does Trump love "Sunset Town"? Sending political messages to specific supporters It is no accident or coincidence that Trump held a rally in or near Sunset. Many political analysts believe that he did this to send a political message to a specific group of supporters, especially those voters who support xenophobia and racism, and to show that he will defend their values and regard racial diversity and racial integration as threaten. During his campaign and presidency, Trump was repeatedly accused of inciting racial tensions, including questioning Obama's birthplace, defending white supremacist rallies, and more. Choosing to hold rallies now in places known for their histories of racial exclusion and violence shows that Trump is tapping into deep historical racial animosities. Pursuing racial polarization strategies Another motivation for Trump to hold a rally in "Sunset Town" is related to the demographic changes taking place in the United States. The United States is becoming more multiracial and diverse, with white Americans expected to become a minority by the middle of the 21st century. For many of Trump's supporters, especially white older voters in rural areas, the changes are seen as a direct threat to their political, economic and cultural dominance. Trump evoked among his supporters nostalgia for a time when racial hierarchy was unquestionable. This racially polarizing tactic has been very effective for the Republican Party because it taps into the anxieties of white voters who fear losing their majority and casts Trump as a defender of traditional American values. Trump’s rally in “Sunset Town” revealed the racial polarization in American politics. His political strategy relies heavily on energizing a base of mostly white, working-class voters who feel alienated by the country's growing diversity and progressive policies aimed at addressing systemic racism. The location of the rally reflects the divisive nature of American politics Although Trump’s political strategy has been successful in stimulating his base support, it has far-reaching implications for the future of American politics. It has exacerbated racial divisions, made it more difficult to build alliances across race and class lines, and widened the divide between urban, multicultural areas and rural, majority-white areas. Trump’s strategy of choosing to hold a rally in “Sunset Town” reflects the complexity and division of race and identity in contemporary American politics. Even after Trump leaves the political scene, the Republican Party, especially the conservative wing of the party, is likely to continue to use similar tactics to win votes by stirring up racial and cultural anxieties. It's a sign of the intense battles over race, identity and power that will continue to rage in American politics for years to come, conflicts that will continue to shape U.S. elections. (CCTV reporter Liu Xiaoqian) ©2024 China Central Radio and Television. All rights reserved. Please do not reproduce or use without permission.
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