Culture in a post-Trump world

A commentator on the BBC suggested that the concept of “making America great again” possibly harks back to a time when America was more homogenous, less cosmopolitan, without the mix of peoples and cultures.

I thought of what the fate of culture would be in a post-Trump world and how people from different cultures would respond. His tendency towards isolationism, implied in what he says about international trade, foreign policy and immigration, has made people of different nationalities very nervous.

However, his rhetoric and eventual actions may well cause an inward looking of the cultural kind.

“Culture is not just about painting, music, theatre, or dance. Culture is seeped into all the activities and expressions that extend below the surface and unite individuals under a common sense of self. On a continuous basis, culture gives meaning and currency to our lives.

It is … constantly evolving.” Historically, it is possible to highlight periods where social and political upheaval have led to a more inward focus on cultural identity.

The 1960s and 1970s are perhaps the most stark representations of this in modern history.

For instance, divided opinions on US policy and ideology regarding the Vietnam War collided with deep-seated racism in American society when noted African American boxer Muhammad Ali refused to fight for a country that he said treated its own black nationals as second class citizens.

In TT and the wider Caribbean, the Black Power movement of the 1970s gave voice to frustrations rooted in economic challenges worsened by racist and class-influenced policies across various sectors of society. The struggle against inequalities in the system fostered a renaissance of African cultural identity and sense of self.

In recent times, Colin Kaepernick, a major star of American football, launched his own movement against discrimination and inequality by refusing to stand for the national anthem. It is not a coincidence that he has chosen to wear his hair in a large afro style, the afro being a potent symbol of resistance in the 1960s and 70s.

The systematic decimation of the livelihood and culture of First Peoples during the early period of American settlement is now well documented. The struggle of these communities to reclaim their dignity and sense of self is still an important part of the narrative of the United States today. They still face isolation and severe social challenges ranging from alcoholism to incest and a high rate of suicide amongst their young people.

It is equally complicated for the Hispanic community. As the Washington Post noted, “Trump launched his campaign by accusing Mexico of sending rapists and criminals across the US border. He attacked the Mexican-born wife of vanquished opponent Jeb Bush and the Mexican heritage of a federal judge. He posted a photo of himself eating a taco bowl on Cinco de Mayo, a move meant to curry favour with Hispanics that backfired.

More recently, he attacked the physical appearance of a Venezuelan- born beauty queen.” In her own political statement, Jennifer Lopez capitalised on her fame and welcomed Hillary Clinton on her performance stage during the election campaign.

In a strange way, Mr Trump may turn out to be an unlikely catalyst for cultural regeneration, not just in the United States but in communities across the world where cultural identity is threatened. Political and social upheaval often provide the backdrop for a rise in consciousness.

Given the results of the US election, the realities in our own region, Europe and elsewhere, I predict that another cultural renaissance is coming. A storm will come with it though; we need to be ready.

Dara Healy is a performance artist and founder of the NGO, the Indigenous Creative Arts Network – ICAN