Woke Habesha Blogs

January 25, 2015

Dr. Y.

    The Curious Case of Ethiopian Diaspora  Trump Voters: A Recipe for Regret

As we catch our collective breaths after another election, there’s a curious phenomenon I feel compelled to address: Ethiopian diaspora members in the U.S. who, against all odds, voted for Donald Trump. Yes, there exists a subset of our community that has decided that their allegiance lies with a man who hardly seems to know Ethiopia from Eritrea (and might not care to learn). So let’s take a light-hearted journey through this puzzling choice, peppered with sobering truths.

A Culture of Resilience and the Lure of “Strength”

We Ethiopians are a resilient people. We’ve got a 3,000-year history of kings, queens, and victories against the odds. We’re proud of our country’s independence and deep-rooted culture, so it’s natural that a tough-talking leader like Trump might appeal to some. But voting for him as though he’s some neo-Menelik? Now, that’s where we need to pump the brakes. The man might put on a strong front, but let’s be real: “strength” in the form of brashness and bombast doesn’t equate to the true resilience that defines Ethiopian culture.

Trump’s politics often promote division and conflict, two things Ethiopia knows all too well. From the haunting memories of political unrest and the never-ending regional tensions, our people know what discord can do to a country. Voting for a figure who fans the flames of division? It’s a choice that might make Queen Taytu roll over in her grave.

The Economy: Dreams of Prosperity… with a Catch

Some of our community believe that voting for Trump means supporting someone who will drive America’s economy forward and, by extension, improve their lives. The phrase, “Make America Great Again, " has a catchy allure.” But the reality is that the supposed “booming economy” touted during Trump’s tenure didn’t exactly trickle down to immigrant communities the way some might think. In fact, policies such as family separation and travel bans often targeted and harmed minority and immigrant groups.

Data shows that the biggest beneficiaries of Trump’s tax cuts were, unsurprisingly, the wealthiest Americans. According to the Tax Policy Center, the top 1% of earners received about 20% of the benefits from his tax reform, while working-class folks saw modest gains at best. So to those hoping to stack more in the savings account while Trump leads, you might be in for disappointment.

Immigration: A Stone’s Throw Away from a Wall

There’s an irony here that’s hard to ignore. In many cases, we’re a community that sacrificed everything to build a life in America. And yet, some Ethiopian Americans are backing a president who promoted policies that make it harder for people like us to stay. Under the Trump administration, immigration policies became increasingly restrictive. Family-based visas, which many Ethiopians rely on to reunite with loved ones, faced significant delays and scrutiny.

And let’s not forget the infamous travel bans. Ethiopia itself was nearly added to the list, a reminder of how immigrant-friendly this administration wasn’t. The notion of supporting a leader who would make it difficult for your family members to join you in the U.S. feels like making coffee with salt instead of sugar. It’s simply bitter and bewildering.

The Power of Community and the Danger of Division

Ethiopians in America are not a monolith. We are doctors, nurses, laborers, self-employed, engineers, students, artists, and more. We bring our traditions, injera and tibs, and the timeless essence of “habesha-ness” wherever we go. But by aligning with a leader whose policies often target people of color, Muslims, and immigrants, we risk fracturing the very solidarity that keeps our diaspora strong.

Moreover, voting for a leader who has openly disparaged African nations, reportedly calling them “shithole countries,” can feel like a slap in the face to the dignity of our homeland. Ethiopia, one of the few African countries that successfully resisted European colonization, deserves respect, not scorn.

Humor in the Misguided: A Look at the #HabeshaForTrump Phenomenon

Perhaps the most amusing (and mildly infuriating) part of this trend is seeing hashtags like #HabeshaForTrump. Imagining Ethiopian uncles and aunties proudly sporting MAGA hats would be comical if it weren’t so confounding. Trump’s vision of “greatness” isn’t exactly inclusive, and this support looks about as natural as adding mayonnaise to doro wot.

To our fellow Ethiopians who voted for Trump, we urge you to look beyond the noise and hype and consider the lasting impact of such a choice. For a community with such a rich history of resilience and unity, let’s not be swayed by rhetoric that jeopardizes our values.

In Conclusion: We Deserve Better

Voting is personal, yes, but it’s also a statement of values. Our diaspora community has made great strides in America, but aligning with figures whose policies harm immigrants and minorities doesn’t align with the Ethiopian spirit. We’ve always been known as a people who unite, resist, and persevere. So, maybe next election, let’s leave the red hats on the shelf and remember what we stand for.

If we’re truly looking to honor our heritage, we might want to look toward leaders who respect it too. At the end of the day, our values are more valuable than any “deal” a politician might promise.