Yes, My Parents Are Trump Supporters. No, I Am Not One Too.

“Raise your hand if someone in your family voted for Hillary Clinton,” my history teacher asked.
Everyone’s hands in the room shot up, except mine.
“Raise your hand if you know someone who voted for Trump.”
A few hands hesitantly rose, including mine.

Yes, as rumored and speculated, I am here to confirm: I am the daughter of Trump-supporting parents. Although, Trump-supporting seems to be an understatement; Trump-super-fans, Trump-disciples, and Trump-worshippers all sound far more appropriate to describe my parents’ utter devotion to the president. My mom runs her Facebook page as a 24/7 Trump rally, my dad buys Hillary Clinton toilet paper rolls, and both own MAGA merchandise. For the majority of my classmates, and even liberal Chicago, the idea of such outspoken conservative support is considered taboo. My parents’ political opinions stand in stark contrast to the majority of those held by the parents of my classmates. In fact, there have been times when liberal parents of classmates have attacked my mom’s political social media posts. They have lashed out on not only her beliefs, but also on their presumed character of her as a conservative.

Due to my parents’ proud support for the president, some have assumed that I am also a Trump supporter. In my school community where hatred against Trump is rife, such rumors have inflicted judgement upon me. For example, in an issue of my school’s newspaper, my school photo was compared as a “look-alike” side by side to a photo of Ivanka Trump. I knew there was a nasty connotation to that comparison due to the student body’s extreme hatred towards Trump.

While my parents’ support for Trump is so public, the behind the scenes discussions between my parents and me would surprise many. My brothers and I have have argued with my parents over matters such as immigration policy, women’s rights, and environmental policy. We have attempted to teach our parents the progressive philosophy our schooling has indoctrinated within us. We regularly send our parents articles that reflect our own opinions on various political topics. We have successfully eye-opened my parents in some matters, though they remain steadfast in most of their conservative beliefs.

No one’s political opinions should be assumed based on those of their parents. Let us not be proponents of McCarthyism. Attacks and judgements made on one’s presumed political opinions are not acceptable. While it is conventionally thought that children adopt their political views from their parents, this scenario is obviously not always the case. Though parents’ opinions can certainly have influence on those of their children, that influence will either strengthen or weaken as children grow older and become more educated in politics. Instead of making false assumptions, let us have civil and tolerant conversations to learn of one another’s political identity.