Lately, America has seen a rise in violence in the political sphere- from the January 6th storming of the Capital in 2021, Trump’s two assassination attempts, one on July 13th and the most recent occurring September 15, 2024.
While this rise in violence may seem unexpected, surprisingly America has a long history of attacks involving politics, lawmakers, and past presidents as well. However, not all attacks are from politicians.
America’s History in Violent Politics
According to the National Institutes of Health.gov, political violence is described as, “the deliberate use of power and force to achieve political goals – political violence is characterized by both physical and psychological acts aimed at injuring or intimidating populations.”
Following that definition, America’s past regarding political violence goes back to the 1860s, yet the most notorious one Americans remember from history is the 1960s civil rights movement.
From the Bloody Sunday of 1965, the bus bombing of the freedom riders in 1961, and the assassinations of civil rights activists Malcolm X (1965) and Martin Luther King Jr (1968), these events highlight America’s long history of violence being used to support political views.
America’s Present-Day Violence: Why is it Becoming Such a Problem?
Now that we are aware that violence has always been present in American politics, why is it such a problem today? Is it because political violence is worse now?
When asked about this, 11th grader Khiem Tranh replied, “I’m pretty sure it is, like in the past there wasn’t this many cases of assassinations [he believes].” he mentions how in recent politics, violence such as Trump’s two assassinations seems to happen more frequently. However, just because it seems more frequent, does not necessarily mean that is the case.
Similarly, many others online have mentioned how these events have made them feel as if politicians involved in the government are becoming more untrustworthy- as if political criminals remain in power without receiving punishment for their actions.
The newest event sparking this is the newfound evidence of Trump’s involvement in the January 6 attack. Although it’s understandable for many to feel this way, when viewing other countries’ governments, the violence seen in America’s politics appears mild in comparison.
For Instance, Haiti, the Caribbean country just below North America, is experiencing political turmoil.
The International Rescue Committee, rescue.org, states “Gangs in Haiti have been able to expand their control due to issues such as weak governance, corruption, and an overwhelmed police force. Shockingly, the first nine months of 2023 saw over 5,600 gang-related incidents, including 3,156 killings and 1,248 kidnappings.” Highlighting that when criminals hold power within the government, there is true political corruption.
America’s Future in Politics: It’s Possible Direction
So, what exactly is America’s future in politics? Will it spiral into a series of acts of violence by groups to support their agendas? Or will it head in a positive direction where political criminals get what they deserve? Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: fighting for one’s beliefs has always been a part of the ‘American Dream’.
