Kyle Gravel

Herald Contributor

Within the first 100 days of Trump, we, the American people, have been through a lot; with that, we owe ourselves a drink—or two. The hypocrisy of our new president is beyond anything we have witnessed before. But, we must remain positive through this difficult time. We should embrace this absurdity and forego our common sense to weep in despair, for laughing makes this whole arduous journey that much simpler.

Being an abroad student from America is no easy feat, for when my accent is heard or I get involved in a conversation and am asked where I am from, I seem to always say, “The States, unfortunately.” While the state of our nation is apparent to anybody who reads or whose senses are awake, the cynical mockery I possess provides a laugh as well as gives a hint to my sense of mind.

Speaking with many locals, the consensus across the public in England is very similar.

“People are scared. We don’t know what to expect next,” one man told me. “Many of us originally believed that what Trump has said during his campaign were just to sell him to a specific group of people, but now these ridiculous policies are finding their way into the law.”

Others found humor in the scenario taking place, stating, “Now we have a comedy show to watch in the west.” But what is truly disturbing is that they are not wrong. The overwhelming consensus is baffled by the outpouring support toward Trump and his use of fear and blame to circumvent the ultimate problems.

While I have exchanged laughs about Trump, I could not let go of how the U.S. is now commonly perceived, not only in the UK but by many across Europe. The general consensus of who we are as a nation is often conceptualized by the man who is the face of it. When I was in Amalfi, Italy, a woman who was waiting on us asked where we were from. To my response of saying the States, she said shaking her head, “Ugh, your President.”

However, we must continue to find humor in our situation. Trump has attacked former President, Barrack Obama numerous times in the past and still continues to do so. America’s favorite 24-hour satire network, Fox News, has completely neglected the facts, common human morals, and principal in order to try and shine Trump in a brighter light—though the light only seems to grow dimmer. We need to assess the undeniable rubbish in the room to begin healing and return to the greatness we once were. I respect the history of this nation but not the future, yet.

Back in 2013, Donald Trump tweeted, “Be prepared, there is a small chance that our horrendous leadership could unknowingly lead us into World War III.” A point to remember: Trump could unknowingly be the Nostradamus of America… the irony is that he can see the future of his own actions.

One thing that easily separates the Trump administration from past presidencies is the complete lunacy that spews from his and his administration’s mouths. It is a dangerous degree we all must adapt to—and fast. Journalists have one of the hardest jobs now; they do not know how to report stories and news on Trump. With such obscure and hilariously false “reports” and accusations spewing out of the commander in chief’s mouth, does the media report it as a real story, or what it really is—nonsense. This is an area that is unfamiliar to many journalists, for they have never encountered such absurdity, especially from a president of the United States.

This is where individuals must withdraw from sections of the media a bit, infer, and utilize common sense; we must beg the questions ourselves and consider different likelihoods. For instance, Trump fabricated the claim that Obama had his phones and Trump Tower wiretapped. No evidence was given or even surfaced throughout the investigation, and the FBI and other government agencies completely stamped the claim as false. Trump, still to this day, maintains that false belief. However, with this and with the craziness that encompasses 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—or Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort—we can still laugh.

For example, last week in an interview Trump had with renowned CBS journalist John Dickerson, Dickerson said, “George W. Bush once said the reason that the Oval Office is round is that there are no corners to hide in.”

Trump then, not being able to comprehend a metaphor, said, “Well, there’s truth to that. There is truth to that. There are certainly no corners. And you look, there’s a certain openness. But there’s nobody out there. You know, there is an openness, but I’ve never seen anybody out there actually, as you could imagine.”

Trying to clarify, Dickerson said, “But he—what he meant was it’s—all comes—”

Trump interrupted, saying, “Sure. Sure.”

Dickerson finished, “—back to you.”

Now, laugh, for in reality, that is all you can do and what you must do to stay sane during this difficult time. Think of Trump as the student that everyone has had in the class who doesn’t listen, nor comprehend anything—the individual who believes that chemistry is the one with the shapes. But when the arrogance of an individual overpowers their will to listen and learn, then the individual is truly lost.