During a recent campaign event, Ohio Senator JD Vance made a comment that is stirring up a lot of talk. He spoke in Wisconsin to support Donald Trump and decided to share his thoughts on people being “too offended.” But instead of addressing real issues, he said something many found troubling: “Maybe it’s a stupid, racist joke… Maybe it is not. But we have to stop getting so offended at every little thing in the United States of America. I’m so over it.”
Vance: I have heard about the joke… Maybe it’s a stupid, racist joke.. Maybe it is not. But we have to stop getting so offended at every little thing can a United States of America. I’m so over it pic.twitter.com/I93s68plT8
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 28, 2024
This was quickly picked up by Acyn on Twitter, and it’s easy to see why. The statement sounds like Vance is saying that racist jokes don’t really matter and that people should just “get over it.” But isn’t being offended by racism a valid reaction? Many think so.
Acyn’s tweet highlighted how Vance seems to brush off racism like it’s no big deal. Saying that people “get too offended” by racist jokes ignores how harmful they can be. Racist jokes don’t just make people uncomfortable; they spread hurtful ideas and can even lead to discrimination. For someone in public office to act like these jokes don’t matter shows a lack of understanding. It’s not about “getting offended.” It’s about standing up for fairness and respect.
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Instead of addressing people’s concerns, Vance wants to act like they don’t matter. Acyn’s tweet captured the problem perfectly—Vance doesn’t seem to see why these issues are important to so many people.
Vance’s comment wasn’t the only thing he said that felt off. Throughout his speech, he used words to scare people instead of offering real solutions. He talked about immigration as if it’s a major threat, saying, “I, for one, would like to raise my children in a country that is not flooded with 25 million illegal aliens.” Statements like these are made to scare people instead of bringing them together. But immigration is a complex issue that’s not solved by fear.
Vance also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she isn’t helping lower grocery prices or securing the border. Yet, he offered no ideas on how he or Trump would do it differently. This is a common theme for Vance—lots of complaints, no real solutions.
When public figures ignore the harm caused by racist jokes, they’re also ignoring the people who are hurt by them. Racism isn’t something people can “just get over.” Many feel that everyone deserves respect, and when someone jokes about race or other sensitive topics, it sends a bad message.
In brushing off racism, Vance is basically saying that people’s feelings don’t matter. But respect and kindness are what keep society fair and just. Ignoring this only creates more division.
When it comes to real leadership, voters might decide they want someone who listens and cares about all people, not someone who tells them to “get over it.”
Featured image via Screengrab
