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To accuse the political opposition of voting based on racism and misogyny, rather than legitimate political differences on issues, can itself be a form of bigotry (Readers Write, Nov. 8). It involves stereotyping the motives of voters on the other side. Sheletta Brundidge implies such an accusation when she writes, “[Vice President Kamala Harris’] win would have meant that people in this country saw Black women not by the color of our skin but by the content of our character” (“We’re seeking strength in joy, not storming the Capitol,” Strib Voices, Nov. 8).
In her concession speech, Harris used the word “united” once and “community” once. She used the word “fight” (or “fighting”) 19 times. She said what she would be fighting for but not against whom she would be fighting. Based on the campaign rhetoric, I presume it would be the deplorable, fascist, senile garbage of our society.
Parenthetically, regarding the “D-word,” we prefer the French “les déplorables.” It sounds so much better.
Mark and Leslie Davison, Maple Grove
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Unlike some of my fellow Democrats, I don’t believe most Donald Trump voters are racist or sexist or sympathetic to fascism. I think Trump won largely because the economy was not working for vast numbers of families living from paycheck to paycheck and unable to make ends meet. Many probably held their noses in the voting booth.