Every time I hear the phrase “the majority of Americans want this,” my shoulders tense up a little. Not because I don’t understand what they’re trying to say but because history tells us that phrase is often doing way more harm than good.
One of the foundational pieces of our democracy – one that actually makes it work – is that minorities have a voice. Not just a symbolic one. A real one.
A lot of the positive change in this country didn’t come because the majority suddenly had a moral awakening. It came because minority voices were finally heard.
Just in recent history…my own marriage.
Fifty. Fifty-five. Sixty years ago? The majority of Americans were against it. Flat out. Same thing with civil rights. Same thing with integrated schools. The majority of Americans were fine with segregation. Comfortable, even.
And if you keep going back through history, that pattern doesn’t change much. The majority tends to prefer the status quo, especially when the status quo benefits them.
Progress happens when we decide that what’s popular isn’t always what’s right.
So when I hear politicians today say, “This is what the American people voted for,” I want to pause the tape. (Actually I want to pull my hair out but that ship sailed a long time ago)
First, factually that’s not even true. Only about 49% of voters cast their ballot for Donald Trump. That margin over Kamala Harris was barely over a percentage point. The majority of Americans did not vote for what’s happening right now.
Second, even if they had that’s not how this country is supposed to function. Democracy isn’t mob rule. It’s not 51% gets to decide everything forever.
And third, maybe most importantly, even when something is supported by a majority, that doesn’t make it just. History is very clear on that point.
Recognizing minority rights is not a flaw in our system. It’s the reason so many of us are able to live fuller, freer lives today.
That’s how we create an environment that allows success to happen, not just for some, but for everyone.
Anyway. That’s what’s been rattling around in my head. No solutions. No big call to action. Just a reminder that “the majority” has been wrong before and will be wrong again.
So, tonight the minority will make the decision for dinner – I want hot dogs. Everyone else wants something else. We’re having hot dogs because the minority is taking action.
For the historical record.
MattMunnell.com 