I’m an African American—Democrats are guilt tripping us into voting

How many African Americans have heard this before—”If you don’t vote, your ancestors fought in vain”, or “If you don’t vote Democrat, then you are letting a racist win.” This has been a message that has resonated through our community for years. But it is the type of message that is troubling. One without substance, but heavy on emotion. A talking point that is not meant to inform, but to shame. Growing up, voting was always treated as a duty. My family was politically minded and often talked about local and national politics. We knew of the representatives who served our districts and understood how the three branches of government worked and affected our day-to-day. When I turned 18 years old, voting was not suggested, it was expected. I remember the voter outreach being one of information, how these laws and legislation would impact you. Canvas workers and politicians did not use rappers or actors to reach Black folks. There was no, “The ancestors would be shamed of you if you didn’t vote”, but motivating us with data and facts. For some reason, that has all changed. I saw the shift during the second President George Bush’s candidacy. I watched...