Interview with a Black and Hispanic Trump Supporter

Corey Stephens is a junior from Decatur. I met him through mutual friends. One thing you should know about Corey is that he never wants to leave a conversation without making you laugh. He’s a complete goofball, and comes from a mix of African-American and Puerto Rican backgrounds. His political views, however, may surprise you. He is 16-years-old and describes himself as, “a conservative that just likes things to be in order.” When I asked him what “order” meant to him politically he responded, “Making more jobs open for American citizens so we can go to work, get our money, maintain a living, and grow from that.” I decided to start a dialogue with him and he agreed to let me interview him.

I’d like to take note that the point of this interview was not to try and prove him wrong on anything. I don’t share his views on virtually anything, but unlike interviews that back a person into a corner, I just wanted to understand his viewpoint. During a time when people with differing political views are at each other’s throats, instead of looking for conflict, I aimed to understand.

So what first drew you to Trump?

At first, I actually wasn’t for Trump. I was hater, mostly because of what other people told me about him. But then, I did my own research and found out he’s not as bad as others depict him to be

When did that happen?

When I was about 13 or 14.

How do you think Trumps has been doing so far?

I think he’s been doing pretty well as president, but maybe not so hot when it comes to the way people see him.

What do you think he should change to make him more likable?

Probably just to be more filtered, but that’s one thing I like about him, is that he has no filter and he’s not afraid to speak his mind.

Some people say that he comes across as arrogant. Do you agree or disagree with that?

I will agree with that...he does have a temper. And, before he was a president he was a businessman and a celebrity, but celebrities will be celebrities… He is very arrogant sometimes...but as long as he gets the job done, I don’t care.

Is “getting the job done” important to you in a president? Could you explain some ways you think this benefited our country?

In terms of educating American citizens on why [undocumented immigrants] could hurt rather than help us.

How could they hurt us?

Well, it’s in this sense; not all immigrants are bad and a lot of them just want to come here for a better life. I fully understand and support it. However, I feel they should come in a legal way, for two reasons: 1: it’s illegal to jump the border without the correct paperwork, and 2: you run the risk of getting deported. My family came [to this country] the legal way and became citizens. 

The legal way into our country is a really hard process to get through, would you support an easier path to citizenship?

I would say that it does take a while as it is. No one is saying it is an easy way, and it’s going to take time and patience, but you will eventually become an American citizen.

What about asylum seekers who have to flee their homes because of gang violence or economic crises? What do you think they should do, seeing as they may not have much time? 

I understand, and it’s messy. I can see. Like I said before, it’s not an easy task and not a beautiful job and I get that sometimes people can’t wait, but sometimes you have to wait to get citizenship.

So do you think America could just get to the root of the problem and help other countries with their issues?

Yes, we could do something like that, but knowing our president, he’s probably only going to work on America, and better it.

How do you feel about the border wall and detention camps?

I’m not a fan of the detention camps, but it’s been a thing for so long. It’s not a good decision. I don’t know anything else we could do. I don’t know if there’s another way we could stop it, but if we could find a better way to deal with it, we should find another solution.

Do you believe in climate change?

Yes.

Does it ever bother you that people think you can’t or shouldn’t be a Trump supporter solely because you’re black and Hispanic?

Honestly, yes, it does bother me because there are a lot of people who are like “you’re a Trump supporter?!” and then they’re speechless. When people call me out and know what they’re talking about I appreciate it, but if you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t argue with me.

Would you like to see him re-elected?

I suppose yes, unless there is a better candidate who’s views or policies are better. If not, I would like to see him re-elected.

I’m really glad I got to have this conversation. I think as well as a new understanding of conservatives, I also gained a friend of sorts. Despite his differing views from mine, he’s hilarious, outgoing, and really fun to talk to. (He also does a really good Jack Sparrow impression...we got off track sometimes) Now, of course, none of what he said compelled me to agree with him, but I think he will remain someone who will force me out of my comfort zone in conversation because of our differing viewpoints and maybe that’s something we all could benefit from right now.