Read Chance the Rapper's important message to white people about Donald Trump

Between doing Arthur covers, writing sketches for SNL, stumping for Hillary Clinton, singing “Jingle Bells” with President Obama, and also being an insanely uplifting and talented rapper, it’s no surprise that Chance the Rapper is one of the ultimate celebrity icons of our generation. And he has some advice for those who are peering into this impending gaping void of uncertainty and fear that is the Trump presidency.

While telling GQ in a recent interview why he’s not afraid to be a boring good guy because “the good usually wins,” he explained why he also wasn’t afraid of the next four years under Trump:

You gotta just understand, like, shit has been fucked-up, right? Like, “Make America Great Again,” that’s not a real thing because shit ain’t really switched up for them. It’s not really going that bad for you. If you feel like you’re the under-represented, under-appreciated side of Middle America that is white—quote me—you need to, uh, toughen up, nigga! Somebody gotta punch you in the chest, because shit is sweet for you. You know what I’m saying?

Again, as people of color, particularly black people, have noted before (for instance, the creators of this week’s episode of Black-ish, or the woman who got death threats for making the “America Was Never Great” hat), Trump’s election is certainly tragic, but it doesn’t change the fact that the status quo for marginalized people in America hasn’t exactly been a bed of roses up till now.

There is plenty to worry about when it comes to those affected by Obamacare, which is in the process of being repealed, as well as basic human rights for women, people of color, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, and basically anyone who isn’t a rich white man. But overcoming fear doesn’t mean ignoring the issues we’ve already been facing. Luckily, people are already getting educated and fighting back.

Of course, Chance did a little charming self-plugging in his GQ interview:

I would say the main reason not to be afraid is that I’m making music for your kids now. I’m coming so clean-cut with the message of hope and understanding, and the Word, that it’s like: What could you be fearful of?

Obviously Chance’s music isn’t going to singlehandedly save us, but it’d certainly make some good background music while we save ourselves.

 
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