During a rally Friday night, Donald Trump called any athlete who kneels during the national anthem a “son of a b*tch” who should be fired. He was referring to Colin Kaepernick and those who have joined him in protesting police brutality and the systemic oppression of people of color. In response, athletes en masse, musicians, and even elected officials have taken a knee in solidarity, asserting the right to free speech and showing the depth and breadth of the movement for racial equality.

The words of Donald Trump threaten our country’s history of free speech and are a clear demonstration of toxic masculinity. Time and time again this President chooses dominance and aggression over empathy and compassion. His threats are violent, degrading to women, and part of a pattern to create hierarchy within the American populace where partnership and collaboration would better serve us. His latest tweets serve as an example to white nationalists and racists that devaluing certain populations is not only okay but a symbol of strength. We cannot accept this as the norm.

That’s why this week, we’re asking you to use your voice to stand with the athletes, leaders, and activists who are using their voices to advocate for the rights of others, thus showing what authentic leadership looks like. Together, let’s call out this toxic masculinity and tell our President to “Be a Model Man.”

Onwards,

Jennifer Siebel Newsom & The Representation Project Team