It comes as no surprise that much of this election has come down to identity politics. Trump has given voice to people who feel they're "losing their country" when in fact their country is simply trying to live up to the ideals of its founders.
At this point I know nothing I write will persuade anyone out of their dug in opinions on this race, so instead I think it's appropriate to reflect on what got us here. The Times article below lays out an argument that I believe is true; globalization has weakened the position that many white people see as rightfully theirs, when instead all it has done is given the opportunities whites are used to to other ethnic groups. As our economics have stagnated (due to various reasons not discussed here) we have lost the ability to identify as our profession as a sign of status and have instead retreated to more basic means of status (being race). When that status is no longer adequate we begin to look for excuses as to why we've lost our place in society.
This is where Trump comes in with his simplistic view on immigration and trade. He provides simple answers that feel reassuring to people who feel as though they've lost their place in society.
Regardless of your position on the issues, I think it's worth reading this article and acknowledge that there is an identity crisis amongst white people. How we react to it and where we go from here will have significant implications in the western world. I think it's time for us to realize equality is not a zero sum game, and that for others to prosper does not mean you need to suffer.