From UberPools to grocery store lines, many bewildered Philadelphians have asked me the same question in passing — “Could Donald Trump really be elected president?”

In these brief encounters the question is rhetorical but I can’t help but consider a real answer.  Last week’s events in the United Kingdom has made it clear that not only is it possible, but likely. The citizens of Great Britain and Northern Ireland voted to exit the European Union in a referendum called, the British Exit. Despite its cute name, Brexit is the U.K.’s fear-mongering gift that will keep on giving. Despite my disappointment, our nation has a unique opportunity to watch with front row seats exactly what could happen with a leader like the current presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

I have to admit, I didn’t see it coming. I spent several years living on the other side of the pond and enjoyed the benefits of the U.K.’s “conscientious” society. Or so I thought. Like a kid in a liberal candy store, I relished in their anti-gun laws, the National Health Service, and affordable education. Parents sent children to class without the fear of a school shooting. Young adults attended university unconcerned with crushing debt. A family’s medical bills would never send them into homelessness. I found when basic human rights are provided, a different type of freedom can be felt. The United Kingdom is far from a utopia but for those few years, I felt closer to it. A few days ago, I learned that that progressive mindset might be exclusive to London, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Without the entire nation onboard, these few places couldn’t sway the U.K. from irrevocable fear.

My love for country is honest yet loyal. I’m aware of its flaws but I’m intensely quick to speak to its beauty and majesty. The U.S. gives countless individuals the real opportunity to change their destiny for the better. Unfortunately, systemic racism provides blame when certain citizens do not achieve it. Americans are told socialism is wrong and Ayn Rand’s objectivism is a logical path to true personal freedom. Promoting selfishness and making happiness seem scarce is a dangerous perversion of the “American Dream.” 

The Brexit is a rude awaking to the fallout of the “blame game.” There is a growing amount of middle and lower-class white people struggling. Their problems are real and their frustrations are warranted. They see corporate and political greed devastating lives and they want change. Sadly, that change has manifested into xenophobia. I think poor working class whites have been voting against their better interest simply because a candidate looks the part. They get behind white, rich, powerful candidates only to be utterly discounted after each election. They have bought into the mainstream media that suggests whites shouldn’t struggle as much or worse than minorities. What’s scary is that not all of them are the loud-and-proud racists of the world. Beware, there is a less aggressive yet equally intolerant voter considering Trump too.

Imperialism, slavery and even the Civil Rights Movement can seem far in the past to white Americans. On paper, everyone is free and some white folks don’t understand what all the fuss is about. It would appear marginalized whites have a rather large bone to pick and are handing Trump the knife. I worry that their anger will only grow if the solution is sought out externally. The type of change we need starts with how people view themselves within our society, particularly white people.

The idea that all Americans have the same opportunities and some just make better choices than others is profoundly false. I believe the core of this problem is thinking “white” is some sort of societal baseline. As if race should only be considered if you are not white. As a white citizen, I examine my role in all of this. I am tired of gently nudging people about discrimination and injustice. It’s time to say it. This is not white fragility; this is white supremacy. Make no mistake!