You've probably already had a million discussions about the election and read way too many articles and posts about it, but I'd like to provide my own input based on my personal feelings, things I gained insight on in class discussions, and various other sources.
Thank you to my MHC seminar professor and my Creative Writing professor, for allowing class time to process and discuss the week's events in a safe environment. (Woohoo for group therapy!)
Literally everyone has said this already, but WOW, what a crazy few days it's been. The election of 2016 is finally over, and half of the country is in shock (myself included). The other half is genuinely happy that the change they wanted will be coming to the country.
To those people: I have no right to say that my sadness and anxiety is more important than your happiness and excitement. My feelings are do not take precedence over yours because I believe I'm in the right. You're right to you, and I can't deny that from you. You have your own jobs, families, and lives to be worried about, and those vital influences told you that Trump was the right president for you. I accept that, and I'm sorry that there was so much tension between the two sides of this election.
However, I'd like to address the people who were more excited about the fact that they could now use Trump as an excuse to further encourage racist, sexist, homophobic, and other targeted rhetoric/actions. I am not naive enough to think that racism, sexism, homophobia, and other types of hate and prejudice did not exist here before, but the things I have seen and heard of are outright rage-inducing and heartbreaking. Humanity has disappointed me, and I feel for those of you who have also been crushed by this backwards progress.
On the other hand, humanity also reminded me to remain hopeful. We have broken records as 6 women were elected who are the first of their race/ethnicity/religion to be in Congress. Strangers have left encouraging words for others to read in the subway, reminding each other that the world keeps spinning as long as we have hope and are kind. Somewhere out there, the first woman president of the United States of America is making plans, and isn't that just amazing? Because it will happen; I have faith in that.
Keep your chins up, guys. Find comfort in those around you, and comfort them in return. If you see anyone getting harassed, simply ignore the hate, go up to them, and start a discussion about the weather. Speak out, whether it's on Facebook, Instagram or Tumblr, or with art and music instead of words--anything.Don't lose your voice just because you think that hate will drown it out. Trust me: it won't, and it can't.
Have a hopeful week, guys.
