Many people are scared by the results of the election. Muslim women are facing increased harassment. They are being encouraged by family members to not wear their hijab to prevent harassment and if they wear them anyways, many have had the hijab ripped off their heads. Women, in general, are facing increased harassment as men are using Trump's catchphrase "Grab them by the p****!" as justification for their actions. People of color and members of the MOGII community are being beaten in the streets. People with disabilities are terrified that they will lose necessary healthcare. These groups have absolutely every reason and right to be scared and upset. I know I am for being part of some of these groups as well as having many friends in those groups and I needed a few days before I could write this. However, there are some bits of hope in these times.
1. Hillary Won The Popular Vote
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Shock and grief at Hillary's election night rally.
Okay, it sounds just more upsetting at first that the electoral college worked against her BUT this means that more people would vote to put a woman in the White House and are (hopefully) against what Trump has said regarding the groups mentioned. Also, though many are angry at third-party voters for possibly swaying the election, this means that we ought to include the people who believed in Jill Stein wold also support a woman in office. Not to mention that there are Trump supporters who do not support his aggressive opinions (though it does make one question why they would overlook what he's promised to do). Plus all of those who did not vote at all, most of whom are likely good people, means even more people who won't threaten the health and safety of everyone mentioned above. So all of these people will hopefully not allow or at least not contribute to the violence.
2. Other Historic Election Wins
YOU GO, LADIES!
We may not have the first female president, but six other women in government made historic moves themselves this election. The first bisexual governor, first Latina Senator, progress even as we seem to regress. These are women of the future. For parents with little girls who don't have a female president to look up to, show them these women. Show them that gender and race and sexuality may make the road more difficult but if these women made it, so can they. Check out the Buzzfeed article on these women.
3. People All Over Social Media Are Trying To Help
They're too precious for this world.
Between Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook so many people are offering their love and support to those who may be affected by the election. Not just celebrities but people who have open minds and hearts. Many people were feeling hopeless and anxious during and after election night so people did their best to spread the numbers for suicide prevention hotlines on various platforms. Many people have also been spreading posts which say things along the lines of how they will be there for everyone who needs them at this time. They were blogging inspiration, tweeting love, sharing messages of support. They worked so hard to tell people that there is more love than hate in the world.
As I was on Tumblr at the time, here's some of the blogs creating posts to be shared showing support for everyone: soul-angelos, glumshoe, lizdexia, the6thsiren, andythanfiction, marauders4evr (just pick a post, any post). There's so many others on there as well as other social media sites sending out similar messages and there's just as many, if not more, sharing other people's posts to show their support as well. They're even coming up with ways to subtly identify themselves as people. I've heard of the safety pin campaign, for example. It's beautiful to see people trying to help.
4. People IRL Are Trying Too
Like these lovely people!
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also pledged to stop Trump from fulfilling any harmful campaign promises.
If you do not reverse course and instead endeavor to make these campaign promises a reality, you will have to contend with the full firepower of the ACLU at every step. Our staff of litigators and activists in every state, thousands of volunteers and millions of card-carrying members and supporters are ready to fight against any encroachment on our cherished freedoms and rights.
Check out their site to read their full statement and find out how to help.
5. Bernie Is Still Here For Us
Good ol' Bernie still has America's back.
According to Us Weekly,
"To the degree that Mr. Trump is serious about pursuing policies that improve the lives of working families in this country, I and other progressives are prepared to work with him," he continued. "To the degree that he pursues racist, sexist, xenophobic and anti-environment policies, we will vigorously oppose him."
Everyone knows how determined that man is. He won't let Trump get away with anything that could cause harm if he can help it.
6. There's Protections Already In Place
Suck it.
First of all, as the federal government doesn't control police departments, he can't use executive order to enforce stop-and-frisk. As the Supreme Court determined banning gay marriage to be unconstitutional and Justice Scalia had been against it, even if Trump replaces Scalia with another anti-gay marriage justice, it would be extremely difficult to reverse that decision. The same can be said about the Roe v. Wade decision. It could also be difficult for him to be able to pull out of the Paris Agreement during his term (though sources debate whether it would be legally possible or not).
7. Other Protections Are Being Created
Thanks Obama. (No seriously.)
Obama is working towards solutions to prevent the defunding of Planned Parenthood (though contrary to media posts being distributed, nothing is permanent yet). Congress and Obama are likely going to be spending what time they have left trying to prevent many of Trump's promises. We will have to wait and see but it's something.
8. Midterm Elections Are In Two Years
Elections are not just every four years. There's the midterm elections to look forward to. I know it's ridiculous to try thinking about another election but with a conservative president and conservative majorities in both houses of congress, we need to think about turning the tide. All of the House of Representatives seats are up for grabs and 33 of the Senate seats are as well. We can and need to take them back.
We can and will make Trump a one term president. We can and will ensure the safety of everyone who will be affected by the government and the radical supporters of either side (because though not with the same frequency or fervor, there has been some violence against Trump or assumed Trump supporters). We can and will make America greater. We can, we will, we have hope.
