Through tears, I write this. It has taken me a lot to get to this point, but I can no longer bite my tongue. After recent events today at my very own college, I can no longer contain my disdain. We are immediately seeing repercussions to the devastating platform that has been increasingly stiffened through the words and actions of Mr. Trump.
First of all, despite this unfortunate and disheartening electoral outcome, it has only made me more passionate about creating positive change and pushing for a more harmonious country and world — starting from the infrastructure that clearly needs work based on the choice that was made. As much as I want to give up, allowing this to shake my faith in humanity, I know I must stand strong because this is the time that faith is needed most. It is a sad day in America today. Although I genuinely and wholeheartedly hope to be proven wrong by Mr. Trump, I anticipate that it won’t be the last.
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To the hateful Trump supporters on Facebook: Notice how I am specifically addressing the hateful individuals, as not to stigmatize an entire “group” of people since that is absolutely what I do not stand for. If you feel that this doesn’t apply to you, do not get defensive. To the latter, though: I see you posting things such as “get over it” or “quit whining.” I see you trying to validate or defend heinous acts and ideals to suit your unshakeable bigotry. To this, I reply with, “I refuse.”
I have had a difficult time not addressing you or attacking you in the way that you have anyone who opposes you this entire political season. I know that my character is not to bully, though, and could not live with myself retaliating with your strategies.
Today, I write to inform you that, regardless of what backlash I may receive for this, I am and will remain steadfast in my morals and goodwill. I will never apologize for standing up for those that need it most — those that suffer from the prejudices that you so callously disregard, or even embrace, that this man has spewed so carelessly. I understand that many of those same individuals on my Facebook, the ones who recklessly post anger induced and ruthless comments and stereotypes, have been born and raised in an area of one fairly consistent socioeconomic status, diversity lacking, and one-track, narrow-minded community. I understand that you may not have been raised in a manner that enabled, nor required, you to actively think about what it may be like to be in a position that is different from your own. However, refusing to possess empathy, or making an effort to open your eyes to perspectives and scenarios beyond your personal sphere, is an inexcusable choice. If you’re feeling defensive reading this, then you very clearly are the very person I am speaking to, and you know it.
This is not because I do not respect others’ points of view — I welcome healthy debate and can appreciate numerous angles to multiple topics — but because there is no room in my life for individuals whose morals oppose mine so drastically. In addition, commenting that you hate Senator Clinton is no basis for argument against the unspeakable things I am addressing and therefore is completely irrelevant to the point I am trying to make in challenging the repugnant notions that Mr. Trump is being a spokesperson for. I already understand the issues many have with this woman. That is not what I am discussing in this post because that is not relevant here and not what needs to be discussed — it is past that now. In no way does that hurt me or change my stance on Mr. Trump as an immoral individual. Ignorance is no longer an excuse. If you don’t possess compassion for all human rights, the basis for a relationship with you is unwanted by me.
I cry today because there seems to be a misconstruing of the definition of “great.” Retaliation on the basis of hatred, ignorance, racism, sexism or any discrimination of the like will never deter me from going against the gradient to be a voice to those who have been silenced. I am not afraid of you and you will not bully me as Mr. Trump has so many and so openly — I will not allow it. “Make America Great Again,” you say. This is the most terrifying slogan of all. To what time are you hoping to revert to? You are hoping to regress in civil rights, something that should be upheld in importance more than money, power, or greed, after how far we have come and how much further we need to go?
I cry today because, whether it be women, LGBTQ community, people of color, or those with disabilities, all progression we have made in the past 100 years for these movements toward equality was mocked and set right back in history as of last night. The word “again” in this slogan mocks this progression. It is horrifying that the perpetrators of the reiterated oppression now have a leader that has made it okay to hate, to abuse and to openly discriminate. The irreparable damage and implications that this decision will cause, not only internally, but also globally, is utterly terrifying. I am so sickened that there is now a man in power that is the staple for an entire population that holds negative, derogatory, divisive, cruel and evil ideals. I am so sickened that there is now a man in power who has given these people a foundation to justify these ideals without a second thought. If you find yourself making excuses for this, shame on you.
My hopes for America would be to strive to be NOTHING like we have been in the past, but rather to continue to grow and work toward the full potential of what this country SHOULD be. One that is based on true freedom, true equality, true opportunity, and true democracy. I emphasize and repeat the word “true” because now we are simply living in an illusion of these ideals. My hopes for America are for it to be a place that is better for us as a whole rather than for those in favorable factions created by the oppressive tactics this country was built on. Tactics that have divided us into, not only categories, but also categories that are placed on a hierarchical scale.
More importantly though, to those of you who are victims of this bigotry, who feel threatened, afraid and unsure about your futures due to these very ideals that our supposed leader has instilled as being acceptable as a norm, I am sorry that you have to live every day of the next four years feeling threatened by a bully. I hope you know I fear with you. I stand with you. I cry with you. Most importantly, I hear you. I will speak for you when you cannot.
Call me a hippie, call me a liberal, call me whatever you want. I am an activist. I am a human being who cares deeply about other human beings. An advocate. An independent, strong woman. An individual. I am unapologetic.
In short, “It does not affect me so I do not care” simply doesn’t work for me anymore.
Patriotism is earned. With that said, I am disgusted and ashamed to be an American today, and I say that with utmost solidarity. He may be the president, but he certainly is not my president. I pray for the future of this country. God bless.
