It has been one heck of an election season. Our media has been saturated with a slew presidential hopefuls acting more like children than politicians. Americans have been exposed to coverage of disagreeable candidates, whose rhetoric has been seeping into societal standards; this election has normalized slurs and insults from politicians who sought to maintain a position of leadership for our nation while providing a platform for Americans to act on their homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, or other implicit biases.
The nation has remained anxious, waiting with baited breath for the results of this election. In the meantime, Americans have taken to social media to facilitated a number of political disagreements. Citizens have begun to establish themselves as Trump or Clinton supports before recognizing themselves as humans, as brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, cousins and friends. Although we have reached the end of the election, the values set forth during the presidential race continue: we remain hostile as we segregate ourselves into our political factions.
The results of the election further contributed to an evident divide between conservatives and liberals. America is a nation at war with itself.
In the spirit of November, a season of giving thanks, I recommend we all take the time to pull ourselves back: above all else, before we are Democrats or Republicans, before we are Americans, we are all humans. Although the significance of kindness is often undervalued and underappreciated, it is so important to remember the benefits of being good to one another! I raise the motion that we all work towards achieving these small acts of kindness in November, and resolve to continue our progress in the months to come. We need to be kind to each other to remind each other that hope is not lost, even in the face of something - or someone - bleak.
Here are ten small acts of kindness that will never be overrated.
1. Find opportunities to give out compliments!
There is something to be said about someone who recognizes great qualities in others. Compliments encourage others who might be struggling, whether the praise is being given out to a friend or to a stranger! To those unsure about the merits of compliments, compliments cost nothing, take little time, and could be the difference between someone being successful and someone giving up. We can all benefit from a little encouragement.
2. Regardless of popular belief, manners do matter!
Politeness will never be unfashionable, believe me! It never hurts to tack on a “please” to a request, nor does it hurt to offer “thanks” when receiving something. “Excuse me” is also a helpful phrase to learn. The bottom line is, in an election where candidates are praised for being rude and called “honest” for their behavior, I will maintain there is great importance in good manners.
3. Hold the door, hold the elevator - just hold it!
It’s a small act that doesn’t require much time or effort, but it does make a difference - trust me!
I am so appreciative for those people who hold the door for me, even when I’m a few steps behind and I have to engage in that awkward walk-run pace to get to the door fast so not to inconvenience them. Plus, it takes even less time and effort to hold the elevator! And who doesn’t need a little extra time to catch an elevator in the mornings, when we’re all rushing to our classes?4. Bring doughnuts (or another treat) to a meeting, to a class, etc.
Looking to be the most loved and respected peer? Pick up a sweet treat to brighten up a business event! I have never loved a classmate or coworker more than when he or she brought Dunkin’ Donuts munchkins to a meeting, and I think we can all agree that we are all united through our unconditional love of doughnuts (or is that just me?).
5. Leave a good tip to a deserving server!
6. Post positive compliments on social media.
Social media is a great platform for opening up content to feedback, but sometimes giving a “like” isn’t enough! Post a supportive comment on someone’s Facebook post or latest Instagram upload. This takes little to no time or effort, but it can increase someone’s confidence!7. Give to the homeless.
As a new resident of Boston, I often encounter homeless people. I encourage people to donate spare dollars to those collecting. For those who are not as comfortable not knowing where their spare change is going, or for those who have no cash but do have a card, I recommend going into a restaurant or store and purchasing a sandwich, cereal, a snack, a bottle of water, a warm beverage, or a gift card.8. Smile!
Although this seems simple, smiling encourages conversation and offers a silent greeting to others. I know it might seem tough right now, as a feeling of desperation has settled over half of the nation, but we must continue to overcome.
We can all benefit from additional measures of kindness. I am a firm believer that simple acts can speak volumes.
