Make America Fear Again | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Make America Fear Again

A black female student's perspective on the aftermath of the election

9
Make America Fear Again
Pexels.com

Throughout the history of the United States, it's not really a secret, regardless of how hard the American education system tried to hide it, that we live in a country that was built off slavery, racism, Jim crow laws, and systematic institutions created to keep people of color away from success.

I, as an African-American woman, know of all the odds against me because of my gender and my race, however, I was always taught that the sky is the limit and to be proud of who I am. I was taught to be unapologetically black, and in progressive America, I thought, as a black woman, I stood a chance regardless of what has been going on. I thought that we as a country were moving towards something, that something may not have been a utopia for black people, but I never thought I would be afraid to complete a minute task such as buying a bottle of wine from the liquor store at night. However, on November 8, 2016, I became afraid. America scared the hell out of me when they elected a bigot, an Islamic phobia, homophobic, racist anti- women man for president.

I believe a lot of people are focused on Donald Trump as a human and the reflection that he has depicted of America and they are well in their right to do so. But more recently, I personally have taken notice and interest into the evil that one man has unleashed in this country. Racism within our beloved land was already a tense subject, that more often than not, white people stayed away from. Racism was subliminal, and never out right, giving the illusion that we were at least being somewhat progressive. Granted I know, that there was more progress to be made and the utopia of equality we all seek was still not created. However, I never lived in a world where blatant racism and completing a minute task in public by myself was something I should second guess. But, here I am in what I thought was a progress America, as a black woman AFRAID.

Despite the active protests across the country, even one at my very own institution, I am scared. Between the stories of minorities being harassed and potentially physically attacked at a university I attend, and stories at other universities, or even simple graffiti that drastically express the hate many people have for minorities. The evil has been exposed and the illusion has been torn down, and the reality of progressive America is that we are still struggling to integrate and develop any form of unity as one nation. I can only unfortunately speak on my own fear as a black woman in America, but I feel for my LGBTQ brothers and sisters, my Islamic brothers and sisters, and my Latin American brothers in sisters. May God literally help us all. The land that’s known for the free and the brave just became the land of being enslaved. Clearly, the actual act of enslaving black people will never happen again because the factors to do such no longer exist, unlike with our ancestors.

Although my fear is valid I am writing this because it is my voice and in 2016 a black woman should not fear the world she lives in, especially when the world she lives in has a constitution that is supposed to promote prosperity and equality for all. But wait then again equality and prosperity was never supposed to include slaves and their decedents regardless of the fact that the country has literally been built on our backs. So to Donald Trump and his supporters, remember heavy is the head that wears the crown and we, as the minorities of this country, will not be silenced.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196376
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18530
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460617
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28172
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments