To all those who recognized the symbolic death of progress: my condolences. We share this grief.

We share the same, burdensome knowledge that a wise business man advertised bigotry, and our country bought it. As a marketing genius, he realized that there was a demand for hatred. And he supplied it. This nation which was built by people of all races, ethnicities, religions, and genders has prioritized his abstract future over the lives of the citizens.

Of course, there are those who fail to recognize this symbolic death. They are those with nothing to lose from such a scenario, who voted according to their personal conscience – which, of course, is something that cannot be wholeheartedly condemned. However, intended or not, the damage has been done.

Some have realized the greater consequences of their actions, and some refuse to acknowledge the way they have turned back the clock on progress.

However, we cannot continue to mourn, for a very simple reason: there is limited productivity in mourning.

Now that the county has decided what values matter to them, it’s time we as individuals voice our own values. We cannot let them be lost in a sea of those willing to throw others under the bus. It will be harder to make our voice heard, but that’s no excuse. We must get used to shouting.

We have to make it a fight – we will not lay down and accept that we are lesser because our country has devalued us. We will not accept the climate of hate that has been made marketable by this elect. We will maintain human values.

It may feel like we are Sisyphus, pushing this boulder of equality and progress up this steep, conservative hill, but it’s important to note that we don’t have to let the boulder slip all the way back down.

In a climate that perpetuates rape culture, we shall not be quiet.

In a climate that undermines the value of a woman, we shall not be quiet.

In a climate that refuses to acknowledge the struggles of LGBT+ people, we shall not be quiet.

In a climate that makes “black” synonymous to “criminal”, we shall not be quiet.

In a climate that supports freedom of only one certain religion, we shall not be quiet.

Remember, in the din of their victory, they will try to shut you down, to tell you that your words have lost value, that your ideals are childish. Do not let them.

As a nation and as humans, we’ve come too far to let hatred reign. Keep strong, everyone.