As votes were dropped into the ballot box, a great nation began to divide. Social media was exploding with hateful posts, exiling friends and family based on differing political opinions. Support for one candidate became a personality trait. Horrific words like criminal and racist were extended beyond Clinton and Trump to the people who we loved.
This only progressed with the news of Trump's win. Many people who refrained from publicizing their choice now expressed their joy or sorrow. If you venture to the comments, you can read the last words that will ever be spoken between friends. People are afraid our nation's going to crumble at the hands of our new president yet we need no politician for that. We are doing it to ourselves.
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Was I happy with the outcome? In all honesty, no. I could not sleep as I saw Trump climbing the polls. I was terrified as different possibilities flashed into my mind based on previous promises. On top of that, I saw people threatening to leave their homes, end relationships and renounce their families. That being said- please stop abandoning your friends and family.
When I posted online about my opinion, I expected a negative response from Trump's supporters on my friend list. I prepared for somebody to call me uneducated, or highlight Hillary's plights. I had just one short back-and-forth with a person I find very respectable. At the end of our debate, he asked me, "Are we okay?" I was surprised the question even needed to be asked.
Of course we were.
The facts are: A divided nation is a weakened nation. Not every Trump supporter is sexist, homophobic or racist. Not every extreme statement advertised by the media was even his. The ones that were are not policies yet- there is still hope to prevent that. Even though the election outcome may not be in your favor, you still have a voice in your government.
We have a first amendment right to free speech. That means people are going to often say things you do not agree with. It leads to ignorance being spread, but it's also how we communicate revolutionary reforms.
The right to disagree does not mean we should allow contempt to grow in our heart. It should fuel us to band together to protect our rights- even the right to speak unpopular opinions. Learning to accept the views of others without conforming to them is a crucial part of this system.
You may be concerned, maybe even downright terrified. Especially with what this outcome will mean for this country is completely understandable. Alienating ourselves, however, will serve no purpose. Find your allies in this time, and be willing to listen to the other side of the argument. Protest peacefully, respect the other side, and spread love.
