How I Responded To The 2016 Election | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

How I Responded To The 2016 Election

It doesn't have to be a constant hate rhetoric.

2
How I Responded To The 2016 Election
Unity Of The Oaks

I gave myself until eight o'clock this morning to be angry. For about eight hours I was allowed to cry and share hyper-liberal things all over the Internet. After that eight hours, my anger is no longer allowed to demonstrate itself on the Internet or in any other format. After that eight hours, everything changes. I can be sad or scared, but no longer angry.

To my Trump-supporting friends: Congratulations. Your candidate won. While I may still very strongly dislike Donald Trump and what he stands for, the vast majority of you are good people. For the most part, you don't believe in the racism, sexism, or homophobia that Donald Trump perpetuates. You voted for him for other reasons, and I applaud you for exercising your right to vote.

I still believe that love will always come out on top, which is part of why it is so important that we let go of our anger. I understand why you're angry, believe me, I do. I understand that most people don't understand why you're scared. But in all honesty? I'm exhausted, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I'm so tired of all the hate that dominated this election. I know I contributed to it, but it's time to stop. Hillary supporters: there's no longer a point in long angry rants about Trump supporters. Trump supporters: there's no need for boasting or long angry rants about Hillary supporters. The only way we can prevent this hate from continuing is to unite.

Hillary Clinton talked a lot about uniting the country in the last few days, and that is what we have to do. Whatever happens these next four years, we need to learn to accept everyone for who they are, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or nationality. Regardless of anything the national government says, I'm still a firm believer in equality for all people. That means people of all races, genders, nationalities, sexual orientations, and religions. But that can't happen unless we as a nation stand together and work for it. You may not be suffering; hell, you may be thrilled with these results. But you know people who are. You know friends and family who cried late into the night over the result of this election. I am one of them. Support those who are suffering, who are scared. Hug them. Listen to them. Try to understand why they're upset. Even if you're offended by what they're saying, let them be angry. If they're talking to you about this, they trust you. They don't hate you, but they need a listening ear. They need their closest friends and family. If you choose to abandon or be angry with them, that's your decision, and nobody is going to stop you from making it.

I've already had friends attack me for being angry. I've had other friends send me long encouraging messages telling me it will be okay, that the world isn't ending, and that they love me no matter what. I'm now choosing to not be angry. I'm choosing to stand for equality, for love, and for coming together as a country to allow everyone access to equal rights. Even though it felt like my world was ending last night, the sun still rose this morning, and I'm going to use this day and each day after to pursue equal rights for all. I hope you'll join me.

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

5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

1988
computer keyboard
Unsplash

Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.

Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why Sisters Are The Best

Who could be a better friend than your own sister?

1286
sisters
Taylor Hooper

I can barely remember back when I was the only child. Most would say it’s because it is extremely difficult to remember things as a toddler but I would say it's because I was bored until my sister came along. My mother always says how important the "sister bond" is and with every year that passes I realize how right she is. Instead of writing a novel about all of the wonderful things there are about having a sister I decided to list a few of them instead.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

2816
how to adult
Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

1458
drinking coffee
Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments