There's an endless amount of stuff to talk about since the election results were announced. Though I have a lot of opinions on what happened I feel like a lot of them were already expressed through my social media accounts or are specific to in-person conversation. And some issues, while important to me, are best talked about by individuals directly affected by those injustices. However, although I rarely talk about serious issues through the Odyssey I feel like it would be inappropriate and passive to write a frivolous listicle when the world has been completely turned upside down for so many people in this country. I don't have any revolutionary things to say at this time, but since I do have access to this platform I'll use it to get a few things off my mind.
[Taken right from my Instagram because why not]: I've been hearing a lot of backlash against protest, even peaceful ones- "what's the point/you're not going to change the fact that he's president/you're causing a huge inconvenience." A big part of rallying for me is coming together just to show support for one another. In a country that is openly expressing its hatred for women, for people of color, for Muslims, for queer people, the list goes on: the community here wants to say that WE do not hate you. We come up in droves to scream and cry and walk to show that hatred is not the truth, nor will be let it be our future.
[I want to be clear that this is NOT directed toward people who can't attend rallies for reasons related to physical/mental disability, mental illness, etc. These are all valid and there are tons of other ways to contribute to a movement you are passionate about- monetarily or donating your time to those in need, to name a couple. One day I'll write a separate article about it.]
I want to mention another thing while we're on the subject: opinions are not a right if they inflict violence, physical or systematic, on another person. "Pablo Honey is Radiohead's worst album" is an opinion. "I've listened to your spoken word on your experience growing up as the daughter of undocumented immigrants and I don't agree" doesn't even make sense. There's no agreeing or disagreeing when it comes to a person's lived experience.
Anyway. Feel what you're feeling and don't feel obligated to engage in conversation or be around people who have political "opinions" that threaten your identity or safety.
