To my friends who proudly supported Donald Trump in this year’s election.
To the individuals who are telling us to “calm down” and to “please stop overreacting.”
Our spirits aren’t broken for the reasons you think.
First of all, I give my sincerest congratulations to you, and you have every reason to celebrate. No one is telling you to curb your excitement or downplay your joy. If you have been verbally (or even physically) attacked by a Clinton supporter over the past few days, then I apologize on their behalf. No one should be treated this way for their political views. But, for those of you who feel emboldened by your candidate’s victory to assert your newfound “dominance,” you don’t need to grab women inappropriately, force a Muslim woman to remove her headscarf, or threaten minorities to show your enthusiasm. It hasn’t even been a week, and hate crimes have dominated college campuses and city streets. Take a look -- these crimes are not isolated.
Second of all, I think we all agree that Donald Trump won the election fair and square -- I am praying for Donald Trump’s success as president. While the Electoral College has its flaws and Hillary Clinton narrowly won the popular vote, Trump was elected according to the American political process, and nothing can change that. To not accept the results is to not accept democracy, and I am ready to give him a chance to lead. But, that’s not why my fellow Americans are out on the streets protesting. So, you may ask, why are we angry?
Because we’re scared. If you’ve never been on the other end of something offensive, discriminatory, or marginalizing, it’s hard to understand.
It’s hard to understand how it feels to be threatened to death because of the way you worship.
It’s hard to understand how it feels to be punched, kicked, and ripped apart because of who you love.
It’s hard to understand how it feels to be afraid for yourself and your loved ones, simply because of the amount of melanin in your skin.
It’s hard to understand how it feels to be verbally denounced by your leader, your supposed “protector,” for who you are.
We’re not stupid. We know that Donald Trump and Mike Pence won’t be able to overturn Roe v. Wade or Obergefell v. Hodges by themselves. Trump has already backtracked on his plans to repeal most of Obamacare and to ban Muslims from entering the country -- he’s even gone so far to say that he supports the legalization of same-sex marriage, which I think is a great start. We also know perfectly well that there are enough members of Congress who aren't ready to build that dreaded wall. Some of these policies were too unreasonable for Congress to consider in the first place -- this isn’t old news. But, with Donald Trump and Mike Pence in the White House, a Republican Senate, a Republican House, and a more conservative-leaning Supreme Court, there are many ways in which the government can attack the rights of minorities increment by increment, mostly through the form of smaller bills and policies. Who knows if Donald Trump can realize his many promises to fruition? A president is supposed to be for all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Trump may not be successful in his efforts, but he and Pence will try their best to undermine the rights of the marginalized within their constitutional bounds of power. So, before you call us ridiculous, please try to grapple with our fears that have come closer to realization.
These protestors won’t be able to change the results of the election -- I think they know this, too. Instead, they are trying to convey a message to the President-elect and the conservative-leaning government: If you try to suppress us, we will rise. If you trample over our rights, we will push back. The peaceful protests merely serve as a reminder to Trump and his Cabinet that we do exist, and if you try to erase us, we will fight until you recognize us.
Of course, this can never explain the uncontained violence and property damage that has ensued at some of the street riots. Violence is never the answer, and it isn’t an avenue one should take in order to reach out to others. But, while the violence is not justified, our helplessness is. There has been a lack of respect and empathy on both sides of this election, but the first step to closing up the ideological divide is to meet halfway. We have to break down our walls and reach out to each other. I promise to listen to you. I promise to hear your concerns without judgement. I promise to try to understand your anger. But, I also want the same respect in return. I want you to listen to me. I want you to hear my concerns without judgement. I want you to understand my anger. Because building strong, positive relationships require the time and effort of both parties.
All I ask of you is this. Please don’t try to downplay the wide range of emotions that we are feeling right now. Please don’t try to invalidate the fears of those who have been targeted by Donald Trump’s rhetoric throughout the campaign season. I will award you with the same respect and lend you my hand if you do so. And, if, after you read this, you still disregard everything I have said and denounce our concerns because we lost and you won, then maybe it is you who needs a reality check, not us. I hate to be blunt, but I’ve had enough of the false accusations on both sides.
So, please stop saying that this isn’t a big deal. Because it really is.
