"You Would Have Supported Hitler": The Struggle Of Being An 18-Year-Old, Female Trump Supporter | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

"You Would Have Supported Hitler": The Struggle Of Being An 18-Year-Old, Female Trump Supporter

I was told that there was no way I could have any knowledge of history and still be a Trump supporter, nevermind that in high school I took three AP history courses.

43
"You Would Have Supported Hitler": The Struggle Of Being An 18-Year-Old, Female Trump Supporter
Google User Content

I am an 18-year-old female in college, and I support Donald Trump.

I recognize that, demographically, I am very much a minority. So, I usually keep my mouth closed when it comes to politics.

However, last week I had the opportunity to attend a Trump rally in Harrisburg, Penn., from the media box. I was very excited to be there, and to have the rare opportunity to stand next to journalists and other workers from various media stations as I took some video footage on behalf of my college's radio station and my political science professor who intends to make a presentation about the Trump rally experience.

I posted some media content onto my Instagram and Facebook, simply expressing how excited I was to be in the media box at the event. Nothing too politically charged or demanding -- screenshots, below.


I will preface this story by saying that the people I attended high school with were very liberal-leaning and I fully expected the same from my liberal arts college.

But, quickly after I shared this content I was met with a backlash that I never imagined. Many people I had considered friends from high school and college un-followed and un-friended me.

I don't mean to complain, it is their right to do so if they don't want that type of content on their feed, but I felt angry. But then I sat down and thought about it. I deal with an overflow of Sanders and Clinton content every single day that is much more "in your face," much more politically charged, and could be viewed as much more offensive to someone with a different opinion.

And, yet, I don't judge my friends based off of their political beliefs. I accept content that is conflicting with my views as an expression of free speech and I keep on scrolling. The lack of mutual respect appalled me.

So, I decided to take it one step further. I decided to showcase the shirt I bought at the rally and walk across my abundantly liberal college campus -- this one to be exact:


I walked out of my dorm to head to the cafeteria for breakfast when I encountered a group of five boys I didn't know out on the main walkway.

They laughed and pointed and told me I ought to take my shirt off. Throughout the day, I was met with menacing stares, with smirks, and with people shaking their heads at me. I had people on Facebook telling me I would have supported Hitler.

Reflecting upon these experiences, I couldn't help but notice a lot of hypocrisy. Why is there such a lack of mutual respect? Students here sport Bernie or Hillary apparel quite often, and nobody gives it a second glance.

If anything, it gets complimented. What I found hysterical is that stereotypically liberals are known to be the most socially accepting, the ones always sticking up for minorities and trying to help those who can't help themselves.

And here I was, a minority -- a female college student who supports Donald Trump, and I was discriminated against without pause. I was told this lack of respect was due to the fact that remaining silent would be contributing to something bad happening (Trump getting the presidency).

I was told that there was no way I could have any knowledge of history and still be a Trump supporter, nevermind that in high school I took three AP history courses.

Let's turn this on its head. Does that mean if I strongly believe that Hillary Clinton getting the position of President of the United States would mean bad things for the nation that I should berate people's opinions online and in personal messages?

If I see a Sanders supporter wearing a "Feel the Bern" T-shirt across campus should I tell them they ought to take it off? Should I laugh in their face? No, right? That would be wrong.

Yes, everyone should stand up for what they believe is correct as well as what they believe is incorrect. Everyone should exercise free speech. But resorting to personal attacks when all I expect is mutual respect for a difference of political opinion just seems ludicrous to me.

If anything, I thought before this that as educated college students we would recognize that just because someone thinks or believes differently than you doesn't mean they're wrong.

Apparently I was incorrect in this assumption. I will continue standing up for what I believe in a respectful and modest way. I will continue to accept other people's opinions without resorting to personal attacks on the Internet or telling them that they're just plain wrong or stupid for thinking the way they do. But yes, this is the struggle of being a Donald Trump supporter in college.

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190025
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14789
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457769
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26583
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments