To America After The 2016 Election | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

To America After The 2016 Election

Put a little love in your heart.

9
To America After The 2016 Election
pexels

Dear America,

November 8th, 2016 was the day that we all had the responsibility of voting for the next president of our country. When the results were announced on that Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, there were a lot of things that went through everyone’s minds. A lot of people were wondering how in the world this could have happened while others were thrilled that it did.

I think that it is difficult for those of you who are super happy about Trump’s win to truly understand why there are so many people filled with fear. That is OK. Sometimes we cannot begin to understand where an emotion stems from because we have not had to live with that specific emotion. For some Trump supporters, the fear of not living another day has never crossed their minds. They have never had to worry if their parents were going to try to put them through conversion therapy, or if they would ever be allowed to get married to the person they love (or if they were going to get kicked out of their home because of their sexuality). The color of their skin was never a problem, and they are angry that people who are afraid are speaking out.

Trump's campaign showed a rise in feelings of fear in minorities for these reasons and more. Not understanding is because of this thing a good chunk of people have: privilege.

Merriam-Webster defines privilege as so: “A right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others.” It offers another definition as well: “The advantage that wealthy and powerful people have over other people in a society.”

In most places in the United States, if you are white you have privilege. If you are a white male, you have even more privilege than your white female counterparts. Your privilege is normally going to skyrocket if you are a white, heterosexual, Christian male. Some of that privilege is docked if you are gay, or anywhere else on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. However, you still have more privilege than white women, anyone of color (and especially black women), those of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, those from different religions and those of different cultures.

The fact of the matter is that, America, we have a hard time empathizing with other people because we do not want to take the time to learn about them. We seem to cringe at the idea of giving a minority any power. We lock ourselves away when something bad happens to a person of color because “they must have done something wrong,” or because “it does not affect me.” However, you are so wrong.

This mindset that what happens to our minority brothers and sisters does not affect us is so flawed. Our ignorance and naivety to what they go through is why they need to protest. So many people have spent so long ignoring what is going on in our world because they cannot relate to it. As I have mentioned earlier, it is OK that you cannot relate to it. Privilege is not ever having to go through things like that.

It is OK to have privilege, but you need to acknowledge that you have it.

You cannot walk around and get mad at people for being afraid if you are not acknowledging why they are afraid. If you cannot understand, you need to learn. There are so many things that you can do to help those who are scared, but ignoring it is not the way to go.

America, we need more compassion in our hearts. Those refugees who need a new home because they are losing theirs should be welcome. If we are the greatest nation in the world then why do we act like we are better? That does not make us great. Love makes us great. Compassion for those less fortunate than us makes us great.

Romans 12:9 says this, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

Additionally, Romans 13:10 says this, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

I know that some of you are not Christians, and you may not even believe in God or a higher power. However, I think that these verses are things to keep in mind because, like I just said, love is what makes us great.

Love your black brothers and sisters--try to understand them. Love your LGBTQ+ neighbors, because they may suffer a little more than you. Take time to get to know people of other cultures and religions, they may teach you something. Do not forget to thank people for what they do for you--especially those who do the jobs you do not want to.

I urge you, America, take time to love those around you. This is not a fight for president anymore. It is a fight to stand up for those who need it and to love them.

“If you want the world to know/we won’t let hatred grow/put a little love in your heart.”

Sincerely and with so much love,

A millennial who is tired of the hate

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16877
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7239
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5322
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4645
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments