Let us first note that it’s a blessing that the calamity of election season is finally over. All the back and forth of debates and heedless slander can now come to a close and now that many of us have a de facto issue at hand, it’s time to face it head on.

Last night, Mr. Donald J. Trump was elected to be the voice of the 319 million citizens of the United States of America. With Hillary Clinton winning majority vote yet losing the electoral vote, there is undeniably a sharp dichotomy between two halves of our nation, (or at least two main halves... shoutout to Duverger’s Law for coining this norm). Trump obviously does not represent our entire population, but neither does Hillary.

Constituents of both parties are seldom willing to listen to the opposition, wherein creating a major issue that we can take into our own hands. My personal values and opinion starkly contrast with those expressed by Trump through his brash statements and far-right policies, yet I trust that his advisers and staff will encourage him to act in a more rational, logical matter. But one’s hoping is not enough.

To everyone who voted for Hillary Clinton, thank you. We may not have won but this should not stymie anything we’ve worked for thus far. Remember that many people voted for the party instead of the individual itself, meaning that although someone may have disagreed with Trump’s policies, his identification with the Republican party deemed him worthy of their vote. That being said, not every Trump voter fully aligns with the extreme views he has expressed, either. Calling someone out for voting for Trump is not only the easy way out, but it’s also a more divisive approach.

America is now questioning our place in the world, as we should be. Although Trump’s election may very well be a step back for America’s progression with social rights, solace can be found in the fact that an overwhelming amount of people recognize and refuse to be complacent with such an outcome. Yes, we are divided. Yes, we’re living next to millions of people who are still unable to understand our definition of love or why exactly we are now living in fear as minorities, as women, as individuals with disabilities, or even simply as regular human beings. An impeccable wall (or “huuuuuuuge” wall, if you may) has been built between us and it is up to us as the people of the United States of America, to take the matter into our own hands.

Sixty-seven percent of Trump’s votes were from white citizens without college degrees(1). Before we defame these individuals, it may be wise for us to check our own privilege. Yes, education is a right but higher education is absolutely a privilege. Some of us are so quick to call out Trump supporters for being misogynistic, racist, homophobic assholes without taking a moment to understand that their opinion may largely be a result of their upbringing or the fact that they may not have been privileged enough to grow up in a diverse environment. Regardless, when you actively view voters from a different perspective, it’s imperative for us not to vilify any one group of people or voters.

So what can we do?

Open up the conversation. It’s easy to throw your hands up or want to throw a punch out of frustration but there is enough bigotry and hatred as it is. Our nation needs more tolerance, forgiveness and acceptance. Understand the opposers and help them understand; just don’t forget to give just as much credence to their voices, as well.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” -Sun Tzu

Sources:

1. Huang, Produced Jon, Samuel Jacoby, and K. K. Rebecca. "Election 2016: Exit Polls." The New York Times. The New York Times, 08 Nov. 2016. Web. 09 Nov. 2016.