This is not intended to address Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, or just one of the party’s supporters. Instead, I would like to focus the address specifically to Americans currently residing on international soil. Whether they are there for work, leisure, study abroad, or otherwise, it is this demographic that needs a direct address just as much as, if not more than, any other American citizen.
This article has no intentions of supporting a specific candidate for the 2016 presidential race. I don’t want there to be any association, implication, or assumption made on this article’s behalf about who I did or did not support throughout the United States’ recent electoral journey.
Following the recent results, there have been tumultuous responses from both parties’ supporters. Aggressive social media posts, riots, hate group uproars, interpersonal tensions, and more have bombarded the day-to-day experience worldwide. Regardless of one’s opinions on the United States’ upcoming president, these reactions reflect a national set of values that do not align with the values of the country in which we were raised.
Since the election, I have been fearful of publicly speaking with my American accent so as to not prompt any interrogation about our nation’s decisions. Speaking in a non-American country with an American accent makes me vulnerable, and I immediately translated that vulnerability as a weakness. However, it is this specific trait that provides us, the Americans abroad, an opportunity to counteract the painfully inaccurate portrayal that is being projected worldwide.
Throughout my past few months on British soil, countless people have interjected me in coffee shops, on public transits, or in passing about my opinions on the candidates. Then, it did matter whom I was voting for. At that time, my vote was relevant. But now, that vote is water under the bridge.
Whether pleased or frustrated with the outcome, the point is this: The current question we need to be asking ourselves is not “How did this happen?” but instead, “What should we do next?” I understand that the party whose candidate did not win will need time to process. However, it is vital that this processing time does not occur isolated from our action.
To the international Americans: it may seem vulnerable, intimidating, and pointless, but now is the time we need to radiate the positive values we were raised with more than ever. Especially to those we interact with overseas.
In no way does this undercut or diminish the immense importance that coincides with treating fellow Americans with love, compassion, and respect when on U.S. soil. However, now is the time that our righteous acts of love, faith in humanity, and unwavering hope for a universally positive future is unquestionably represented.
Don’t undermine the importance of holding a door open, extending a positive message, and participating in random acts of kindness. Do not think that just because these small acts will not be covered by local news stations that they do not resonate equally with those surrounding you.
Don’t make jokes about picking up and moving to another country. Proudly represent where you come from, the ethical character you have developed, and the pillars of your belief system. Following the election, people, both American and otherwise, have defaulted to assuming that one person or organization’s decisions reflect that of the entire nation. This is not true. But, in order to clearly convey this, we need to marry our values and our actions into an inseparable and harmonious relationship.
Do educate yourself. Do proudly communicate with people unfamiliar with our culture what you hope to come of the next four years. Do have positive and well-informed dialogue to positively reflect the involvement our government encourages.
But, most importantly, continue to treat with others kindness. This should not cease between fellow Americans. This should not cease once Americans leave American soil. This should not cease when others from other countries may unfairly project a certain belief system into a singular person.
On behalf of America, be one of infinite worldly ripples to counteract the unforgivable acts that have broken out throughout this past week.
