Why does today feel like a funeral for our country, America? Today is a day of mourning. Like I’ve disclosed in past articles — I have little to no interest in politics. I don’t have a definite stance as Democratic or Republican, putting me in the middle of the spectrum as an Independent. This was my first year to vote and be a part of an election that was unlike any in history.
I woke up this morning to see official results of Trump’s victory and checked Twitter only to see my feed full of hate and disappointment, along with some memes and the occasional celebratory tweet.
As I was walking to class I heard chatter on the bus of people saying things like “I would have voted if I would have known Trump would have actually won.” or “America is officially falling apart.” People still believed Trump was a joke up until there was nothing left to do about it. According to vox.com, there was an expected 80 to 100 million voting-age Americans who sat out yesterday’s presidential election. I myself almost fell into the trap of thinking just because my state was red, my vote wouldn’t have mattered either way. The popular vote was within one percentage point with Clinton at 48% and Trump at 47% — votes do matter.
Today is a day of mourning. A close friend’s women’s study class was canceled on an exam day to take time to reflect on the election. The class is about empowering women and the teacher simply couldn’t fathom holding a class the day after Trump was elected. An excerpt from the email is as follows:
“ I am sure that you have tremendous emotional reaction to the result of the election result, especially its impact on gender, sexual, racial, and ableist politics, among others, for the next four years. I understand that there are many of us who had been really concerned and just had a sleepless night. I want to make the class today a voluntary attendance for those who needs a safe space to get together and support each other. If you feel staying at home to cope with your needs, that's fine too … I will be thinking of you all.”
Walking into the library, there was a poster that read “stressed about the election, come color” with a fully colored canvas and multiple people crowded around the small table area. As I’m currently sitting at the library, talk of the election is the only thing being discussed. People are talking about how his election will impact their own lives, or the lives of friends and family.
I’ve received a message in my GroupMe from my editor saying she’ll be there for the staff as a safe place to go in a time of despair and that she hopes we’re all doing okay.
This isn’t how it should have to be. It feels like America died and today is the day to dwell over the loss of a country. Regardless of what side of the spectrum you fell on, today is the day to spread love. Spread love for those whose lives could be dramatically impacted by this election. Spread love for those people who have no hope or faith in our country.
