On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump will officially become the President of the United States. After talking to some young Americans who were with Hillary Clinton, I know they still can’t believe it, and they feel heartbroken, scared and disappointed about the results of the election. If you also fall into this category, I want to tell you these things...
First and foremost, stop beating yourself over this.
If you voted for Clinton, you are not the one to blame. If you don’t hate and discriminate, then you’re not the one to blame.
In fact, if you’re still strong enough to love, you lost way less than what you thought.
Second, as long as people like you exist out there who still care about equality, freedom, and basic human rights, your country will be greater than you think.
Don’t stay focused on whatever awful law Trump tries to pass, but instead, try staying updated with all the great things going on in your country (even the dumb little ones). Just try to bring some positivity into your life.
Third, continuing standing for what is right.
Even if you feel like your actions don’t have consequences (they do), or if you feel like you are alone (you’re not), don’t let the next four years change you for worse. Try to grow from them. You might think it’s easy for me to say when I’m in France, and you’re right, but please don’t give up.
Keep fighting for all the black people who feel uncomfortable next to a cop. Keep fighting for all the women who can’t get out past 9:00 PM for fear of assault. Keep fighting for all the LGBT kids who can’t even be themselves at home because they are afraid of their parents' reactions. Keep fighting for the Muslim women who don't dare wear hijabs anymore.
What we think is a just little action can have a big impact on someone else’s life. Try to do everything you can, so this impact is a positive one.
You guys, the ones who want to love and protect each other, are the ones who will really make America great again, so don’t lose hope, and keep up the good work I already know you do.
