Tuesday's election happened. There is nothing more to be contested, no more finer details to go over. No more places on your arm to pinch in an attempt to wake up from what people are praying is a nightmare. The results, bold and intimidating, were splashed across every single newspaper in the country. Photos circulated of tearful, shocked, and terrified faces. Photos of people leaping in celebration, hugging each other, and waving signs jubilantly also surfaced, revealing the fault-line of our nation's divide.
Donald Trump is our President-Elect. There is no other way to say this. Believe me, these are words I never thought I would hear, write, or speak in my lifetime. Without advocating for a "V for Vendetta" style of completely throwing the government system in to anarchy, there are no other options but to face the next four years.
But, this does not mean you have to face the next four years in silence.
On the contrary; if you are angry, if you are frightened beyond belief, if you have spent the last few days in a state of distressed doubt and frustration, or, really, any number of emotions, feel it. Feel all of the emotions because they are valid, they are important, and they are your fuel.
What I am advocating for is to use this fuel of anguish and anger to enact change. Pure catharsis, when used in a productive and service-oriented way is the best way to combat fear-mongering. When you use that fire that is raging to serve and assist those in your community who are marginalized, discriminated against, or cannot assist themselves, you are fighting back.
Use your privilege to reach out to those whose voices have been and are silenced, those who are now justifiably too afraid to speak out for themselves at the risk of their livelihood. When you lend a hand, an ear, your voice or your time, you are taking part in deconstructing the system and mindset that has disenfranchised millions of individuals.
However you feel that this catharsis can be used, please use it for positive change. Protest and stand peacefully and in solidarity with your community members against those who spew hateful words. Engage in informed and earnest discussion; do not let the fear of backlash keep you from speaking. Your opinions, thoughts, and feelings are just as valid as everyone else's. What good are your amazing and passionate thoughts if they are not being spoken to inspire others to move towards change?
Be kind; to yourselves, to your family, and to your community members. Volunteer, donate excess items that serve no purpose to you but could mean the world to others. Catharsis does not always have to be expressed in a tearfully angry way; it can be expressed just as effectively by giving your time to a population that could now potentially face even more difficulties than they already do.
So, yes, these next four years will challenge us. They will test our humanity and our patience. The best way to win and gain strength from this challenge is to embrace and act on your emotions for change, no matter how big or small. Ultimately, our combined spirit and determination will ensure survival and respect, which is our greatest weapon of positive construction.
