2016’s elections will go down in the history books as probably one of the most nail-biting bittersweet-turned-horrifying elections ever. From the optimism of Bernie Sanders for millennials to their shutdown by Donald Trump, millions of Americans are mourning and are terrified for the future of our country. For some, it was a night of celebration and for others, a sweltering slap in the face by the systematic racism that prevails in the embedded culture that is the United States of America. Many feel understandably lost but before giving up all hope, let’s discuss the “good” that has come from this election.
The United States of America has been founded on the ideals and inclusion of affluent white men, discarding women and African Americans from society and law as a whole. The menatlity that Africican Americans/Blacks and women were not considered whole beings slithered its way into every law passed, starting with the Consitution. While there will be a whole other article discussing this, let's focus on the fact that the issue of seeing blacks as lesser based soely on pigmentation and there being no law that directly -- I’ll say it again – DIRECTLY ratifies prior laws, made it so our society as a whole never had to recognize the injustice of the systematic racism that is not being addressed. While there are arguments that love to contest its existence, this election clearly shows how painfully obvious it is that the affluent white male wins the presidency while a black man with the same offences would have most likely gotten the death penalty.
Trump winning the presidency tarnishes the blood of fallen activists, and as a nation, it is shameful to see. It shows how there is a distinct “othering” process occurring between conservatives and liberals, and how basic human compassion falls as unimportant to hate and fear. Yes, we as humans psychologically like to cluster around those who are similar, so now, let’s use it to our advantage. Cluster and work together to help each other.
Share faith with the minorities who are hurting and terrified of being deported. Bond with the horrified LGBTQ+ community who are faced with someone who endorses conversion therapy. Love the women in danger. And stand united.
While racists, white supremacists, and those who lack basic knowledge of social science now have a figure to justify all their wrongdoings, vicious language, and dangerous acts, we as a people united should not give up this fight. Their common ground may be hate, but ours should still be love. And as cheesy as that sounds, imagine all the crazy things you did for love.
Your incessant worrying, constant check-ups, bragging, inclusiveness, watching out for them; now, apply this to every person hurting. Love does more than hate everyday. It is that warm smile, a laugh that makes you laugh, a warm bowl of soup when you are sick, and a sigh of relief knowing they will protect you. Don’t take my word for it, look at what Harry Potter accomplished because of love. This does not mean to say take up arms and fight (or even wands), rather, among the hatred and bigotry that will surely run amok, we have the opportunity to stand with our targeted brothers and sisters, to advocate for their inclusion in society, voice the inequality you see, recognize and act on mistreatment, and as a society, we can show the love that our new president failed to do.
There are powers in numbers, just as we saw the night of September 8. Be part of those numbers. Be part of a society that will slowly change the mindsets of generations to come through doing, rather than hoping, society becomes progressive (because I can firmly say, as a criminology major, that’s not going to happen passively).
