If It Doesn't Affect You, Stand Up For Those It Does
Start writing a post
Politics

If It Doesn't Affect You, Stand Up For Those It Does

"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

460
If It Doesn't Affect You, Stand Up For Those It Does
Diana Robinson / Flickr

Spending the majority of my life in the almost-entirely-blue state of Massachusetts, the decision to begin my college experience in Indiana was inevitably going to throw me into a completely new political environment. The "I'm With Her" signs that once lined my neighbors' lawns were replaced with "Make America Great Again" bumper stickers. But that's what I came here for, right? A little political diversity?

It wasn't until about 2 a.m. on November 9 when those "Make America Great Again" stickers took on a whole new meaning. Now, Trump was the president of the United States and there I was on my sub-par college mattress knowing that there wasn't much I could do about it. However, the most jarring thing came later that day when the mentality of "Well, it doesn't affect me" started to roll in. Realistically, with Donald Trump as the president I, personally, will not be greatly affected. That being said, there are millions of people and large communities in this country that could be greatly harmed by the hate that has the potential to be spread like wildfire. Everyone in this country deserves the same security — regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

While it is only appropriate to respect this everyone's constitutional right to express their own point of view, it is also only appropriate to protect those around us who fear for the future ahead. You may be completely accurate in saying that the results of this election "don't affect you," but that doesn't mean you can't be there to help those who are fearful of what discrimination they may endure.

It wouldn't be rational or kind to jump to false conclusions as to what may happen, and it would be even more hurtful to us as a country if we were to make this prevalent gap even greater. All we can do is come together and support each other. Recognize that although something might not affect us, it could very well be affecting someone else. Hold the hands of those fighting racism and sexism. Let those who are truly panicked over their near future cry on your shoulder. Speak out for those who are too nervous. People in this country are hurting, and all we can do is unite to spread love and optimism, because this country could always use less negativity. This may not be affecting us, but it is still our problem, and it is our right to stand up for those who can't themselves. We must take words of wisdom from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that," and conquer hate with the undying presence of love.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40729
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25313
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950899
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

133057
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments