Dear Mr. Donald Trump,
You were elected as our president on November 8th, 2016 with 47% of the popular vote. You pulled ahead of Clinton through winning the majority in trivial states such as Pennsylvania and Florida. Some voters chose you because your party affiliation, while others believed in your policies. But, we cannot look away from the fact that some people voted for you because your campaign supported racism, sexism, xenophobia, and homophobia. Regardless of 'how much the media was against you,' or how you, 'put minorities and women to work in the business all the time so your actions don't reflect your words,' people are using your hateful words as a means to normalize hate crimes and assaults. Similarly, many people fear for their rights and their safety now that many of your supporters believe this form of hatred towards other groups is acceptable behavior. There have been troubling signs of disunity since you have started your presidential campaign, and even more so now that you have won.
Don't know what I'm talking about? Well, here are a few things you have said that may have triggered the hate in Americans:
"You know, it doesn't really matter what [the media] write as long as you've got a young and beautiful piece of ass."
This quote, Mr. Trump, normalizes objectifying women and holding them liable as a distraction.
“26,000 unreported sexual assaults [sic] in the military — only 238 convictions. What did these geniuses expect when they put men & women together?"
Similarly, this quote implies that sexual assault is normal when men and women are put together. Just so you know, it's not normal. It's illegal.
"Hey, I watched when the World Trade Center came tumbling down. And I watched in Jersey City, New Jersey, where thousands and thousands of people were cheering as that building was coming down."
This quote, said about muslims, is not only wildly false, but also makes a claim that muslims living in America are also a threat, when that is simply not true. It instills fears that Muslim Americans are a threat to National Security.
But, regardless of this, you are our president. And whether we like you or not, we hope you do what's best for this country. All of this country. And, in order to do that, you must restore unity and peace between racist supporters and protestors.
Good thing my brilliant "5-step T.R.U.M.P. Plan" will ensure that the country gets back to moving forward, together, as one. So listen up, Trump:
T: Talk to America
That's right. Make a speech. Address it to America: as the future president of the United States.
R: Recognize you wrongdoings
In this speech, apologize for the racist/sexist/homophobic/xenophobic things you have said that have hurt others (or have allowed others to hurt them). You must recognize that to be the best president you can be, you must think about other groups of people that are not white, male, heterosexual men. You must represent, as a leader, the other 53% that did not vote for you.
U: Understand that apologizing isn't enough
Apologizing, of course, does not change what you have said or made people feel. You must recognize that an apology is not a "get out of jail free" card; it is just the first step to make amends with the American people.
M: Make it known that hate will not be tolerated
Now that you are going to be president, you need to ensure the safety of all of the citizens you represent. Which means, you must tell your supporters that are racist that using you as a means to be openly hateful and violent towards other groups of people is not only wrong, but it is not condoned by you whatsoever. Make it clear that you will not be affiliated with any sort of violence or assault against someone of another color, religion, race, or gender.
P: Plan for a better tomorrow
Tomorrow is a new day. A new day to start fresh. To listen to America, and the rights people want and deserve. It is a new day to come together as one, regardless of sexual orientation, race, class, gender, and ethnicity. It is a new day to listen to and respect all Americans. So, plan for a better tomorrow. Plan to dilute the hate in some of your supporters right now. Plan to keep all Americans safe. Plan to work towards peace.
There you have it. 5 steps to make sure your presidency does not split us apart. Person to person, Mr. Trump, only you have the ability to turn this hateful campaign around. And I hope you do.
Yours sincerely,
EB
