I'm going to start this article off stating that I am not trying to change your political views, whether you're Republican, Democrat, Independent, or whatever your ideology is. You are entitled to your own views and beliefs.
As an 18-year-old young woman, I could easily argue that I have been through a lot and seen a lot in my short time on this earth. Everyday on a college campus, I'm constantly reminded. I'm an attractive, 18-year-old young woman. My parents get overly concerned when I decide to venture into the city by myself. They don't want me ever walking alone on campus - even during daylight hours. When walking past bus stops, I have to act like I'm on the phone with someone or constantly have headphones in to ignore cat calls. I've had my fair share of run ins and uncomfortable situations at parties with men. I've been in situations where the guy didn't listen when I clearly said, "no." It's not just a made up issue in the life of women. It is so serious and not something to ever be taken lightly.
The fact that half the nation has the audacity to support a man who encourages rape culture by saying it's simply "locker room talk" is positively disgusting. They want a man to run our country who sexualizes his own daughter, saying she's a "piece of ass". He brags about grabbing women non-consensually. Not to mention, he accuses Hillary for Bill's affairs (we'll talk about this momentarily). He degrades women all the time and has no respect. He's a playboy.
Hillary has been accused of over-supporting women after she stood by her husbands side throughout his affair scandal. How can she advocate for empowering women, when she let her husband get away with that? That was 20 years ago and nobody was being sexually assaulted. That was a private matter within their relationship that got broadcasted to American society.
I've avoided talking about politics with many people, as everyone is very opinionated and not openminded. I have no desire to talk about politics with someone if they refuse to listen to my views. But, as many people know, always have something to say and can't stay quiet for long.
I am disgusted that this country is considering letting Donald Trump into Office and running our country. I am well aware that the President doesn't have complete power and it would be difficult to get things passed with him in office. But, the President is the face of America. They are a representation of American beliefs and values. Think of that. Is Donald Trump who you picture when you think of the American Dream?
While scrolling through my Facebook feed, a friend of mine made the comment saying "Trump is our best candidate. Sure, he's said some things. But what man hasn't? Men will be men sometimes."
No. Men will not "be men" sometimes. Degrading and disrespecting women is not a "man" thing. It is disgusting. It's thoughts such as this that reinforce rape culture. I do not want my children to grow up in this type of society. I want them to be able to live and go to college without having the fear of being one of the 25% of women that get sexually assaulted.
I want to live and be able to live and go to college without having the fear of being part of the 25% of women that get sexually assaulted on a college campus.
I will never stop advocating women's rights and college campus safety. I will never take "boys will be boys" or "men will be men" as an answer. I will not live in a country or world that accepts these answers and supports a man who demonstrates with everything I, and many others, fight against everyday.
