This past week, my college hosted Donald Trump as a part of the Commander-in-Chief Presidential Forum series, sponsored by the Hipp Lecture Series on International Affairs and National Security. Many of my friends and I attended the event - we are all of different political views and backgrounds - but we all agreed that no matter our view on the candidate, it was a great opportunity bestowed to us by our school. Personally I was hoping to catch him say his ever popular tagline, "You're fired."
Later that day, my friends and I were eating at a restaurant in a nearby city, when we were approached by two men (not as sketchy as it sounds). One of them noticed my friend's shirt, from one of our sorority functions. They asked if we attended Trump's Town Hall lecture earlier that day, and we responded that we did, but did not enjoy it. Immediately he asked what he did wrong, and what we didn't like, and most of us stated we just didn't really like Trump in general. He asked some general background questions and we responded with generalized answers, weary of handing out public information to random strangers (wouldn't our mothers be proud?). One question we did answer honestly was that of "Do you know what candidate you are interested in?" While one of my friends stated she wasn't sure yet, my other friend and I agreed that we really liked Hilary Clinton at this point in time. Immediately the man answered, "Oh, is that a gender thing? Or do you actually agree with her issues?"
It was this statement that irked me for the rest of the night, and still arises emotions from me the next day - it was something I could not simply shrug off as a passing comment. I will take a moment to say that I am not one to get into political arguments and shove my opinions in your face. I am a strong believer that everyone has a right to their own opinions, and will respect yours as long as you apply the same courtesy to me. I most definitely do not agree with everything Trump says, but I attended his event as a way of educating myself on the other opinions out there - at the end of the day, I still stand strong in what I believe in.
Gender should not be indicative of who receives my vote - saying I simply like a candidate because we are both female is ridiculous. When casting their vote, one (no matter what they identify as) should think of who they believe is the best representation of their views, and who is the best fit to run our country. As one of the most powerful states in the world, this is a decision that should not be taken lightly or frivolously. I am proud to live in a democratic society in a time where my vote counts, and my voice can be heard, as this a luxury we should not take for granted.
