If nothing else, this election has taught me that racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia and disdain for Muslims and immigrants is indeed alive and well in the country I love. It breaks my heart to know that a man will be leading our country who will count out nearly everyone who does not conform to his belief of who Americans are.
As a white, heterosexual, woman I am allowed a lot of privileges that many Americans simply don’t have. In fact, my privilege seems immense, looking at my friends who identify in the LGBTQIA communities, my Muslim friends and my friends of color. I’m horrified that they may have fewer opportunities than they do right now. It’s alarming to think that America is headed into a reactionary future where the rights of minorities are sacrificed for the benefit of the majority.
And as a woman, I’m scared for myself too. Seeing a man become president who has been accused by so many women of sexual assault and hearing the disgraceful and demeaning remarks towards my sex is baffling. As a woman who has been sexually assaulted, I can’t tell you how dejecting this election has been. To be perfectly honest, I don't feel safe. To think people believe Trump’s comments about rape don’t make him unfit to be President is terrifying. And to think the same line of logic as "locker room talk" will jeopardize women's safety across the U.S is nothing short of a nightmare.
If you voted for Trump, we disagree on so many fundamental ideas of who is qualified to be President of the United States. I still respect your decision to vote, but I want you to recognize your privilege and own it. A man who appeals to fear and hatred is not my president. You voted from a place of privilege. You chose a president who will tear down communities instead of advocating for those who don’t have a voice or a seat at the table. And I’m ashamed the hateful rhetoric inspired you to vote for a man as unqualified as Donald Trump.
Your privilege could have been a sword to fight for those who needed protection and empowerment, instead you used your shield of privilege and hid from progress. The beautiful thing about equality is that we as a society work better, more efficiently, and more prosperously as a group of equals. And you decided to vote for a man who would increase your own privilege as a means to suppress others. That is not the America I know or love. You could have been a crusader, an advocate, and part of the solution to lift up our communities who don't have equal standing in our society, but you didn't.
Call me what ever you like. But I believe in equality. When did that become such a terrible thing?
