Read my thoughts from before election day in my previous article here.
Despite being non-American, knowing that the American people have elected Donald Trump, a racist and misogynistic man, to be the next president of the United States breaks my heart.
I am still in shock. It has been days since the results have been announced, but I continue to remember election night clearly. It was a Tuesday night. I did not have a lot of homework, not that it mattered on that day, so I was able to just take some time and watch the votes come in through a New York Times election map. Minutes into Wednesday morning, we already knew that Trump was going to win the election.
Ever since, there has been no sign of life on my college campus. It almost seemed that someone has died; many joke that democracy has. Students, faculty and staff alike were crying, hugging each other and showing their support in this time of sadness and disappointment.
A lot of my friends are blaming white conservatives, often Christians, for voting for Trump. Being white and Christian are not mutually exclusive, and being Christian does not make me a Trump supporter. In fact, like many of my Christian friends, I consider myself a Clinton supporter. While I do not support all of her policies, there is one that I support. I believe that “love trumps hate” because love is the foundation of Christianity.
The Bible says,
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)
The love and support I have seen over my college campus, the greater Boston community and throughout the country gives me hope.There is no way we can predict what Trump’s presidency is going to be like, but knowing that all of these human beings will be there with me makes it so much easier.
I know it is hard to love those around us who have chosen to abstain their vote, to vote for Trump or even vote for a third-party candidate; I feel victimized as a woman of color. But in this time of struggle, we need to come together, to listen and to respect each other.
Love is the movement. Every hug, word of affirmation and smile I have been given has made my day a little easier, knowing that my loved ones are here to support me. We are one nation, and we must unite despite our differences to fight for greater good. After all, love is still the most powerful force.
