Now that it has been about a week since the United States election had ended, and the reality that our new president will be Donald Trump, you are probably tired of hateful banter taking over social media. Here is your guide to surviving the strong political views of your peers.
Stop Spreading Hate
The answer is simple. Stop spreading hate. Sending a rude tweet, attacking someone for their views, or belittling the man America voted into office is only feeding what most democrats and Hillary supporters are trying to stand against. Many are angry because of the hate Mr. Trump has expressed about different cultures, religions, genders, and lifestyles. But adding to the hate and belittling those who see the light at the end of the tunnel is not creating a world you were hoping for with Hillary as president.
Fight with Grace
What I am challenging those who are upset with the presidential outcome is to fight what you believe in and who you are with peace, positivity and grace. Show the world and the government what the American people are passionate about. Create a melting pot of people who come together instead of further dividing ourselves. Do not hate the Trump supporter, the liberal, or the third party voter. We all live in America and have the equal right to vote however we choose. Your opinion cannot affect another's.
Get off Social Media
Times like these when we see the pain of others can create a thriving negative environment on social media. Voicing your opinions should be to create conversation, but if those deliberating are not keeping an open mind to the views different to their own it only adds to this negativity. So next time you are thinking about firing words of hate at someone who has a different opinion, think about the kind of world you want to live in and if you are contributing to that. If you cannot contribute to a conversation with a mature attitude and an open mind than just turn off Facebook, Twitter, or whatever it is that is getting your blood boiling.
Respect Others
In our society we promote having your own opinions, speaking your mind, and exercising the first amendment. But when this happens people are so quick to judge and tear down someone's ideals if they are different from their own. This brings me to the fact that we need to start respecting other opinions. It is okay to debate and create conversation with those who do not uphold our own values and morals, but it is not okay to patronize these people. Respecting everyone's own opinion can help create a safer space for everyone to exist in.
Accept the Facts
Whether or not you support the election results; rioting, hating, and disrespecting those around you is not going to change anything. Creating a larger divide in an already divided nation is not going to create change. We are all Americans and we are all here because so many people before us stood up and fought for our freedom and rights. We need to respect those before us, each other, and the fact that the election is over and the American people have spoken. In the end we are all free and able to voice these opinions and should be thankful for those rights when so many people do not have the opportunities like us.
Creating more hate is not ever a solution to a problem. Anger, hate, disgust, and all these other negative words being thrown around are not going to fix the problems existing in America today. Coming together with a common ground and creating healthy and safe conversation will allow our generation to make strides.
Together we can move mountains, one side without the other does not create change. So I challenge each and every one of you to take the initiative to spread love and positivity no matter what side you stand on and continue conversation to fight for what you believe with an open mind. Only then can we truly "make America great again".
