I used to enjoy consulting others about their political opinions and participating in controlled political discussions to expose myself to other views. In light of the most recent presidential election, I have discontinued this practice. Feeling particularly inspired lately I thought I would share a few words on my dissatisfaction with the current state of our political realm.

I am a 19-year-old female and I am a registered republican and yes I supported my political party when voting in this most recent election. Now, before anyone starts to make assumptions about me and my views allow me to explain myself. I am not racist, homophobic, xenophobic, and I do consider myself a feminist; I am actually quite socially liberal. I refuse to stand idly and allow others to label me as any of the above based on who I voted for because, in my opinion, I don't think anyone can get to know me

I watch the news today and I wonder what has happened to create such a hostile environment when it comes to political differences? Since when is it a norm to hate someone who has different political beliefs than yourself? When does one's political party determine one's character? I have been called "a disgrace to females across the world" and I've been told, "You're just a republican because you can't think for yourself." It angers me when these broad assumptions are made about me because of my political affiliation.

I do not think that any political party can sufficiently encompass one's complex views because humans are complex beings. Living in a two party system of government can create a headache for the American voter as we are forced to compact our views into a small box and find the closest match. Being a republican I feel as though I must explain to others my views; that I am pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, just to name a few, and that I refuse to be defined by my political party. While speaking with one of my friends who shares radically different views than myself (so I thought considering he belongs to the opposite political party) he said something I found to be profound and I thought I would share it. "When you think about it, we all are really not that different. We all want similar things for our country. You and I especially are very similar as I have found through this conversation, the only thing that separates us is our political party and I think we have chosen our political party by what we prioritize in our views."

It is very easy to recluse back into our comfortable group of people who share similar views but I have found that I have made most of my discoveries about my views and my identity through discussions with others with differing views than my own. I have found that through peaceful discussions and "agreeing to disagree" in some cases, I have begun to challenge others even who share similar views to myself. Through trying to "cross enemy lines" I have discovered that finding common ground among others, and considering others' backgrounds can be a way to unite and I think it is a small hint of progress for our nation.

I challenge everyone to spread love and compassion to others instead of creating blanket statement and giving into stereotypes. Acknowledge differences, because who is to say that one view is more right than the other. Although you may be happy or unhappy with the results of the election, work to protect this country and make it the best it can be.