Politics weren’t my strong suit growing up, and they still aren't. Throughout high school, I thought I wanted to go to college and study law, but then I realized how confrontational it was.
Coming to college helped me realize that many people were outspoken about their opinions. Politically, if two people didn’t agree, it was decided that they probably weren’t going to be very good friends. Individuals with political views that were “right wing” were viewed as selfish and sexist; while individuals with political views that were “left wing” were viewed as fair and giving.
It was black and white; I believed this.
I gave into what everyone in college had painted people as because of what they believed, despite being taught in high school that political views do not determine what type of person someone is.
It took me until my third year in college to completely forget and create my own views of people. I met my best friend through my sorority. We were introduced fall semester of my junior year. We became super close during formal recruitment season. Something about spending long hours talking to PNMs (Potential New Members) and staying up late at your house brings you closer to those in your sorority. This was all during the time of the presidential election, Hillary vs. Trump. Anyone who wanted Trump as president was viewed as racist, sexist, and close-minded individuals who were selfish and rich. It didn't help that those who were actually racist and sexist were always wearing Trump propaganda in the media and on my own college campus.
She and I got closer, I started hanging out with the friend group she was involved in and I realized we had a lot in common. I considered her one of my best friends. I confided in her about a lot of things and vice versa. One night we were crafting for our future littles, discussing how great this year was going to be for our sorority when the topic of politics came up due to a meme on twitter. That was when I found out.
She supported Trump.
A girl I had considered my best friend. I had confided in her. We had gone to parties and bars together.
But she supported Trump.
That's when I realized, I was wrong. I had judged an entire group of people based off their views. Granted, my views were centrist and I didn't really like either candidate, but I had judged people because they did.
She wasn't racist.
She wasn't sexist.
She never made me feel less than a person because of who I was on the outside. If anything, she stood up for me (which she continues to do even now) when someone judged me.
I was in the wrong.
From that moment, I realized something. Yes, some Trump supporters are all the horrible things I mentioned above, but some Hillary supporters are as well. I have to form my opinions and views on people individually, not base them off of what the media tells me they are or what the people I go to college think about them. So with that, I'd like to say one thing.
I apologize.
I am sorry I misjudged you. Thank you for being one of the greatest best friends I have.
