The day after the election, I went to class trying to prepare myself in every way for all the political talk that I knew was going to happen on my college campus. And sure enough, it did. But before I start, this article is not about political opinions or what I believe in or who won the election or anything to do with that matter. It's about something more fundamental than that.
My first Professor of the day came in and began to share her political opinion to the class, offering no chance for discussion or disagreement. But I sat there and listened. It wasn't until my second class that my Professor stood up in front of everyone and said, "I will not share my thoughts on the election, instead I will stand here and tell you that the most important thing you all can do right now is be kind to one another." And she is right. But unfortunately, this is not what I have seen.
Everyone has a right to their opinion. I would never undermine or disrespect that simple fact of life. Some can be swayed, others not so much. No one is "technically" right or wrong. Even though it is most definitely hard to convince ourselves of that. And I always try my best to respect the opinions of people who I very strongly disagree with, even though that is also hard.
It's just that in light of these past few days, no one has seemed to hold that kind of respect for one another. It is almost as if that idea was just completely thrown out the window. It is difficult to sit there and politely listen to someone belittling your views, when you know you would never do the same to them.
I have so many friends and family members who view politics differently than I do, but that reason would never make me think any less of them as a person. Not everyone is going to agree with you, but that is no reason to respond with animosity. No matter how you feel about the outcome of this election, whether it's anger or joy, take a second to think about the people in your life that you know and love, and could very well think differently than you, before you speak in a demeaning manner.
Yes, everyone has their right to their opinions, but how bout' respect the opinions of others too. Just because someone thinks differently doesn't mean they aren't an amazing person. The whole world doesn't revolve around you.
At the moment, I am very unsure if I am writing this because of sheer disappointment, or if it also has something to do with the fact that I've been missing out on a lot of food and puppy videos on Facebook. But either way, treat the people around you with kindness and love, no matter what.
