Following the election, there has been an increasing amount of anxiety and hostility regarding Donald Trump's win. Everyone has been posting their opinions and concerns on social media. I'll admit that my original article turned into a political rant. But with all the anger that is out there right now, we need to gain some new perspective. We need to find a way to be positive. We need hope now more than ever, during this time of frustration and division in our country. With this article, I'm hoping to do just that.
I had tickets for a concert scheduled the day after the election. I was seeing The 1975 and was beyond excited. I was looking forward to being in that positive environment, especially after hearing the results of the election. Halfway through their set, Matty Healy, the lead singer, addressed the election. He addressed the concerns and fears of the Americans that do not support Trump. He made a very insightful speech, and I would like to share it for those who may need a sense of comfort. Matty Healy said this:
"The America that we know is a young America. It's a liberal America. It's a compassionate America. It's a socially responsible America. It's an America that does not react to fear with anger or to anger with fear... It's also a black America. It's a Muslim America. It's a gay America."
The line that really resonated with myself and the rest of the audience was "It's an America that does not react to fear with anger or to anger with fear." I think we should all try to keep this in mind. Instead of being angry, or afraid, or worried, we should try to look at the election from another angle. We should focus on what we CAN do, instead of dwelling on what we can't do. We should channel all of the negative emotion and turn it into some positive change. Whether it's through peaceful protests or signing petitions or starting organizations for important issues, there is always something that we can do. We are the voice of this nation and we will not let one man silence us.
As much as I disagree with practically every word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth, I am hoping that he can be a good president for the sake of our nation. For the sake of all women, immigrants, Muslims, members of the LGBT community, and anyone else who is not a straight rich white Republican male. I am not asking him to "Make America Great Again." I am simply asking that he reconsider the policies that will have negative consequences for minority groups. We really are stronger together. So let's find a way to return unity to the United States of America.
*For the full speech, watch this video:
^All credit goes to the person who filmed and posted this video.
