Last Tuesday's presidential election was arguably the most shocking, disappointing, and all-revealing results in our nation's history. The election of Donald Trump as our next president perfectly summarizes America's divisiveness and frustration with the current governmental structure and economics. The impossible became reality and the aftermath has caused millions not to accept this reality and venting their denial in political posts on social media and/or anger (maybe even hatred, unfortunately) towards those who voted for Trump. But we have to eventually wake up and face the facts that he will be our next commander-in-chief, like it or not. To help us all cope with the eventual Trump presidency, here are 5 Do's and 5 Don'ts.
Don'ts - I'll start with these so we can end on a high note.
1. Don't move to Canada (or New Zealand, for that matter)
Unless you're crazy for maple syrup, Canadian bacon (which isn't bacon), Rush, or Gordon Lightfoot, please don't go through the trouble of starting a brand new life in Canada. As far as I know, I think the Canadian immigration website is still crashed. Stay true to your country, it is not the end of the world as we know it.
2. Don't say "He's not my president."
The reality is that Donald Trump will be our president. As long as you are breathing and are an American citizen, he will be your president. Personally, I don't like it, yet at the same time I can not be blind and neither should anyone else.
3. Don't participate in violent protests
Nonviolent protests are the best and most sane manner in which to demonstrate disagreement with an event or a person's actions/decisions. So far, the anti-Trump protests have been somewhat calm. Keep it that way, America, and don't cave into fear that could lead to violence.
4. Don't unfriend people (whether on Facebook or in real life) just because of political differences
I'm sure everyone by now has seen some sort of political post, whether inflammatory or not, flooding their newsfeed on Facebook. If you need a break from all the drama and debate, then hold off logging onto Facebook and social media sites for a few days. It can do wonders. The last and worst thing that can happen is for friendships (both on Facebook and in real life) to deteriorate or even end because of political disagreements, opinions about Trump, who one voted for and the reasons behind it, etc. Relationships are worth more than politics.
5. Don't let fear overwhelm you
There is no denying that Donald Trump ran his campaign tapping into the common fears of the American people and his action plan to alleviate those fears appealed to the masses. The groups most fearful of this Trump presidency are Hispanics, Muslims, and the LGBTQ community. They are not the only ones, however. I and many of my friends are apprehensive about what will happen. Donald Trump is not our enemy. Fear is our enemy and it can't overwhelm us. We have to be hopeful.
Do's
1. Do let it go
The results of this election will hurt and sting a long while. Time is a healer, however, and eventually we have to let it go (cue Elsa!). Holding on to anger and resentment only makes us weaker. Holding on to it can eventually make one burst in a regretful or dangerous way. We will overcome. Overcoming the challenge only makes us stronger.
2. Do start fostering a culture of love and understanding
We all have been talking about and striving for unity in our country. Unity does not start from bashing other people for their personal beliefs. We have to be the bigger person in this sensitive situation by, ultimately, having to agree to disagree. Unity starts with love and we must love one another including our enemies. A small act of kindness each day can go a long way in repairing the divide. This may be an unpopular stance to take at the present time, but I do not regret it.
3. Do pray for a change of character in Donald Trump
Whether you support Donald Trump or not, we must have in our thoughts and prayers the day of him having a change of heart and character in order to step up and lead our country. Improbable? Yes. But not impossible. The majority of people thought it was impossible for him to actually be elected for president. Hopefully, he can surprise us again, but this time with a more positive outcome.
4. Do support the minority groups in our country, and they should support us too
Unity is the theme here and uniting with the minority groups in the U.S. is a step towards greatness. Donald Trump's vision of what a great America is is not perceived as entirely unifying, but is more divisive. We have to help minorities to have a voice, even stronger than others, in order for our country to be more aware of the difficulties faced by these individuals (not saying others don't have the same difficulties) and what we can do to help. On the other side of the story, do not reject help. We support you and we ask for your support in return.
5. Do make the world a better place one day at a time
To quote the great lyrics of Hal David: "What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No, not just for some, but for everyone." These are words to live by. We can do this, America. Overcome the hatred and fear, and pour out the love, respect, and dignity every human being deserves and has a right to.
