As a political science major, I like to consider myself as considerably politically conscious. The recent presidential election somewhat fueled that consciousness, while also leaving me disenchanted with the United States political system. The media's extensive (and often biased) coverage of candidates made it fairly easy for the American people to choose a side or decide not to vote without doing any research of their own. As difficult as it was for me to accept it, I realized that the widespread ignorance/laziness of the American people proved the purpose of the electoral college right; the Founding Fathers deemed the American people unfit to select their president. Although it is common courtesy for electors to vote according to their state's majority vote, there is no binding force that ensures they follow this.
The results of the recent election left me with an even worse feeling--fear. The American people have selected a president that has explicitly stated his reluctance to respect minority groups. He has generalized Hispanic immigrants by suggesting that Mexico sends rapists and drug dealers to the United States, and was quoted saying that laziness is a trait that he believes is natural for blacks. Trump also explained a female reporter's aggressive method of interviewing by blaming the "blood coming out of her whatever". When confronted about these statements, Donald Trump has repeatedly refused to take responsibility for them and, instead, has his campaign issue a statement claiming that he was grossly misquoted. However, most of these statements have been recorded and documented, which proves that they are not biased interpretations.
These examples of disrespect have very clearly shown me that America's president-elect has very little interest in representing minorities. As a Hispanic female, I believe I have the right to fear a man who sees me as little more than an immigrant, or an unattractive woman. Trump has no respect for any Americans who do not fit the perfect box of a straight, white male. Fortunately for Trump, this is a large group of people who hold most of the power in this country. A Trump presidency only furthers the American ideal of power that has persevered throughout our country's entire history. This is why this election is not much of a shock to those who believe in that narrative.
I've seen many people--conveniently, most are straight, white males--who have suggested that the outrage resulting from the presidential election is unreasonable, and many people have told me to get over my anger. I've been told to "get over it" and accept the results of a completely fair election by the people. I would like to thank every single person that has belittled my fear and shrugged off my concerns. Thank you so much for making me feel like my opinion of my president does not matter. You have proven all of our concerns correct. This country does not care about us, and they have elected a man who represents that feeling very clearly. Donald Trump's ignorance is not new, or unknown. This ignorance represents sixty-one million Americans who have placed this ignorance above the safety and well-being of the fifty percent of Americans who are female, as well as the thirty-eight percent of Americans who are ethnic minorities. Thank you, America.
