Warning: Like all of the other posts, this article regards the outcome of the recent election. And yes, like many of the other articles you’ve read this past week, it addresses the necessity for peace and cooperation during this time of change.
This past week, Donald Trump was elected President. Yes, yes, it’s huge news, and we’re all ecstatic or on edge, trying to recoup from possibly supporting other candidates and transitioning into accepting and supporting our new president. I think all of us would agree that this election has been unique in the way that neither candidate was fully supported by their party, and no matter what the outcome would have been, America would have been in uproar, which it is, currently. White men in the white-collar class now have the permission to feel superior. Immigrants, minorities, LGBT members, and illegals now have the right to be afraid. Women now have the responsibility of watching their backs in order to protect themselves from sexual objectification. Republicans who voted for Trump in this election are now being bashed for their decision by Clinton supporters. People of all different types and backgrounds are at ends with each other, fighting over decisions that have already been made and the policies that might change in our country. Despite all of the changes that are about to take place in our country, we have to accept Trump as our president and respect him for his position in office.
Despite the new identity that America has to wear as its face amongst the rest of the world, the deeply embedded set of morals and beliefs in America’s Constitution that promote equality and freedom are still ingrained in our society. The roots of America – the pursuit of happiness, life, and liberty will not be torn apart by this presidency or any presidency for that matter. We have to trust in our government and in our president, and we have to come together as a nation, no matter what party or belief system, so that these roots and rights are upheld. Liberals who are heartbroken need to find acceptance. Conservatives who are relishing in a victorious sort of attitude need to find empathy because the radical changes that might take place within the next four years are going to effect and alter the lives of millions of people.
Like many others, this election tore me apart, and has left me distraught and feeling hopeless for our country and its future. However, what is done is done. We cannot fight over lost battles, nor try to change what is already set in stone, but we can fight over what makes America truly great - the idea that people do not have to be afraid to be who they are, the idea that women are equal to men, and the idea that our country is built on patriotism, progressivism, and hope.
So let’s hope. Let’s hope that the President Donald Trump is different than the Campaigning Donald Trump, and let’s hope to preserve all the amazing things that this country has accomplished and all the freedoms that come with it. There are no more Trump supporters versus Clinton supporters, because now all of us, no matter who we supported last week, we all have to accept the very real reality that Trump is our president.
I’m not telling you anything new, I know. From Facebook posts to articles from New York Times, this election has been dissected, beaten and driven into each and every one of us to the point where even the word “election” brings a slight shudder or weighted sigh. Since the day after the election, I have found it increasingly difficult to look at the news or any article about the election suggesting on how to handle it or accept it. Instead of turning a blind eye or stooping to indifference, we need to come to terms with not only our new president, but with each other. It is not the president that makes America great. What makes America great is the people.
