As election day rolls around, we are all facing a bittersweet, but mostly bitter, decision. The United States must choose a person to take care of our nation for the next four years, and most people are discontent with the choices we’ve been given. We are all coping with the upcoming election in our own ways, but I think we can all agree that we’re grieving for America.
Here’s the 2016 election as told by the 5 stages of grief:
Denial - In the beginning, we were all convinced that neither of the major party candidates were going to be the nominees. Even after the nominees were announced, we were convinced that it was just a terrible dream that we're going to wake up from at any moment. We kept telling ourselves, "This isn't happening, it can't be".
Anger - Rage was ignited inside us. Red, hot anger filled our bellies and with that fire we tweeted, posted and discussed with irritated tones and carefully chosen words- curse words, that is. Nothing could quell the infectious resentment we harbored within us. It spread throughout the media, throughout our homes and classrooms. It was a force to be reckoned with.
Bargaining - After anger, we were pathetically bargaining for more time, for better candidates. We asked the universe for more time with our current president, just enough time to find a suitable replacement. Some even wished for Michelle Obama herself to step in and save the election. We were willing to offer the candidates up for ritual sacrifice, for the good of America. Some of us might still be bargaining, hoping that a write-in could potentially save the day, knowing full well that it won't.
Depression - As the days till the election steadily decrease, our sympathy for the nation increases. We weep as we come across videos of former inauguration ceremonies. Pictures of Obama and Biden hugging give us feelings of nostalgia and we shed a single tear at the pictures of Michelle and Obama glancing lovingly into each other's eyes. Photos of the Obama girls all grow up make us feel old. Even though it hurts, we keep reminding ourselves of the "good 'ole days" when things seemed a lot simpler.
Acceptance - After denying it, feeling anger, bargaining with the universe, and crying for the state of our nation, you come to terms with the hand we have all been dealt. American is a great nation not because of the people we elect to run it, but because of the people who inhabit it. This nation was built on the integrity of our citizens. No matter what the outcome of election day comes to, we must remain strong and unified as a nation. Accepting who becomes the president doesn't mean you accept the way the country is at the current moment. Change can come from all directions. We must work as a unit to make the changes we want to see in America. Face the necessary changes, but work for what you believe in. Only then can we truly make America "great". Only then can we make America feel like home again.
