Today I was told by a man I very much respect that I am “embarrassing” in meetings because my computer has a Trump sticker on it. I was told that I might try not using my computer because people look at me in a different light when they see that sticker.

This made me start to look at how the world perceives different people based on who they voted for in the election. I was just told that because of my political views that I was less able to talk to my team and lead a good message.

I understand the idea of not talking about politics in the office, however, could it be true that the simple fact that people being aware of who I voted for changes their opinion of me?

I was once told by a college roommate that if I do not identify as a feminist that I do not believe in women’s rights… To start this whole thing off, I am not a feminist and I do believe in women’s rights. I believe that women should empower and support other women and that we are a competitive force in a professional atmosphere. I also believe that women do not have to choose between having children and a career.

I also believe that for a successful society to function, it needs powerful men in the world and in my opinion, the focus of feminism has shifted to a point where my ideas are no longer in agreement with. WHICH IS FINE. Having my own opinion is part of the living in the free country that we are in. The feminist point of view I remember following is that women should encourage other women at all times. Has this suddenly changed now that we are a nation so divided by partisanship?

Did I vote for Donald Trump? Yes. Do I believe in every single thing he supports or has said? Absolutely not. There are many factors that go into making a decision in a presidential election. It is absurd to assume every ideological aspect of a person simply by discovering who they have voted for in the past.

Your political opinion should not have a factor in the professional opinion of others. One should not feel bad about themselves for believing in a political view. I am proud to have been able to participate in an election in the first place, as we all know there are many countries around the world that do not have this luxury. I stand by my decision as an educated voter and will not hide my political views to avoid the judgment of others.

I am a young conservative who does not identify as a feminist and I am not going to be ashamed of it. We are a nation going through tragic times left and right. This is not the time to cause more disconnect between each other. This is the time to show others how we can band together regardless of differences.

No one should be ashamed of their opinion. We cannot assume every aspect of a person based on their political preferences either. With a nation so concerned with political affiliation, this is a time to create dialogue and express each other’s ideas and opinion; not a time to write off someone simply because of a sticker.