In light of recent events, many Americans took to their preferred social media platform to express their views and opinions on the concrete fact that Donald Trump is our President-elect. There is certainly no lack of opinionated people in this country: protests have erupted, friendships have been broken and families have been divided... all for the sake of standing one's ground.
But what does the hatred accomplish, alienating people from one another? Nothing. With emotions spilling from mind to screen or phone, people do not take the time to think about how to fully express their views. Because of the lack of forethought, the internet has turned from a place of connections and entertainment to a place of stress and heartbreak. It's no surprise the rest of the world think Americans to be so rude, angry and uncivilized, especially during elections: look at what we have to say for ourselves. Look at how we act and carry ourselves. Google anything regarding Trump, Clinton, or the election and you will find a dramatic internet showdown anywhere.
Donald Trump is supposed to make America great again, as per his slogan. That means that America has fallen from it's standards somehow, and we need to ask:
why do we need to make America great again?
How did we get here?
What has happened to the image people carry when they think of the land of the free?
There are quite a few answers, ranging from poor decisions made by the leadership of our past to the actions of a local shooting, but I think a majority comes down to one simple statement:
What America lacks is grace.
It is not becoming to call candidates or voters slurs or names. It is not becoming to ignore one candidate's mistakes and exploit another's. It is not becoming to denounce a President Elect when they have not yet taken office. It is not becoming to push away your friends and family based on your views. And it is not becoming to abandon your country during a volatile time: a change in leadership.
If you are not happy with the results of the election, that is acceptable and understandable. You are certainly welcome to have your doubts. But in a world of oversharing, doubts become cracks in the nation's stability domestically and internationally.
Change doesn't just happen at the federal level. It happens at home, too. If you feel there needs to be change, try working with your local governments. The Office of the President of the United States is only one branch of the federal government. They are not our only voice: our elected representatives are not only local but also federal.
Believe in the system of checks and balances. Believe in your local governments. And believe in humanity, decency and compassion as we overcome the unrest that has fallen upon our country.
We should all do our civic duty as advocates for change and progress, but maintain the virtue of patience that provides us to look at a situation from all sides. I am not saying to cast aside anger, no one should. But to behave in a manner that is supposedly beneath our country's standards is to lower your country's reputation. Currently that, above all else, is what is hurting the most.
Let's make America great again by doing our part to make it so.
