If you are an adult in the United States, you will have the opportunity to cast your vote for the next president in less than a month’s time. Chances are, you likely have strong thoughts and feelings about the whole thing, and that’s good: you should. In many ways, this is an election unlike any we’ve had before in the history of our country. Long standing beliefs and the processes we follow when voting are being challenged, questioned, held up to the light and scrutinized with wary eyes. Feeling strongly is an incredibly positive thing: it means that you’re involved with what’s going on in our nation. You’re investing the time to (hopefully) inform yourself thoroughly on the issues and figuring out what you stand for.
But what is not positive is allowing division to occur as a result of these opinions. With the 2016 election in particular, we are, consciously or not, demonizing the side that we do not identify with. As a result, unhealthy tensions are forming not only in relation to the nominees and those in political power, but with our friends, our family, and our peers. People are hesitant to share their political views, and for good reason: to do so means to expose yourself to possible harassment. It has become acceptable to berate and tear down others because they think differently than you do. Every single human being is unique; every person comes from different backgrounds, has experienced different things, and has different goals or aspirations. Naturally, we are not all going to see things the same. What is utterly true for one person is not going to be true for another, and that is perfectly okay.
This election is bringing things to the forefront of our national consciousness that have long been buried. Wounds that have never been addressed, that have never been healed are being reopened and exposed. Historical trauma that has been passed on through generations and improperly dealt with is now coming into the light, and we are witnessing the raw truth of it all. As difficult as it is to go through, it is what this country needs. It is what we have needed for a long, long time. We cannot continue going about our lives without listening to one another. This election has spurred dialogues that have needed to happen. We have the opportunity to enter in to conversation with each other, and with people and groups that we normally wouldn’t. We have the chance to grow, and to learn about what we weren’t aware of before.
And so, the next time you hear someone speak their mind about current events, or about the election, even if they seem irrational to you, even if they are emotional or passionate, (with the exception being that they are or have the intention of causing you harm) listen to them. Open your mind. Step outside of any rigid beliefs that you might hold and think about why this person thinks the way they do. Consider what they might have gone through in their lives, what they identify with, and what influences them. Do not judge their character or their worth solely on their political opinion. And above all, be compassionate. Be kind. Send love to this person, because they are a living, breathing being, and therefore they have the absolute right to love and acceptance.
As difficult as this election has been, we have the opportunity to change the way we interact with each other as individuals, as a community, and as a nation; but it's all dependent on how you and I choose to treat one another right now in a period of great dissent. In the end, this is what will matter the most.
