This past U.S. Presidential election is somewhat reminiscent of the opening of Pandora’s Box -- simultaneously unleashing all the not-hidden-but-often-dismissed evils of the world at once. Let’s not forget, however, that at the bottom of the box was ‘Hope.’ Whether or not you buy into that version of the story, hope is powerful, and how we as a nation will wield it is central to our progress.
The anger, the fear, the indignance, the frustration -- I get it. The same fire is burning under all of our feet. I can’t tell you how many sad, shocked, and angry Facebook posts I’ve seen in this past week alone. I can’t tell you how many of my friends have pointed anyone who voted ‘Trump’ to the ‘Unfriend’ button. To everyone who has done something like this or has thought about it, I want you to remember: it’s easy to speak and forget to listen. It’s easy to rant or throw a tantrum and disguise it as "protest." Actively listening and participating, embracing tension constructively, and engaging with issues and policymakers? That takes strength.
Do not opt out of the conversation, nor exclude others from it. It is now impossible to deny the presence of structural injustice in our country. It is equally impossible to deny our country’s strained, distrustful political climate. According to the 2016 RAND Presidential Election Panel Survey (PEPS), people who agreed that “people like me don’t have any say about what the government does” were 86.5 percent more likely to prefer Trump to any other candidate. Coupling this with the relatively high quantity of women, African Americans, Latinx, and two-time Obama voters that chose Trump over Hillary, I’d say it’s clear that we need to pay attention not only to what issues need to be discussed but also to who we include in the conversation. Go ahead and post #notmypresident, but also, ask a Trump voter why they voted the way they did. Use it as an opportunity to learn and gain insight into a demographic’s mindset. Engage, educate, and exchange.
Additionally, think critically about what your actions are actually accomplishing and what more you can do to better affect progress. Are you resorting to a low commitment, feel-good form of slacktivism, like pinning a safety pin to your clothes? Instead, think about how you can reach out to groups seeking social justice, follow their example, and make space for them.
Sure, you can post on social media or even go to an anti-Trump rally, but that’s not the way to sway the people who need to hear your call to action most -- policymakers. Research your Congressional representatives and call the district state office, write letters to the district state office, and teach them about issues that matter. Engage, educate, and exchange.
Discussion fuels progress. I want you to step back and realize your place in all of this. You may feel as though your voice hasn’t been heard, especially in this past election season, but if you live in this country, you belong in the democratic process. I challenge you to struggle, speak up and fulfill the role of an educated, active member of this nation. If you are hurting, know that I see you. Setting the tone for your future is your role, not anybody else's, so fight for it. Don’t leave the conversation.
