Let’s face it, it’s been a rough week for America.
Being married to a Brit, I got a taste of what my husband felt when Brexit happened, but nothing prepared me for the outcome of the election on November 9th. Since the fallout, I’ve seen two main groups of people speak out on social media; those who are criticizing people for whining over the outcome of the election when everyone had a vote, and those who are genuinely hurt, afraid, concerned, or downtrodden by the results.
I personally felt gut punched when it became clear that Trump would be elected, because I didn’t think it could actually happen – not in today’s lifetime, not in a democracy. The campaigns and debates themselves (on both sides) were very vicious from both candidates, respectfully, and even major news networks had their doubts about Trump. His remarks about global warming being a conspiracy from China, his shady social history, comments and attitudes towards women and minorities, all of these led me believe there was no way it would happen.
Then there was this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRp1CK_X_Yw
After hardly sleeping the night of the election, I woke up and did some research about how to talk to my children about the outcome, because I knew they’d hear things at school. I found this fantastic article at LA Times:
And I began the morning gently talking about what a democracy means over breakfast. My daughters are young, but old enough to understand what’s going on, and they listened attentively, and watched how I spoke and handled the topic of what an electoral vote means, that everyone gets a say. I ended the conversation talking about how even though we might not agree with the result, we will respect it, because that’s what a democracy does.
All that aside, I would like to plead for sensitivity.
Regardless of your political persuasion, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, the color of your skin, or how you feel about Trump being our next President, please be sensitive to the emotional needs of others. This affects people’s lives, in a profound way. I have friends quite close to me who are gay, and even my husband is an immigrant, though he recently obtained his citizenship.
If people seem to be shaken by this, it’s because they are. I am. I woke up to a whole new concept of America the night after the election, one that frightens me and concerns me. If you voted for Trump, if you didn’t vote for Trump, be sensitive regardless. Be kind in your actions to others. Children are watching how adults react to all of this, and they will remember it. It’s a hard time for many Americans right now, and ultimately what is important is acceptance, love, and equality. We need it now more than ever.
As for me, I’ll continue to do what has worked in the past whenever my life doesn’t agree with me; I will write. I’ll write about racial and sexual diversity, about cultures coming together, about strong women and good-hearted people, because that ultimately is what America’s about, choice and opportunity. If you are hurting or scared or blown away by what happened, I am here if anyone needs to talk. My door is open to everyone on this issue.
I wish everyone a calming spirit and good thoughts. I do believe that everything will be okay. Hang in there.
Excellent piece Roxanne. I’m English, living in Ireland and I’m frightened by the thought of Trump being the leader of the ‘free world’. I count among my friends people who are gay, non-white, socially disadvantaged, intellectually or physically disabled, those who are passionate about human rights and the environment. I also believe in giving everyone a fair chance. So let’s let the dust settle and be respectful of each other’s individual rights.
Thank you, Kate. Well said!
My husband is English as well. I have many friends who are gay and disabled too. It’s a scary concept that this could happen in a democracy, and I truly feel for those who have already started experiencing more persecution because they’re Muslim or gay, in the last few weeks alone.
Above all, I agree wholeheartedly that the best thing we can do is give people a chance and believe in the best. The hardest thing about this whole ordeal is to see people actually losing friendships and relationships over it. In my opinion, it’s not worth tossing aside a relationship with someone you care about because you have differing political beliefs. It’s like falling out over which cheese is the tastiest, it’s ridiculous. I totally agree that we have to respect each other’s individual rights. Without respect, what are we? Thank you for your well-thought out comment!
Beautiful writing. great words for difficult times
Thank you, Jaime! It’s been a hard knock for a lot of Americans, for sure. The best thing we can do now is just exercise tolerance and understanding, rather than animosity.