TW: sexual assault, and rape
America has a long dreadful history of not protecting those it is supposed to. The Land of The Free, and yet it seems so many people are far from being free. Like many young women, on the morning of November 6th I awoke with fear instilled in me. While both parties and nominees had trouble navigating a clear path for the future of America, Republicans have been working endlessly to strip reproductive rights, equal education, and more from our country. With plans like “Project 2025” and the Trump campaign’s endless racist/misogynistic rhetoric, it is without a doubt a terrifying thing to be a woman, let alone a woman of color. Trump being the president-elect has caused an uproar among women, but what is next for the women who will be affected by his plans?
Many of my friends shared concerns with me as we all joined in the conversation. A few shared their concerns for reproductive rights, immigration laws, and education changes. All of them feared what a Trump presidency would look like this time around. His last presidency began when we were thirteen years old, an age where many young girls are subjected to unimaginable things in America.Â
Ashley from Clarksdale, Mississippi, is one of them. Ashley was forced to give birth to her rapist’s child right before starting the seventh grade due to strict abortion bans. Hundreds of young girls are losing their childhood due to laws that put their health and well-being at risk. This is one of the several reasons why 2025 will be a year of reclamation for women. Women already have to face a harder time in male-dominated fields, but now with programs such as The Department of Education possibly being demolished, the future of women is being challenged in more ways than the doctor’s office. The only way to uplift the communities affected by what is to come, is by recognising intersectionality, and how everyone, including men, are disadvantaged by the patriarchy, and White supremacy.
It is interesting to see how a country built on stolen land has held power over others across the globe. Indigenous people face cruel and harsh treatment, even when colonization has given them such trauma and heartache. Yet, the narratives of what America values are skewed based on who you talk to. Talking to people who do not live in America has given me insight that I could not have concluded otherwise. These conversations have made me to believe that the hope I had for the country I live in is diminishing. I have always been taught to love where I come from, but how can I love and support what has become of so many countries over the years and what will become of me next year? Â
As a LatinX woman, I have never truly felt loved by America. I have felt uncomfortable in circumstances related to my ethnicity. Especially when asked on questionnaires what my race is. Forced to choose colonization each time, I was taught to check off White, knowing that once I stepped outside, I would be seen as anything but. After this election, I know that the feeling of not knowing where I stand in this country will be louder than ever.Â
We must all ask ourselves: how can we remain relentless in a world pushing us to be silent? We persist by organizing with student organizations and working with our peers to liberate communities that are occupied, oppressed, and endangered. It is okay to mourn something we could have had, but after brushing off your shoulders and bandaging your knees, we must join in the continued fight for what is right. After all, who keeps us safe? We keep us safe. Â
If you or someone you know has struggled with sexual assault/rape, please use the resources below:
National Rape, Abuse, and Incest Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
National Sexual Violence Resource Center Website: https://www.nsvrc.org