Let’s be real, nobody expected that Donald Trump would win the presidency. Nobody expected that the man who spewed sexist, racist, and xenophobic rhetoric throughout his campaign would get through the primaries, let alone win the highest office of the land. How the hell did we get here?
I am utterly confused and I am astounded. I’m astounded that America elected a man who says he can “grab women by the pussy”. I’m astounded that the man America elected can say he’s going to ban all Muslims. I’m astounded that America elected a man that called Mexicans rapists, says he will deport all undocumented citizens, and is accused of several sexual assaults.
I’m hurt and confused; I can’t believe that this isn’t a nightmare, but reality. For some reason, the majority of Americans felt justified in voting for this man. I cried out of anger about the injustice that is a Trump presidency. I mourned the progressive nation that I thought I was a part of. I cried in unison with my peers at the Fuck Donald Trump rally held in front of the tower at the University of Texas. We protested and cried for people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, the Muslim community, undocumented immigrants, those with disabilities, and those who believe in equality and human rights. It hurts me to my core to hear Muslim Americans say they fear for their lives. It’s absolutely horrifying that the LGBTQ+ community is under attack by the Vice President (who believes in gay conversion therapy). I’m saddened that undocumented immigrants, that deserve to be here just as much as anyone, are afraid that they’ll be shipped out of America. How can our nation lack empathy to the extent that they would elect Donald Trump?
I simply cannot wrap my mind around it. I feel united with everyone that is rightfully indignant. I will speak on any injustice I witness. I urge all to do the same, because a nation that can elect Trump as president should be a divided nation. All of this talk of coming together is insulting because we deserve better as a nation. Until we have a leader in office that is fit to perform, we must speak out and expect better. So please don’t come at me with “he’s going to be your president now, so deal with it.”
Do you want to know what I think of Trump supporters? Probably not, but I’ll tell you anyway. I think the majority of them are cowards. The women who voted for Trump are cowards. The sexist men, who voted against Hillary, are cowards. The people, who came out of the woodworks and rejoiced in Trump’s message of white supremacy, are cowards. The people, who voted for deportations of immigrants, are cowards.
Now, I know that some people will protest what I said by saying they voted because of his economic policies, stance on foreign affairs, etc. And I will say again, they are cowards. Many Trump supporters voted to spite the current political establishment that is in place today, for fear of progressive change. Trump appealed to people’s vilest instincts and displayed his ignorance on a national stage, yet he won the race. People overlooked his misogyny, prejudice, and racism and deemed it as insignificant. Do you know what that tells me? It tells me that Trump supporters seem to think it’s okay to devalue and debase the lives of many Americans.
So, what do we do moving forward? Most Americans will continue living their lives with ignorance and apathy. But to those that are negatively affected by Trump’s presidency (any minority and women) cannot afford to live in ignorance. We have to take action. First and foremost, we must pick ourselves up and stick together. Attend rallies and protests, raise your voice when you witness an injustice, and stay strong. Furthermore, we must VOTE. There is no valid reason to not vote in local and national elections. Lastly, take care of yourself. Self-care is crucial in tough times. Regardless of what Trump says, you life matters and you absolutely belong in America. We will fight against the silent minority in hope of a future where prejudice is no longer accepted. Stay strong and we will prosper.
Peace & Love,
Azza