Safety is something many of us take for granted. This week feelings of safety have been greatly shaken for many people in the United States. While I understand that some people vote along party lines no matter what, or vote for a single issue (like abortion), I am in despair that so many have chosen to vote for a candidate that lauds racism, sexism, homophobia, and speaks in a way that gives permission to individuals that might have long had those beliefs but held on to them more quietly before last Tuesday.
I am disheartened that while I live in a progressive community, a tiny blue dot, in a giant sea of red, there are growing numbers of incidents. Already in my community An Indian family in a nearby town got a letter from ten neighbors asking them to “go back to India.” Taunts were left on a gay individual’s car window in Fayetteville. A Muslim student at my local university got death threats. A woman got told she deserves to have her pussy grabbed. People in a truck at the Walmart in Rogers shouted “white power.” Racist graffiti appeared within two days of the election near my local library. This is real. For those that voted for Trump and are hoping that he will suddenly become a reasonable person, it really doesn’t matter. He’s unleashed an avalanche of hate that is going to take some time to reign in. I am very fortunate to live in a community where individuals and groups are already actively fighting against this.
I too will fight against this hatred, and I hope you will join me. I’m not going to repeat others, but Angela’s post has some great links about what you can do. If you want to help, you can donate to a local cause you believe in, volunteer, as well as look out for those feeling marginalized, helpless, and left behind in your community and be an advocate for them. Right now it feels like much of the world is mourning and that is entirely appropriate given these election results. It feels like we elected a fascist that won solely due to the outdated electoral college, not the popular vote. This is a tragedy. I am comforted by the backlash at the community and national level that is moving to fight this hatred, and that is a light in what feels like a very dark week. Hatred will never win. And yes, we are stronger together, so let’s stick together and fight.
Please care for each other.
I’m with you: I quickly turned my shock into action and support. Leading up to the election, I joined Pantsuit Nation on FB – a group for Hillary supporters who were planning to wear pantsuits when they voted. Surprisingly, the posts and stories in the group were positive – pro-Hillary, pro-LGBT rights, pro-BLM, etc. instead of anti-Trump-Pence, etc. The group grew from 250 000 when I joined to over 3 million on election day. Since the results came in, membership has been galvanized – state and local groups have formed to take action to protect our rights, to fight against what’s already started happening. LMK if you want to join; membership in the national group is at 3.6 million and there are state and local chapters forming all over the country. This group is the one organizing the Million Woman March on January 21, the day after inauguration. It’s been a great resource for finding things to take action on, like joining the ACLU and supporting the Southern Poverty Law Center and other organizations that fight hate/support rights, how to get more involved in local politics, how to effectively communicate your concerns to your state & national representatives, and more. If you or anyone reading this want to join, LMK (or put out the call on your FB; I’m guessing you know people who are members) – most of the groups are either private or secret. The admins of all of the groups have been very quick to squash negativity and identify & remove Trump supporters. *phew* You aren’t alone!
Nicely said. Thank you.
Thank you for posting this. I have a post on Generosity ready to go for this week, myself. It’s a troubling time. I have been having some open discussions with my students (I teach a science fiction class) and so many of them had no outlet to discuss their thinking and feeling about this election. What they said–regardless of who they voted for–gave me some hope for the coming years and, at least, the next generation. I just hope we can hold it together for them until they can make the big changes themselves. With much appreciation.
Thank you for responding to this call to love action. The fiber community has been great in the wake of the elections but I love that people are looking for long term ways to support the marginalized. Our communities are going to need all the help we can get and we can’t do it alone. Thank you so very much!
Thank you, Cassy 🙂 I think this election has had an unsettling effect on many of us. There is also an uncertainty. I don’t know what to believe that comes out of his mouth. Recently he was asked whether he regretted anything he said during the campaign and he said “no, because I won”. In his mind, it appears that the end justifies the means.
Thank you so much for your words. Please get all of these instances of hate to the Southern Poverty Law Center. They keep track of all hateful incidences.
Well said, Cassy. Time for us to circle the wagons against the Big Hate. Peace to you!
Horrible incidents..
Thanks for this post. Even though I live way off, in Europe, and are not that directly affected / confronted with the outcome, I was terribly shocked…. And with elections being held here next year, I am afraid certain people over here might take the US elections as an example…horrible thought….
Thank you for your words.
I live in Germany and this election was a shock for me. Hate won and I fear that history will repeat itself. A fascist leading the world. That frightens me. But also living in Germany I learned that peaceful marching can also change the world for something better. 26 years ago a big wall came down. If enough people with a positive attitude keep doing positive things, life can be better.
In Europe right now the term ‘normalisation’ is very big. To not make the outcome of this election something normal. Cause it’s not. Hate is never normal.
I send my hugs and positive energy to you and your neighbours.