safety

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 It feels like we elected a fascist that won solely due to the outdated electoral college, not the popular vote.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.

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