In the wake of the 2016 election results I’ve seen a myriad of Facebook statuses. People claiming they are moving to other countries. Others saying they are expecting the next holocaust. People crying, scared, and hating every person that voted for Donald Trump. And after a few days of seeing these, some thoughts started forming in my mind that I wanted to get out in words, so here it goes.
Every person is entitled to their feelings regarding this election and the outcome. Your feelings are legitimate and you have a right to voice them on Facebook all that you want. But writing lengthy Facebook statuses about your feelings every two hours, and arguing with people who feel differently than you on Facebook isn’t going to change anything. Moving to France isn’t going to change anything. Hating people isn’t going to change anything.
I think people on both sides of the political system can agree that many things in our country are broken. Upset about the election and the results? Then do something. Get involved. Figure out what the issues are that made you vote for the candidate you voted for and find a way to keep working to advance those issues. Pay attention to politics at a local level. This is often ignored by people but this is where change really happens. Look into what groups and organizations exist that are advocating for what you believe in. Can’t find one? Start one. Don’t like your local leaders? Run for office. Stop complaining and get active.
And love on people. Love them so hard that it’s infectious. Love your friends who voted for the opposite candidate of you. Have respectful conversations with them regarding politics and why they voted the way they did. Listen to them because their feelings are legitimate just like yours are. Find out what issues made them vote a certain way and discuss ways that those issues could be addressed in a positive manner. America is a marketplace of ideas. We benefit from people having differing beliefs and discussing them with each other. That is what moves our country forward.
United we stand, divided we fall. On Facebook our country seems extremely divided. And with the issues America is facing we can not risk being so divided. Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election. That is a fact and something people need to come to terms with. Instead of despairing we should hope that he makes wise decisions and has a successful presidency. Because that is what will benefit all United States citizens and our (always) great country.
And remember, 2020 is only 4 years away. If everyone on Facebook takes their time and energy and channels it into making real progress, we could see big things happen over these years and in the next election.
claire this is amazing. you are so spot on!!
Great thoughts!!