Keep Moving Forward
I don’t even know where to start. I am stunned, saddened, and scared after last night’s results. I, along with so many others like me, underestimated how ignored middle America, small towns, and working class white people felt. Not only ignored, but hopeless enough to vote for a demagogue. We also thought we knew how racist they were, but we underestimated that, too. Underestimated how sexist they were. How they stopped caring about facts — real facts — long ago. How fearful they are of Other. All of that is simplifying the issue, but “underestimation” is what is standing out to me most today. (Note: I, of course, do not think that every Trump supporter is a stupid, racist, sexist, xenophobic, hateful person — I think this election was complex, and I am trying to have empathy for everyone. However, there is no denying with DT’s own words that he stands on a platform laced with sexism, racism, xenophobia, and more…and many of his vocal supporters are not shy about making this known as well.)
I was too silent during this election — fearful of backlash, of alienating family and friends. I am ashamed today that I allowed myself that luxury. I was silent when it mattered most, and I took a small part in allowing a fascist to be elected. If you believe wholeheartedly today that those who opposed him are just overreacting, that is a privilege. Our LGBT friends do not have that privilege. Our friends who are not white, our friends who are disabled, anyone with a preexisting condition who needs healthcare, women — they do not have that privilege. He may not have “done” anything yet as a President, but his words have. If we take him by his words, he plans on making things not “okay” for anyone in that list. This is not an overreaction — I listened to his words, and I am fearful of him and his administration.
We all have to work together to make sure that America will be some semblance of “okay.” I can write a million words about how much this matters, but if I don’t take action, I’m no better than the people I see spewing hatred up and down social media and in person today. No better than the people sharing memes of how ugly Chelsea Clinton is, no better than the KKK members marching in NC, no better than people who yell things like: “Abu, get out of my country!” to brown citizens. Now, I have to take action. I need to not just sit back, complain, and weep, but actually try to use my privilege for good. My voice and my skills need to be used for progress. But I don’t know where to start.
So what do we do? Where do we start? A good friend today said to think about what scares you the most about a Trump administration and start working there. The truth is, I have a list of things that scare me, but it is a place to start. I’m scared of losing reproductive rights, of losing my healthcare, and of climate change. I’m more scared for LGBT people and people of color being targeted by bigots and policies that tear apart their lives. What do I try to tackle first? Where can I do the most good?
I’m not writing this for attention or praise. Writing is something I love and something I use to ease my own anxieties, so I am selfish in that regard. I’m selfish in other regards, especially in regards to this election, but I’m trying to change that. That being said, I’m no saint, not even close. But I want to be better. I currently work for a corporation — albeit one that does good, in a lot of ways — but I am not using my skills for anything beyond that. As I said, I am just as responsible for a lying, fascist, racist getting into office as the people who voted for him. My silence spoke volumes. My lack of action spoke volumes. I need help, too. I want to learn. I need to find where I can be most valuable with my voice and my Master’s degree in human-computer interaction. I am open to ideas and places to research. I need your help, friends and other progressives reading this, and I want to help you.
Get Angie’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
I feel paralyzed by how large of an undertaking we have ahead of us in America. I’m not sure this piece is even making much sense — I’m asking for help without giving much direction to what I need help with. I just want to help. I want to work to educate people on what scares them, I want to show people they are not ignored or unwanted, and I want to empower people in America who feel marginalized. This includes people who voted for Trump. I want to understand them, and I want to work with them. The easiest thing for me right now would be to cut them out of my life, as they maybe would be wont to do in the reverse situation, but I cannot in good conscience do that.
I will be obviously researching on my own, but I care about your opinion and experiences. If you know of places to volunteer, work, advocate — anything where you think people like me can be most useful in the wake of this election, please share. I want to compile a list. I know I have other friends who are rallying together to figure out how to keep moving forward, and I can’t wait to work together with smart, educated, informed, and passionate people to make change. Where can we push for progression the most?
I have hope still, despite what has been happening in our nation. We are a great nation. Donald doesn’t need to “make American great again” because it already is great. But it could be better. I see so many of my friends reaching across the proverbial aisle to Trump supporters — asking for respect, understanding, discussion, and to work together. I hope that they can find it in their hearts to return the sentiment as well so we truly can be stronger together as a nation despite our differences.
I do not think now is the time for silliness, but watching Parks and Recreation this morning did bring me some small joy in a sad day. This part inspired me, and I hope it will inspire you, too (and maybe make you smile).
As Leslie says, “You know what? America is awesome. It’s so full of hope in small towns and big cities and real people…you just never know when opportunity is going to strike. You gotta be ready for it.”
I’m ready for it.
If you have any suggestions on where to start, I’d love to hear them. Comment here, email me angcarrier [at] g m a i l.com, message me on Instagram, send a carrier pigeon, anything. Thank you.
