I know most who follow me, do so to see natural hair and beauty-related topics, but at this moment, I feel incredibly disingenuous trying to write anything on those subjects.
Last night, I cried, as many others did around the world.
I wrapped up in myself, huddled on my couch, and cried myself to sleep.
Then this morning I woke up feeling deflated and tired. Scrolling through my news feeds, my heart grew heavier seeing people’s genuine fear and heartbreak.
This tweet struck me hardest, and I’m going to leave it here and let it speak for itself:
i will be thinking of this image for the rest of my life. pic.twitter.com/Q8VouT9YNE
— Madeline Livermore (@Mads_Be_Me) November 9, 2016
Hear me when I say it’s not as simple as being upset over Trump being elected President.
For those of you saying “It’s okay because Congress/Senate will block all his goals,” you just don’t get it.
That’s not what this is about.
This is about the fact that America made its priorities very clear last night. It said that discrimination and intolerance and sexism are okay. That they are acceptable. That you know what? Racism and Misogyny are only small character flaws.
For those of you who voted Trump but say “I’m not racist, I’m just worried about the economy,” the fact remains that in your personal hierarchy of values, the health, safety, and everyday lives of minorities and women fall dangerously close to the bottom. If you are comfortable with that, I can’t persuade you otherwise, but don’t you dare try and tell me you have no prejudices.
Just look at the hate and violence amongst some of Trumps more vocal supporters. Trump emboldens bigots to act out and voice their feelings because as a huge figure head, he gives them license to do so.
That is what terrifies so many people. That is why people are crying.
Already, many Trump Supporters are becoming braver. Stories are already coming out of POC being harassed, and it hasn’t even been 24 hours.
To the boy who just shouted “get lost terrorist immigrant” at me, you don’t represent my America. My America will prosper with love.
— Numa Rehmani (@Numathepuma) November 9, 2016
As I’m stopped at a gas station this morning, a group of guys yell over: “Time to get out of this country, Apu!”
Day 1.
— Manik R (@ManikRathee) November 9, 2016
@ManikRathee a student of mine reported that her Muslim neighbors woke up to a sign that said “You can leave now.” Also in the Bay Area.
— Dustin (@dustinrefill) November 9, 2016
The same thing happened in the UK after Brexit, and is still happening today (despite world-media losing its interest on the subject). I met so many strangers who are POC living in London, and they are heart-broken by the change in their every day lives. The racism they are witnessing around them is tangible, and regardless of what the Brexit vote was about, it was fuelled and won by xenophobia.
All I can say is my heart breaks for those who woke up this morning feeling cast aside, feeling unwanted by their neighbours, and above all for those who fear for their safety more-so now than ever before.
Mourn while you need to, do what you got to do, but don’t lose hope. Don’t stop fighting, and don’t become complacent.
xo
4 comments
Just discovered you and your blog via twitter and came across this post. You perfectly expressed so much of what I was/am still feeling. I am a new lifestyle blogger and struggled with the decision to address this topic on our blog. Much like you, I couldn’t authentically write about anything else post election without first expressing all the emotions I was feeling. Thank you so much for sharing. After something that made me feel so isolated from so many in my country, it’s comforting to come across thoughts that so closely mirror my own. – Keanna
Thank You Keanna, and thank you for reading. It’s hard not to be shaken by it all when the implications of it all are so huge.. and it’s hard to go back to the fluffy stuff like makeup and selfies.. Personally, I had to take a good break. let’s have hope in that there are many out there that feel as we do, and that we can’t become complacent! Thank you again for reading and I’ll make sure to check out your blog!
This was so difficult to read, emotionally :(
It’s hard to offer any comforting words from across the pond (I live in the UK) but I will be praying for the United States sincerely! After Brexit, I became certain that the direction the world and politics generally is headed for is just crazy. We just have to continue to pray for our leaders and trust that everything will be okay in the end. I’m literally forced to live everyday by faith and not by sight especially in times like these.
Be strong and as you beautifully wrote, never lose hope ❤️🙏🏾
xxx
Xo Thank You for reading and for such kind words.
I actually live in Canada but the effects are still so strongly felt here. For me it’s just an hour drive and I’m in he USA. I also lived in NYC for a year and there are people who are close to me living in America that I can’t stop thinking about them…