On November 8th, 2016, Donald J. Trump was elected the 45th President of the United States of America. This election, for numerous marginalized groups of people, represented an unforeseen regression in American history, potentially erasing decades of social progress. In the wake of such turmoil, it is important to acknowledge that our feelings of anger and frustration are valid. It is important to acknowledge and discuss the fear we feel for the future and the uncertainty that characterizes tomorrow. If America will not say it with their vote, let us be the first: we acknowledge you and we care for you.
Over the next few days it became apparent how moved many of our communities had become as a result of the election. A quiet spell had fallen on campus, and many people were unable to force smiles to hide their fears. Outrage and frustration were expressed through protests and walk-outs. Organizing and planning manifested through student of color coalitions and professors. Videos and comical memes were even spread to promote love and encouragement. In our most uncertain moments as a nation, the greatest gift we are able to give to one another is our love. It is important that we love one another today, tomorrow, and more so than ever before as we enter the next four years.
As shocking as the results of the election may have been to some, a Trump victory has long been a possibility. While hate in this country sometimes goes unaddressed, many, including those at the Stanford Black Student Union and other minority-based organizations, are well aware of its existence. Over the past eight years, a majority of white rural Americans have felt as though their voices were unheard and their needs unmet. The purported stagnancy of the middle class made recovery from the economic recession a difficult task. Government focus on the suffering lower class, although warranted, brought with it a feeling of neglect for other economic and social classes. These feelings of neglect transformed into action on the 8th as this unhappy base voted into office a man who claimed to be their only hope. His seemingly countless sexist, racist, xenophobic and generally discriminatory comments became secondary or tertiary issues. Granted, there is a population that wholeheartedly believes the rhetoric that Mr. Trump espouses. Simultaneously, there exists a population that simply believes in voting for the issues that concern them and them alone. The ramifications of electing Donald J. Trump into office have already been felt worldwide, though he has not yet assumed office.
Now, we move forward.
Herein lies one of the greatest obstacles to face during these next four years: understanding. To the democratic voter: one may be quick to label Republican voters as sexist, racist, xenophobic, etc… however, perhaps time would be better spent educating these individuals on why the beliefs of Trump’s Administration would present problems for our respective communities. There may be teachers, neighbors, and old high school friends who you know supported the other side for a variety of reasons. It may be that these circles are an ideal place to begin. To the republican voter: Despite your personal motives in voting, please do not ignore or deny the existence of malicious supporters of Trump, rallied during his campaign, who are now directing explicit hatred to our communities. Personally, you may not believe yourself to be racist, sexist, or xenophobic, but you must understand that you voted for a man whose campaign relied on fear, hatred, and prejudice. You may have voted for a free market, but that vote came with the perpetuation of sexually predatory behavior and outright disrespect of women’s rights. You may have voted for limited government, but that vote came with the the endorsement of those who discriminately target black and brown bodies. You may have voted for your family values, but that vote came with the denial of the basic rights of our LGBTQ communities, which we are still fighting to protect. Your vote has consequences regardless of whether they are unintentional or otherwise. Now we must all deal with them, together.
We must all refuse to be complacent in times such as these when our communities are threatened. We must be willing to reach out and have the honest conversations needed to educate one another about issues of importance. We do not always have to agree, but we must all consistently be united against hate. We will do as we always do and fight to ensure our voices are heard, both on campus and in our surrounding communities.
It will not be easy. We will be aggravated, tired, dismal; but it is upon us to bridge the gap. Rest up and mourn, but know that we have work to do: to protect our legacy, the legacy of our ancestors, and the legacies of generations to come.
About the Authors:
Aaron Barron is a junior at Stanford University majoring in Biomechanical Engineering. He is a member of the Black Student Union and creator of theunderground.stanford.edu
Akim Richards is a sophomore at Stanford majoring in Economics. He currently serves as the Co-Financial Officer of the Black Student Union.
