It barely been half a day since Donald Trump became the new President Elect of the USA. It was a tight race, and I made no effort to hide the fact that I did not like that man. I didn't like Hillary much either, but viewed her as a lesser evil of the two candidates. But with the backlash I've personally faced following the results, I can no longer say I am surprised.
In less than 24 hours, I have been called the following, all from different sources:
- A Feminazi who needs to be taught a lesson
- Someone who 'pretends' to understand what rape is like
- A baby murderer (in a conversation where abortion was not even brought up until that very point, no less)
- A disgusting LGBTQIA+ supported who is probably a closet lesbian anyway
- A war monger (because I apparently had a hand in creating the wars the US is involved in?)
- A freak
- Ignorant
- Butt hurt
- Anti-Christian
- Fear mongerer
And because of all this, I am no longer shocked or amazed that someone like Trump could possibly become the most powerful man in the world. I'm not making this blog post to argue policy, that's been done for the past year leading up to the election. None of those arguments make any difference now. But what we have seen here is a candidate who has capitalised off fear, hatred, violence and intolerance, and he has WON. And now? His followers think it's okay to be exactly the same. They have seen his example be rewarded in the greatest measure, so now it is finally okay for them as well.
Because the thing is, these people are not expressing new sentiments. It is something that has existed inside them all along, and now finally they have been justified in giving those thoughts an outlet. If our President can do it, so can I.
It's not just Trump who gained power last night. It was also the man on the bus who ogles you, thinking that because you're a woman he somehow has a right to your body. It's the person yelling at new immigrant refugee "LEARN ENGLISH!". It's the parent telling their child that being gay is just a phase. It's people telling a rape victim that because she was drinking or wearing revealing clothes that she was asking for it. It's a woman's partner who says she must be on her period anytime she gets upset about something. The driver who asks you to lock your door because you're driving through a black neighborhood.
By giving power to one bigot, it seems we have given power to them all.
Is this going to shut me up?
Hell no.
To all those who feel afraid, marginalised and threatened: Now, more than ever before, it is time to plant your feet and stand your ground. For the next four years, stand by your convictions and be ready to fight to preserve them. Do not hurt yourself. Do not hurt others. NO matter how your community has been threatened by this, continue to stay strong and never be afraid to show who you really are. Look out for your Black friends, your Brown friends, your Native friends your Muslim friends, your female friends, your gay friends, your trans friends. Stand in solidarity with one another. Show love for one another. Keep one another safe.
And if you thought I was an outspoken, angry, feminist bitch before.... you better brace yourselves for me over the next four years.
