The joy that I feel now that we are beyond Election Day can’t be measured. While there were plenty of outcomes that left me feeling disappointed, I’m glad that we can now focus our attention back on the many issues that are plaguing our country.
It has been a rough couple of months. Scratch that. It’s been a rough couple of years in the political realm. So much hate, bigotry, sexism, racism, fascism, classism. So many dismissive attitudes. So much mockery. So much division.
The United States is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people. However, at the forefront is a wave of cynicism. It’s been focused on turning us against each other and highlighting our differences which should be celebrated instead of loathed.
Although, there wasn’t the rampant flip of seats that had been projected, what I saw from fellow citizens allows me to remain hopeful. Yes, in some cases pure abhorrence won. While it’s a hard pill to swallow, I find a little comfort in knowing that I was able to see a glimpse of what can happen if we continue to come together and push to dismantle the system of oppression.
On TV, at many rallies across the country, I saw people from various backgrounds working together, supporting one another, encouraging honesty, identifying lies, embracing diversity and activating change. Even though it didn’t translate through the voting system the way many of us hoped, now isn’t the time to become discouraged.
After being subjected to so many commercials slandering one opponent after another, tweets back and forth between candidates and shouting matches between commentators, it’s understandable that all of us would need a break. Unfortunately, we can’t afford to take one. This momentum is too precious to pause and say ‘let me regroup’. Understandably, the candidates may do so, but the constituents need to be pressing forward, harder than ever, if governmental transformation is going to take place.
Do I believe it can happen? Absolutely. Do I believe I will see it happen in my lifetime? I’m not so sure. I pride myself on being optimistic. As a community activist, I know the work that needs to be done and I’ve seen up close and personal just how deep the roots of tyranny are. They have been built upon for centuries. It seems like the more we dig up and throw out, the more they unmask their newest successors.
It’s not easy being a minority right now in this country, in a variety of categories, simply because those who desire to retain the power know that we’re a force to be reckoned with when we get on one accord. This was proven on November 6th.
For the first time in history, over 100 House of Representative seats will be occupied by women. African-American men and women, Muslim men and women, Latina women, LGBTQ men and women, secured victories across the country in local, state and national races to become the firsts to ever hold the position.
That is what progress looks like and it’s reflective of what this country looks like and the ideals many Americans value. Negativity will always reign louder than positivity if we allow it to continue to manifest itself without reprimand.
In order for it to be stopped, we must show up, act and be committed to the process until the end results are the ones we are seeking. The fight will never be over which means we need to be willing to remain steadfast and unmovable.
Nothing is impossible. That’s already been proven.
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