It’s Monday which means it’s time for another blog post from your favorite irrelevant blogger. I could not make a post today without addressing the climate of the world surrounding us. YES we are getting political.
Getting political is not a choice to me. I wish I could not give a shit about politics, honestly that would be a lot less stressful. To decide to not get political is a direct betrayal to all of those around me who are affected by politics. I’m a middle class white girl, there is not much effect a presidential change will have on me. To take that privilege and use it as an excuse to not engage with something that isn’t totally pleasant doesn’t sit right with me.
For some background, I have been involved in non-profits for the last ten years. The work I do is focused on the empowerment of underprivileged communities. I do not identify with a political party because I do not believe either party does anything close to enough for the equality and security of these communities.
However when human rights are on the ticket, I do not play. I do not love Joe Biden, and I really do not like Kamala Harris, but when the opponent is a threat to the rights of those without privilege? It is a no brainer.
Biden Harris is a win for America, why don’t I feel more excited?
Going into this election, I knew Biden Harris would win. The opponent’s hate has no place in this country, and I know acting so disgracefully catches up to you. I wasn’t worried. I was excited even, to see the nation come together and sweep this loser under the rug.
I am actually more upset, and triggered now that Biden and Harris have won. The aftermath has been really tough on me. Seeing republican friends and family members STILL stand by such a disgusting man has been really hard to watch. Hearing their unsupported statements and fears about a democratic leadership has been disheartening. How can these people genuinely believe these things? It scares the shit out of me that my fellow Americans can take what our leader says as an incontestable fact, and how deeply they believe it. Isn’t that only something that happens in foreign countries? Is baseless is no longer a reason to not believe something?
I’ve also come to realize, friends and family of mine are racist. They’re not just uneducated or naive, they’re racist. That’s a hard pill to swallow.
I genuinely believed the people of America were better than this, and I was looking forward to this election to show it. To show that you cannot make unsubstantiated claims, you cannot attack people, you cannot be racist, sexist, homophobic, and still lead our country. I was extremely disheartened by how close this election was. I cannot believe HOW MANY people are willing to put human rights below tax cuts.
While this is a win from America, I think it is important to talk about how upsetting and triggering the aftermath of this election has been. If you aren’t feeling the overwhelming joy and excitement, you’re not alone. There is still so much work to be done. This is just one single step in the right direction. The results of the election have brought light to just how much work there is to be done, and it feels overwhelming.
Also recognize we feel the energy of the collective world. Whether valid or not, a good portion of our country feels scarred, disappointed, and attacked. Be patient with yourself as you meet the energy around you. I can certainly feel the heaviness of America right now.
Let’s listen to each other. Let’s challenge one another’s stances. Let’s get political even when it’s uncomfortable. These conversations are important to have, and everytime we listen to one another we get a little bit closer to unity.
Blog post on attachment coming soon.
With love,
GM
Self Like 