America, Explain Yourself: We Need to Talk

At 11:55 p.m last night with blurred vision, I saw that 60,468,214 Americans cast their vote for the Republican nominee. I predicted the outcome by 9 p.m while others in my household were saying there is still time. The writing was on the wall and it wasn’t good. I woke up with the confirmation of my thoughts and a dark cloud surrounded me. The disdain for women by men and even worse, from other women, immigrants and the LGBTQIA+ was so palpable during this election cycle.

Before leaving home, I got a chance to talk to my daughter briefly. She then texted me later before leaving home for school to say, “Welp! This is sad that…won. I don’t even want to go to school.” There was no way she was getting out of going to school, but I felt every bit of the underlying meaning of her words. I told her “Even though he won, there are a lot of people working to make sure that we do not lose our rights.” What else can I say to a child who is worried about women losing rights in so many areas of their life.

This black woman here is exhausted and I am taking off my cape. Thank you Black women, Black men and everyone else who understood the assignment. This message is for you. Please turn off your notifications, eat something hearty, listen to a song that gives you hope and go outside to breathe in some fresh air. There is only so much saving we can do when so many continue to vote against their interests. We thought that more information meant more knowledge, but the this election showed that ignorance is bliss. Even with all the information out there and resources to find the truth, so many would rather cling to their hate. At this time, it is crucial that we hold onto each other and protect ourselves and mental health like never before.

I still believe that there is so much good in this world, but for some reason it did not show up to save our democracy from this takeover. Even more sadly, to the women who continue to vote against their own interests, in the famous words of James Baldwin, “How much time do you need for your progress?” Honestly, when will you stop championing the causes of people who want nothing more than to keep their boots on your necks? Is the prospect of cheaper eggs more appealing than the rights of your daughters, sons and grandchildren?

Though things feel dire right now, I will continue to find comfort in those who stand firmly on love and kindness. Thank you for doing your civic and moral duty. To everyone else, “We can disagree and love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity to exist”(James Baldwin). Then you're on your own when your eggs don't get cheaper and the rights that so many of your ancestors and mine worked for are gone.

This election is not the end of the American story. It may have taken a massive detour and potentially set us back a couple of decades, but I believe there may be hope for us yet. We can't kumbayah our way out of this no matter how many people want to convince you of this. The future may seem dim now, but we will find a way to claw ourselves out of the hole we have created. I am not sure what the solution is, but maybe it is written in history.

In the meantime, take care of you and the ones you love.