So What Now: Digesting the Sweet Election Victory

You know, I did not know how liberated and empowered I felt as an American until I almost lost it all. Yesterday, I was genuinely scared … for numerous reasons.

One, I was scared that I was going to have to struggle for the remainder of my life. I know it sounds extreme, but it's true. The democratic and republican agendas differed so much that I would virtually live one of two extremes for the next four years. Also, the political self-esteem of minorities in this country is fragile. If we had lost the election yesterday, I’m not sure how powerful we would feel in the legislative process. “My vote doesn’t count” was said way too often yesterday. I was worried that this counterproductive mindset would scar us – and the future generations to come. That would ultimately change my livelihood forever. 

Two, I watched true American ignorance and desperation yesterday- from both democrats and republicans. When asked why they supported Romney, people said, “I … I just… believe in his policies.” When asked which policies, they could not answer. Mitt Romney and Barack Obama were both likened to the devil yesterday, and I heard democrats limiting republicans to “white people”. How limited. Like Joe Biden, our two-term vice president, is not white? This election has shed an ugly (but much needed) light on the division, classism, and racism in this country. Throughout this election, I have felt as though I’m perceived as “too incompetent” of making my own decisions about my sexuality, my body, education and career. That scares me because it is very reminiscent of a much older, hare-filled time.

Nevertheless, I feel empowered , proud and I have a little more hope in my country. At the end of the day, there are more struggling, compassionate, underrepresented people in this country than not. I hope they can see how their voice affects the nation. There is power in numbers and we can implement benevolence into politics. Those two concepts do not have to be oil and water. I am confident that we can work together for a stronger, cohesive livelihood in America. 

Congratulations to President Barack Obama- four more years.