Reality TV Show or 2016 America?
We now live in a reality TV show — America. Instead of focusing on policy, we have proven our immense infatuation with email scandals and racist and bigoted comments. Media has failed us; media has created a place for us to focus attention away from policy. America chose Trump. America is a democracy, but half of the country feel like we just got kicked in the gut. Hillary won the popular vote, but severely lost in the electoral college. The liberal sphere we all live in — attending a liberal school in a liberal city — we do not see the other side of it. We do not see the admiration for the other candidate.
Some people have even chosen Trump because they hate Hillary so much and vice versa. Why are we picking candidates just to spite the other one? Is the issue Trump himself? Or is the issue that there are so many Americans that are unhappy with the current way America is being run.
How can Trump be a role model for youth across America? We are told to not be racist, bullies, and more, yet we have a president who represents all of these egregious characteristics?
What is the next step? First, we have to process this overwhelming decision. Usually there are 5 stages of grieving:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
You probably woke up Wednesday morning denying the fact your favorite news stations told you that Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States of America. You thought you were having a nightmare and chose to believe it was inaccurate. Then, the next stage comes in: anger. You were mad. You were angry that half of the people in this country voted for someone who is the epitome of racism, sexism, and bigotry combined. How could people do this? Next step: bargaining. You were wondering if there was a possibility that the vote was counted wrong. Recount, please? Then, depression. I’m sure a lot of you felt this, I know I did. The sadness is okay. It is okay to feel that you have been let down. Be mad.
Finally, acceptance, which is the time to take action. You may not ever truly accept the situation but just know that in four years, almost all of you will be able to vote for the next president of the United States. It is important that you recognize that in only two years, all seniors, juniors, and many sophomores will be able to vote to make Congress democratic to act as a check against what is likely to be a very conservative executive branch. Hopefully then, we can change the path put in place for us as of yesterday and alter the future of America. As this map shows, these are the votes cast by millennials. At least millennials are making strides towards a better future!
This may be a frightening wake up call, but this is not the end for us, America.
If you are overwhelmed, check out this Huffington Post piece to help you get involved.