The 2016 presidential election is definitely one for the books. Between vulgar remarks and disappearing emails, this has been one turbulent ride. I sat at my computer all evening on election day, neglecting my homework (sorry to my teachers) absolutely awe-struck. Everyone thought “of course Hillary’s going to win,” but this country has yet again shocked us. As I watched the results climb in Trump’s favor, I was surprised. I had friends messaging me, freaking out that the candidate they were rooting for was losing. Their fear is something I’ll never forget.
What really got me, though, was waking up in the morning, and learning that yes, Donald Trump did win, but the reaction was and still is astounding. My social media news feeds were blowing up with hate speech, rude opinions, and general distress coming from all sides. People were afraid. People are still afraid. My question to you is: does that give someone the right to judge others based on who they voted for (or would have voted for) in this controversial election? Does that give someone the right to belittle or ridicule someone else for having a different opinion?
Donald Trump / Photographer: Alex Wong/Getty Images
The answer is no. No one has that right. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. You cannot change people, so stop trying. It’s not like Donald Trump is going to burn down the White House, or actually build a wall on the southern border. He will never have that power. He said those things to get people’s attention, and it worked. Now, he has said things inappropriate, offensive and vulgar. Does this mean people who support him agree with him? No. This just means they disagree with Hillary’s policies. Donald Trump is going to try his hardest to be a good president.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not defending or endorsing either candidate. I’m just disappointed in the American people. Not all, just some. People claim they are disappointed with the country for electing this man. So they rioted. Are rioting. Is that an excuse for violence? Absolutely not. The greatest offense I have taken in this entire ordeal is the burning of American flags. Have we sunk so low as to disrespect everyone who fought to defend this country?
Please, take a moment to stop and think. Please, treat others how you would want to be treated. Please, respect others’ choices. Just because you have an opinion doesn’t mean you have to treat others as if theirs are wrong.