Post Election: Turning Anger into Advocacy

This morning, many of my friends woke up crying, mourning for their rights as women, for their future children, and for a nation that seems to have forgotten the value of justice. They mourn the racism, misogyny, and systemic oppression that still run rampant in this country. They mourn the lasting impact this presidency will have on their children and grandchildren.

Why am I not crying?

Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss shows how much work needs to be done to dismantle gender and racial oppression in the United States. Through Donald Trump’s campaign, we have heard relentless misogynistic and racist rhetoric questioning her experience, her intelligence, and her integrity. Does this rhetoric really represent the majority of the voting population? Yes, yes it does.

So, no I’m not upset. I’m angry!

I’m angry about ignorance.

It’s not a lack of access to information, but a refusal to engage with uncomfortable truths. People are drawn to misinformation and extreme narratives because they’re easier to digest than confronting systemic racism and misogyny. These biases don’t just live in individuals. They’re embedded in our culture, media, and institutions, which reinforce harmful stereotypes that perpetuate oppression. Racism and misogyny are alive and well in this country. The attacks on Kamala Harris were gendered and racialized and reflect how women of color are devalued. We fail to recognize this. I’m angry because ignorance fuels inequality. It’s easier to stay uninformed than to challenge the systems that oppress marginalized communities.

Aside from bias, people lack basic knowledge of government, economics, and public policy. This ignorance not only limits the capacity for informed civic participation but completely reinforces systems of inequality.

I’m angry about those who decided not to exercise their civic duty.

Not voting is a privilege! This is either a sign people feel unaffected by the outcome or trust that their rights are safe regardless. Or they were just not confident that their vote would make a difference. This seemed to be the case for a lot of people in republican majority districts or states. I’m not going to blame these people, but I do hope they question their role in society and the impact of not participating in the democratic process.

Why do people not care? Why are they letting other people decide their rights and their fate? What do they care about?

This is a reminder of the importance of community. Every large movement is made up of individual actions. One vote, along with others, shapes the system we live in. It’s a small act that collectively holds a huge amount of power. By not using it means you’re passing up a chance to be part of that change. You’re choosing to sit idly by while people make decisions for you. People make decisions about your well-being, your identity, your education, and your integrity!

I’m angry that I chose to believe “The United States was ready for change”.

I live in the south. I have seen what a majority of U.S. citizens are really like. I’ve listened to their views and opinions. These people are my neighbors, peers, and friends. I have seen the effects of bias and privilege close-up. I have seen racism very up close and personal. I’ll I have to do is drive thirty minutes to see confederate flags used as curtains in people’s homes (this is not a joke). I have seen misogyny close up. I have seen homophobia. I have seen xenophobia. I have seen every phobia you can think of! And this is not just indicative of the South. I offer this perspective to my friends and family who may live in bubbles, detached from the harsh realities that many of us face daily.

I should not have been surprised by Donald Trump’s victory.

The most frustrating part is that I truly thought we were on the path to change. I believed this. I think so many of us were shocked, maybe not just because of the election itself, but because it forced us to confront the fact that things hadn’t changed as much as we’d thought or hoped. This disillusionment does not have to be the end of the story. It should not be! This should be motivation. So, no, I’m not upset. I am angered. My blood is boiling.

Where do we go from here? How do we cope with the emotions from this election?

I know there is a lot of voter fatigue, and people are incredibly upset. Channel this into anger. Be vocal, become engaged, and start advocating for what you believe. There’s so much work to do!

How do we increase informed decision-making?

• Start by contacting your representatives regularly. Get to know them. Demand that they represent YOU. The power of your voice shouldn’t be relegated to one election cycle.

• Hold your local officials accountable. Your mayor, governor, and even your city council members have a significant impact on your life. The local government shapes your community more directly than you might think.

• Make every election matter. Stop thinking only of presidential elections. Midterms, local elections, and even school board elections have real, tangible effects. By making local elections more accessible and engaging, we can build a culture of informed voters that expands beyond the popularized elections.

• Stay curious. Listen to others, but always fact-check information. Educate yourself about basic economics and public policy. Take advantage of available resources and data. Read and stay informed!

How do we help others?

• Engage with compassion. We need to call out the misinformation we see in our own circles. We need to engage with people who believe in harmful conspiracies, not with anger, but with compassion and a willingness to educate. We need to stop tolerating hateful rhetoric, whether it's in the media, on social platforms, or in our personal conversations.

• Inspire people to become active in their communities. Let’s help those who will be most harmed by Trump's presidency. Volunteer with or donate to organizations that provide support for immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, women’s health, and racial justice causes. Support organizations and initiatives that advocate for women’s rights, racial justice, and the empowerment of marginalized groups. Advocate for policies that protect and uplift these communities, and be an ally by actively participating in protests, town halls, and calls to action. Offer resources on legal aid, healthcare, and social services to those who may be affected by harmful policies.

With gratitude,

Olivia