It is not upsetting to me as a person of color, a woman, a member of the LGBTQ community, and someone coming from a family of immigrants to see that America does not value my life. I already knew that. However, it is upsetting to know that the efforts of thousands of people who have fought for their rights and equality could quite literally go to waste because of the results of the new election. It sucks even more knowing that people wrote in a dead gorilla and an alcohol substance for president instead of an actual person (and by person I mean Hillary Clinton.)
I am sixteen years old. I was told growing up that only legal adults are allowed to vote because their brains are more developed. I was taught that adults want America to progress and that they would help create the path to make my generation have better lives. This election is proof that those statements are false. The truth of the matter is that I live in a country where only ignorant white males lives are valued.
I am from Hawaii. My entire state’s history and culture derives from immigration. I also run an LGBTQ club on my campus. Nothing upsets me more than seeing all of my friends and family scared for their futures. This election was a big slap in the face to all minority groups across America.
However, something I have noticed about minorities is that no matter how many times ignorance has shut us down, we manage to get back up and fight again.
And so I hope that is what we’ll do. If we fight and stand united I believe we’ll be okay. I refuse to allow the election results to bring fear into the lives of people. United we stand, divided we fall – so we better keep standing, even if it means our legs will break.
