America, This Is Where We Go From Here

Early Wednesday morning, America voted to elect a racist, sexist, vocal advocate of sexual assault who mocks the disabled and has already been accused of the potentially impeachable offenses of fraud and racketeering. Trump’s election is a promise of irreparable harm, if we let fear win.

But, please remember: Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. A majority of Americans voted for decency. A majority of Americans believe in climate change, in women’s rights, and equality for every human being regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. The only reason Donald Trump has been named president is because of an archaic 18th century idea called the electoral college. But we need to stop being shocked about this outcome. Trump didn’t make Trump possible. The collective disease of deep rooted racism, hatred, and misogyny gave him a voice long before last night.

So where do we go from here?

Moving forward is the only option. It’s tempting to point fingers, to accuse the DNC, to denounce the prominent figures who prevented a Bernie nomination, or decry the privileged white electorate who feel safe in their majority. But breeding more hatred and becoming more divisive is not the answer. We’re not Democrats first. We’re not Republicans first. We are human beings who will either be remembered for fighting oppression or being complacent to injustice.

So, for every sexist comment he spews, for every pussy he grabs, for every woman who comes forward with her story of sexual assault, reach out to a victim via the RAINN foundation which works tirelessly to combat sexual violence. Donate to the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Do not be silent.

When he mocks the intellectually disabled, don’t just speak out. Yell. Scream so everyone can hear. Become a freedom fighter for the American Civil Liberties Union. Volunteer at the Special Olympics.

When the Supreme Court threatens to ban gay marriage at a national level, fight back. Write to your local representative. Call every human being you know to action. Donate to Human Rights Watch. Peacefully protest.

Every single time he threatens our right to choose what to do with our own bodies, fight back. Donate to Planned Parenthood. Care about humanity to the point that you’re willing to let go of any personal moral qualms that you might have.

For every anti-semitic sentiment he espouses, raise your voice. Reach out. Donate to the Candles Holocaust Museum.

When he lays down the first brick of his wall, protest. Protest for humanity. Protest for decency. Protest for our fundamental right to stand against evil. Join me in forming a wall of human bodies holding hands, stretching from coast to coast.

When a white police officer faces no consequences for murdering an unarmed black man, mobilize. Join Showing Up for Racial Injustice. Listen to those who look differently than you. Listen, listen, listen.

Individually, our fight may be futile. But collectively, if enough people care, and enough people are called to action, our potential is limitless. Popular opinion has the power to do much more than impeach a failing president. Fight hatred with love. Fight ignorance with kindness. Fight injustice with an open heart. It’s not ok to be complacent anymore.

This is our wakeup call, and it’s not okay to ignore it.