The weeks leading up to the US presidential election were a real emotional roller coaster for me. As a “Resident Alien,” I couldn’t vote, but I certainly had strong feelings about the outcome, which would impact my life.
The election is over now, and it didn’t turn out as I hoped. The idea that Donald Trump could be elected seemed impossible to me. Despite known issues with polling, the consensus that he lacked the temperament and knowledge to be president made it seem unlikely he would win.
Despite these uncertainties, I had been anxious for some time. However, as the results came in and it became almost certain that Clinton would lose, I felt a strange calm. After all, what’s done is done.
This morning, when I learned Trump had indeed won, I recognized a mix of reactions from non-Trump supporters. Many are stunned, angry, looking for someone to blame, embarrassed, or deeply worried.
We now face a president who has seemingly endorsed hatred and callousness. He’s mocked a disabled reporter, boasted about sexually assaulting women, defrauded contractors, and will soon be in court for fraud charges related to “Trump University” and child rape. He has essentially given Russia the nod to invade its Baltic neighbors and has encouraged violence among his supporters. His attitudes towards Muslim-Americans and undocumented migrants are equally concerning.
While it’s possible Trump might wreck the economy, end health insurance for millions, withdraw from trade treaties, and ignore global warming, it’s the underlying hatred that bothers me the most.
So, how should we respond?
First, for those in shock, remember that as of now, not much has changed. While global markets are jittery, this doesn’t immediately affect most of us. We are still here, breathing, eating, living, and doing the same things we did yesterday. Our main issue is reacting with fear and imagining worst-case scenarios. Our own minds can harm us more than our enemies.
Take a deep breath, appreciate what you have, and try to stop catastrophizing. We don’t know what the future holds. Trump may not become president, or his presidency could be short-lived due to impending trials. He may not fulfill all his promises, or even try. He often says what people want to hear.
What has changed in your immediate reality? Probably not much.
You’re scared, and that’s understandable. This morning, I felt anxiety and dread too. Offer yourself kindness and compassion. We all need a source of unconditional support, and we can be that for ourselves.
Second, remember that politics is a long game. Stay confident. We might face tough times, maybe for a generation, and some freedoms might be rolled back. However, the world is becoming more diverse and interconnected. Despite what the news suggests, the world is becoming more tolerant and less violent.
Third, show kindness and compassion to your loved ones. This morning, I had a loving conversation with my girlfriend as she waited for her students. I imagined hugging her, and my heart filled with joy. Yes, hard times may be ahead, but we can support each other and avoid spreading misery.
Fourth, practice empathy towards those you disagree with. Hatred from the president-elect won’t be remedied by adding more hate. Feeling contempt for Trump’s supporters won’t help.
Many who voted for Trump did so out of fear and desperation. They are financially insecure and poorly educated, usually white, and afraid of the changing world. They’ve felt economically left out, becoming a minority, and haven’t received much attention from Obama or Clinton. Trump, despite his elite background, talks about their problems, making them feel heard. Though his solutions might be flawed, at least he’s addressing their issues.
These individuals deserve our compassion, not contempt. Even Trump’s White Supremacist supporters need compassion. Their hatred stems from fear and witnessing the end of white privilege. They struggle to see a diverse society positively and cling to a sense of superiority.
If we see an increase in hatred, especially at local levels, we must respond with love. When hatred is local, we can counter it with firm yet loving responses. Meeting hatred with more hatred only creates more anger. We need empathetic solutions. Recognize that we all act out of bias when threatened. Empathize before you react and remind others that we are in this together. A world where everyone antagonizes each other is one where no one truly thrives or finds happiness.
We all suffer and seek freedom from suffering. Unfortunately, our ways of dealing with suffering often cause more harm.
The world seems crazy, filled with hatred, misogyny, and racism—but these are strategies to deal with fear. Underneath, there are suffering hearts needing better ways to live. By modeling love, compassion, and wisdom, we can educate and heal our society.
Thank you. I needed that!