I wept because, to me, the country has just elected a man who is a buffoon - a grandiose braggart who cares more about his own branding than the American people. He sees a country of 'us' and 'them'. He degrades women, threatens those in crowds who dare portray another viewpoint with violence, mocks the disabled, rates women's 'appeal' openly ("Believe me, she wouldn't be my first choice!"), he openly states he doesn't like to read and learns by listening to his "own gut". He's associated himself with white supremacists and openly known bigots. The views he expresses seem to be war-mongering to me with no understanding of politics around the world from a military standpoint. He is ready and willing to turn back decades of advances for women and minorities without a moment's hesitation because HE believes these changes will "make America great again". Wrong.
The deep sadness I have felt since the election is permeating. It wasn't that I so badly wanted Hillary Clinton to win, although I did vote for her and believed in many of the points she based her campaign on, it was that I couldn't imagine the America that I love actually electing Trump. The furor I've seen his supporters display frightens me... and I'm a white, middle class, single woman. I cannot even fathom the emotions my friends who are Muslim, black, gay, and/or immigrants to America must be feeling. Tears well up when I think how these friends of mine are being 'grouped' by the President-Elect. (Ugh! I feel ill just typing that!)
So, since I am by nature a positive person I have given great thought to how to go forward. My son is 30 years old now and, seeing me in tears as we discussed the results, he suggested that we work toward the good that we know can be achieved. In our personal lives, in how we treat individuals, in our towns, in our states. That we seek out ways to promote positive action in our own world. You can read his own words on his Instagram account here.
I'm going to continue to do good works where I can but, finally today, I have thought of what else I can do... I can speak out. When I see someone being treated disrespectfully, I am going to - right then and there - call them on it. I don't intend to add 'fuel to the fire' but to call it into the open and ask what is the person's intention? If I see a child being mistreated by a parent in a public place where everyone is watching in shock or turning away, I will step in for the child. My fear has always been that 'interfering' could get the child in worse trouble. Is stepping in for a child who can't protect themselves 'interfering'? I will interfere for what is right and decent. I have dear friends who are gay and other friends who are homophobic. I never have understood this fear they have and plan to say so going forward. What the heck are you afraid of? And if someone gives me the line in the Bible that they always give, I'm going to shoot right back with 'judge not lest YOU be judged'. Fair warning on that one, friends, if you're reading this epic!
And myself, I'm going to work to make myself a better person. Mind. Body. Soul. So when asked to help out with important actions, charities, purposeful events, I will be ready and not stymied by this sadness I have felt since November 9th. I am reclaiming me and my personal power and hope you'll join me in promoting goodness, decency, and open mindedness going forward to all our neighbors, despite however they may be different from what you consider your 'norm'.
Finally, have you seen the iPhone commercial that originally launched in August at the time of the Olympics? It is narrated by the late Maya Angelou, someone I admired a great deal and whose poetry I find so meaningful. You can see the advertisement on YouTube but I urge you to read the words to this poem as it relates to who we are and where we are in our lives today.
Human Family - Poem by Maya Angelou
I note the obvious differences
in the human family.
Some of us are serious,
some thrive on comedy.
Some declare their lives are lived
as true profundity,
and others claim they really live
the real reality.
The variety of our skin tones
can confuse, bemuse, delight,
brown and pink and beige and purple,
tan and blue and white.
I've sailed upon the seven seas
and stopped in every land,
I've seen the wonders of the world
not yet one common man.
I know ten thousand women
called Jane and Mary Jane,
but I've not seen any two
who really were the same.
Mirror twins are different
although their features jibe,
and lovers think quite different thoughts
while lying side by side.
We love and lose in China,
we weep on England's moors,
and laugh and moan in Guinea,
and thrive on Spanish shores.
We seek success in Finland,
are born and die in Maine.
In minor ways we differ,
in major we're the same.
I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
in the human family.
Some of us are serious,
some thrive on comedy.
Some declare their lives are lived
as true profundity,
and others claim they really live
the real reality.
The variety of our skin tones
can confuse, bemuse, delight,
brown and pink and beige and purple,
tan and blue and white.
I've sailed upon the seven seas
and stopped in every land,
I've seen the wonders of the world
not yet one common man.
I know ten thousand women
called Jane and Mary Jane,
but I've not seen any two
who really were the same.
Mirror twins are different
although their features jibe,
and lovers think quite different thoughts
while lying side by side.
We love and lose in China,
we weep on England's moors,
and laugh and moan in Guinea,
and thrive on Spanish shores.
We seek success in Finland,
are born and die in Maine.
In minor ways we differ,
in major we're the same.
I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
Dream. Believe. Achieve.
Jan / HealthyLoserGal
1 comments:
This is beautiful!
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