What Are You Really Saying

We’re all exhausted. It’s been a nearly impossible week to get through, and the mental, physical, and emotional toll is real. We were already feeling vulnerable, after months of adjusting to a new way of life, and now we’re all sitting on pins and needles as we wait to learn about the direction of our future. 

As much as I try to avoid polarizing topics on social media, simply to try to keep a shred of sanity, it’s become impossible to ignore. I’m not one to engage with others, mostly because I’ve never met anyone who said, “and then someone commented on my post, and my whole system of belief changed!” However, I found myself typing out responses at different points throughout the week, all around one specific issue.

Someone in my feed shared a post from another person, and it read: “I’m seeing a lot of ‘whoever wins, be kind and keep living’ kind of posts this morning, and while I understand the intention is well meant, I’m not sure that people realize how privileged of a space you are in to be able to say those types of things. There are so many people who are terrified of what is about to happen; their lives are literally hanging in the balance; their health, safety, and freedoms on the chopping block. Yes, there will be a result, and we will all have to go along with it, but realize when you say ‘I’ll wake up and just do what I have been doing,’ that means you are protected by this system. You are privileged to not have to worry about the way you live your life. Take a moment to step outside yourself and your bubble.”

These are exactly the type of posts that I was compelled to call out. Yes, in reality, we will all have to accept whatever outcome is presented to us. It’s important that we understand though, that for many people, this is not simply a win or loss for their political party. It could potentially create lasting trauma for millions.

Any person who has been a victim of power-based personal violence. Anyone who is a survivor of sexual assault. Any person who identifies as LGBTQ+. Anyone with a preexisting health condition. Any person with disabilities. Anyone who isn’t white. Anyone who identifies as a woman. The list goes on.

And yes, I get it. Not every person who falls into one of those categories would be emotionally impacted by a particular outcome of this election. The important thing to remember is that many would be. Many people could not just wake up and feel comfortable going about their “normal” lives. When a cultural shift occurs, as it has over the past 4 years, where people feel empowered to insult, offend, discriminate, or attack others, simply because they believe they have the right to do so, we can’t exactly “just keep doing what we’ve been doing,” especially if we’ve been living in fear.

Regardless of what side you fall on, this has been an excruciating week. It’s important to take time to care for yourself, and your mental and emotional health. Check in with yourself, your friends and family, your neighbors. Don’t forget to check your privilege. 

Jordann Mason, Community Outreach Director