The world keeps turning, whether we like it or not.

Photo from CNN.com

There are not many instances where I have felt an active, outward, overwhelming sense of American pride. I suppose I feel a sense of pride when I think of the long and brave founding of this nation and how it served as a beacon of light for so many wanting to escape, but much of that came at the expense of those who were already here. Perhaps I was proud when the country came together after the tragedies of 9/11--although that pride may be mostly in hindsight due to my age at the time--or when when I watched Barack Obama's inauguration from my middle school library. It is not that I am not proud to be an American, but that sentiment doesn't feel like a strong part of my identity, especially when so many in this country are being oppressed in ways that should be unimaginable in 2016 and when we are unable to stand up for the very planet we inhabit. I like to believe that, at its core, America is still a nation of progressive, just and fair people, but there always seems to be a "but."

Last night, watching the election results come in live, I can say, without hesitation, that my unsteady sense of pride has never been tested more. It is easy to blame third party voters or non-voters. It is even easier to blame those who voted for Trump, but that isn't fair. Voting is a right that we take for granted, and those who cast their vote are allowed to do so for whoever they see fit to lead our country-- that's how democracy works. However, what is disappointing and what tests my American pride most is that roughly half of those who voted yesterday--millions of people--voted for a man who is racist, sexist, homophobic, misogynistic and xenophobic, among many other things. A man who has sexually assaulted women, ridiculed disabled people and who has perpetuated a wave of extremism and violence throughout our country. A man who was endorsed by the KKK, who blamed everyone but himself every time something didn't work in his favor and who wants to take away fundamental rights that we, as a nation, have worked so hard and so long to gain. A man who up until all too recently, everyone thought was running as a joke-- but by then it was already too late. 

By the time we finally began asking "How did he get this far?" we were already too late. Trump has broken every democratic norm. He has gotten this far entirely on his own terms, gaining the support of millions of Americans in the process. But when we take a step back, as shocking as this all seems, I would argue that this has been a long time coming. It is no secret that the American political system is deeply flawed. Its increasing polarization has both prevented much meaningful action and alienated many citizens who do not quite identify with either party. The government that is supposed to be "for the people" works in ways that most average citizens cannot see and do not understand. This, coupled with the sensationalization of elections and political coverage in a fragmented media system, has led to a tipping point that became a reality yesterday. No matter who was elected the 45th President of the United States last night, we would be facing a long, hard four years ahead of us. 

It feels dark today. I fear for LGBTQ communities, people of color, Muslim and Latinx communities, immigrants and children of immigrants, disabled people and anyone else who has been threatened by the man who now leads this nation. I fear for my fellow women and girls who are not yet old enough to truly understand what this election means. I feel for the women who were so proud to see the day when Hillary Clinton became the first female presidential nominee, regardless of their feelings towards Clinton. I feel nothing but immense sadness for the parents and teachers who had to explain this to their children and students this morning. There is so much at stake, not just with a Trump presidency, but with the hostile national mood that has been built over the course of this election cycle. But we must also not forget the good that came from this election. The number of women in the Senate quadrupled (to four.. but still) and the first Latina woman and the first Indian-American woman both won seats. 

This day will certainly be one for the textbooks, but so will all the days to follow. There is no more room in this country for hatred and fear. We are now presented with the opportunity for real grassroots change, and that is something that every American must embrace, as it is one of the most redeeming qualities of this country. We, as average citizens, have the power to speak freely and organize for what we believe in. We have the power to organize for justice. Regardless of who is in the White House, we can work to remedy the many societal ills that the United States faces-- and that will be something for the history books. 

It is as important as ever to stop looking for a scapegoat, and it is as important as ever to treat every American with respect and compassion. It is as important as ever to believe in one another. The world keeps turning, whether we like it or not, and it is up to us what happens next. 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.