The election of 2016 is finally over and all you can ask yourself is, when are you going to wake up. The results of this election are controversial to say the least, and still would be if the tables were turned. Yet, in the midst of all of the Facebook posts and immigration websites crashing we must remember one very important message: It is not the end of the world. I’m sure that many of your children have followed the election, or at least are aware of the chaos surrounding it. I am also sure that many of your children, especially your daughters, are disappointed with the outcome. Now it’s up to you, as the parent and therapist to relay this message: It’s not the end of the world just because someone you didn’t vote for is not going to be president. Realizing that over half of the country believed in him enough to elect him into the most powerful position in our government can be reassuring for some people. It is also important to recognize the people who will suffer the most from this election: marginalized communities like people of color, Muslims, immigrants, victims of sexual assault, the disabled and members of the LGBTQ+ community. They are going to continue to be marginalized until Americans finds a way to work together for peace and equality. Just because some of us don’t believe that the soon to be president will make a difference and create a safe and equal place for all Americans, does not mean that should stop our efforts. We need to view this result as a wake up call to start pushing for what is right and fighting to help America reach its highest potential. As a teenager in a white suburb of Los Angeles, I am not a member of a marginalized community. However the results of this election do impact my confidence as a young woman. I am sure that many women would have loved to have a woman president, but this loss does not signify the end of women’s progress. Although Donald Trump claims that no one loves women more than him, solid evidence shows otherwise. This is a pretty devastating loss for women, but once again, we need to view this as something positive, even though it may seem impossible. Millions of people across the country wanted a woman to be president. We shouldn’t view this as a setback for women; this is an accomplishment. Hillary went the farthest a woman has ever gone in a presidential election and we should be proud. Although our soon to be president does not appreciate or understand women as much as Hillary does, this is a chance for women to really rise up and show what we are capable of. This isn’t the end of the world; this is the beginning of a struggle, but not necessarily a bad one. This election has given us the opportunity to make America the way that we want it to be. This is not going to be easy and we will struggle, but it is our obligation as citizens of this beautiful country to accept whatever comes our way and continue to help America thrive. A survey of voters aged 18 to 25 shows that our generation overwhelmingly voted for change. Hillary won all but five states. Teens and millennials clearly make a difference. It’s important that we continue to advocate for change and don’t lose hope! When your children ask how they, as kids, can possibly make a difference, share these action items with them: 1. Register to vote as soon as you are eligible 2. Find ways to get involved in local politics 3. Find ways to get involved in causes you care about Check out DoSomething.org, an organization committed to mobilizing young people to impact the world around them.
3 Comments
Judy Steinberg
12/15/2016 09:03:28 pm
This was so insightful! This really helped my daughter deal with the outcome of the election. Thank you!
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Carol Morgan
11/27/2017 09:18:58 am
Lauren, I would like to suggest a book to you. It is called The Paradigm by Jonathan Cahn. Blessings, Carol
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