On Tuesday, the UNC Association of Student Governments released a statement urging the students of all UNC institutions to “encourage empathy on campus, invite dialogue and not to forego this opportunity to learn about your neighbors.” This is a sentiment I can’t help but agree with, as empathy is something sorely lacking in today’s political climate.
The intense polarization, usually reserved for politics, has made its way onto our streets and into our homes. Polarization in terms of political beliefs is at an all-time high, with Republicans becoming more conservative and Democrats becoming more liberal. Historically, diverging ideologies have hardly kept the government and the American people from getting along. However, in today’s world the unwillingness of either side to cross the aisle and compromise has led to a nationwide crisis. We no longer trust our neighbors, we end friendships due to political beliefs and we assume that everyone that is not with us, must be against us. Surely, a continuation down this path will result in one outcome: mutual destruction.
Since President Donald Trump took the Oath of Office, America has been plagued with protest and controversies surrounding his policy proposals, cabinet appointees and executive actions. Some of you will blame the liberals and their incessant whining over what could have been. Others will blame the conservatives and their close-minded policies. The truth: both sides are equally to blame, due to their inability to attempt to put themselves in others shoes.
To my liberal friends,
We get it. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. But that does not undermine or change the fact that 46.1 percent of American voters voted for Trump. That is a large minority. They cannot all be racists, homophobic or bigoted.
Accept it.
Do not let someone’s presidential vote influence how you view or treat them. It is time to accept the fact that some Americans saw something in Trump, even if you did not see it yourself. Perhaps, there is something you are missing. Instead of writing off our more conservative friends, we should attempt to see their side. It is true they face different challenges than those of us in more populated areas. They have spoken and perhaps if we had listened the first time, we would be having these conversations under very different circumstances.
But do not mistake retreat for defeat. Use your voice when you feel that constitutional rights have been compromised, but know that simply not liking the political ideologies of the party in control is not a reason to wage war on the government. Fight unconstitutional implementations, not ideologies. You will not change anyone’s mind that way.
To my conservative friends,
No, the liberals are not just “throwing a fit” because they lost the election. There are large minority groups that fear Trump due to his dangerous rhetoric and actions over the last week. Many of you may not know what it feels like to be the minority, some may. If you don’t, imagine always being on the outskirts of society and only just earning your place alongside other long-standing groups, just to be told you don’t belong or matter after all. They are threatened and have responded in the most human way possible.
Now that Trump is in office, we all have a duty to ensure that everyone is protected equally under the law. If it won’t hold up in court, it should be condemned. If it infringes upon the rights of a select group of people, it should be condemned.
A fiscally conservative government, and the reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy or Global Gag Rule are actions typical to a Republican government. What is concerning are the atypical actions: the ordered blackout of government agencies, the condemnation of the press and the temporary immigration bans. Whatever your feelings may be on these issues, you must acknowledge that every action has a reaction. What does not immediately affect you, may still affect others, including many at NC State, who may not travel home until the temporary travel ban is lifted. Real people, who you sit beside every day.
To remain silent as others suffer is not only an insult to your fellow Americans, but also to the founding documents of the institution you hold so high. It was not too long ago that NC State lost three members of the Wolfpack to the Islamophobia we are now seeing become the norm.
Remember that. And remember, some issues are more than just political — they are moral.
Consider this mediation. The next four years are hinged on our mutual understanding and cooperation. Challenge yourself to explore the positions of others, instead of immediately writing them off. Life is difficult enough without waging war here at home.
