By Meredith Lascallette
It can be widely understood, however you voted, that the hatred that has followed this presidential campaign are incomparable, and our country is severely divided. However, shouldn’t we respect those that do not agree with us? We are created the same, but we go through different walks through life influencing our views. It does not make someone’s view any better or less than the individual next to him or her.
Even if we think that the person may or may not respect others, are we going to disrespect ourselves to dwindle our own character and stoop to that level? I certainly hope not.
“I don’t understand this notion of not accepting a president, you may dislike them, but to not accept or respect the office is ludicrous,” said Michael Griffith, double major in business administration and political science. “I understand a lot of Americans did this with Obama, but it will not help to do that with Trump any more than it did with Obama.”
Because America is understood as a country filled with many different backgrounds, we have the privilege to live in a democratic nation. A nation where citizens are fortunate enough to vote for what they would like to see in the world.
“In a democracy, each citizen [must] accept the results of elections, regardless of their thoughts on the candidates,” stated professor Jeffery Carr. “This, is not the first divisive election in the US. Thomas Jefferson defeating John Adams in 1800 with the help of Aaron Burr in the House of Representatives was the first divisive election, followed later by Andrew Jackson, as well as Bush/Gore in 2000.”
Moreover, everyone has different ways to completing a task. People even have different ways to wash dishes-not to compare washing dishes to running the country, but you get what the metaphor is. Face it, if you live in the United States of America, sorry not sorry, Trump is indeed your president. Instead of crying, hope and pray that in the end he upholds his promise to serve his country and make decisions for the country’s best interest.
“I hope this country can heal, and succeed more than anything,” said Griffith. “Wanting the President to fail is like wanting the pilot of a plane we are all on [to] crash. We all forget that constantly. We all are one country trying to succeed, so we should all be willing to work together on things that will benefit us all.”
Most likely citizens want to see our country succeed.
“I want to see the same things many people want to see. I want to see our country’s debt go down, along with poverty, homelessness and crimes,” said liberal studies major Gary Dyer. “I want the unemployment rate to decrease and our environment to be more safe and in better shape.”
People have different ideas and ways for that to happen. So, in 2017, let us all embrace love for one another instead of hate. Rather than showing the world that it is acceptable to be hateful to others because you do not agree with his or her thoughts and ideas, be the example that respect is more likely to promote and create change. Be the change you want to see in the world.
“I hope for peace,” said professor Jennifer Suchanec. “I hope for kindness. I hope for advancement in the areas of employment, education, city planning, the arts, the sciences, medicine, and welfare. I hope for jobs that are noble and good and truly useful. I hope for existence.”
Nevertheless, love the ones that think inversely from you. We think differently to fit the molds of multiple jobs, but that is what makes up our human race. See people as individuals, not as a label. They have the same creator as you and me. Our generation is the future of this country, it is time to unite because disrespect invites disrespect.