Reaction to 2016 Election Results

Nov 15, 2016
3 min read

"Last night was the first time I was walking in public, not going to school, ever since Trump won. I was very scared cuz I didn't know what could possibly happen. As my mom and I were walking to SushiStop, I saw these two ladies staring at my mom and I since we were both wearing the hijab. When we walked past their car, they yelled "We love you!" and it honestly made me so emotional." -Eiman Abdoalsadig

Okay, let's take a step back. Breathe. Just breathe. Now come back to reality...yes, Trump is our president elect. No, don't scream. It's gonna be alright.

But to be fair, it is really scary if we think about it. In the beginning we thought he would be a joke. Many of us didn't take him seriously, hoping that the rest of America wasn't as hateful as he was. Yet, we are told differently by the election results. Now don't take me wrong, I'm not saying we're a country full of hate, only hate, nothing but hate. I'm just saying that as a nation, an overwhelming amount of the population have some kind of resentment towards a certain group, if not multiple groups of people. What's beyond saddening is that instead of coming together and getting to know each other, they are choosing to get rid of people that they don't like.

Personally, what scares me most is not Trump specifically as president, although it is pretty horrific. What scares me even more are his supporters that have no respect for anyone who is not a white, blond, blue eyed male. We HAVE seen hate crimes go up significantly since he started running and now that he has won, I only expect these rates to go up.

I want to send a message out to everyone that is affected by this. If you wear a hijab or keep a beard, don't take it off or shave it off. Keep it. Keep your head high. Be proud. Stay proud. Continue being our role models.

Before we blame others for his victory, we should look at our own faults. When was the last time we stood up for stranger who was visibly a victim of racism? We need to stand up for others. Make people feel appreciated and the same will come back to you. Little acts of kindness can help cure hate. Go help out people. Let them know you have their support.

Spread the love. A couple effortless words could make a significant difference in someone's life. In times like this, love is the greatest weapon we have. Be kind to each other. Love each other. Help each other. Stand by one another. Stay safe. Keep each other safe. Build bridges, not barriers.

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other)." The Qur'an, Al-Hujurat (49:13)

These two men stood outside King Fahad Mosque before Friday prayers. As we walked inside the mosque, we would walk by them, instantly smiling and feeling welcome. They chose to spend their Friday in the hot sun just so that they could tell us that we have their support and that we have every right to be here. Meeting them definitely gave me hope and honestly made my weekend.