A new week, a new era in America. Regardless of the results, let it be known that there are spaces of refuge and support for those living in fear due to the shift of our nation’s political atmosphere.
That being said, I’d like to transition focus from totally critiquing the results of the election, to the relaying positive elements of life within our reach. In the past week I’ve seen like-minded pals reconnect, demonstrations of solidarity, attempts at generative communication between individuals that share different views and a consensus that there will be some amazing rap and punk rock that will emerge in the next four years.
So, grab a friend, and make a new pasta dish. Drive to Columbus and see an art gallery or visit an art museum. Make some mulled apple cider and share it at a potluck dinner. Collage about your joy or frustration. Hug a bud, make a plan to travel the country or outside of the country, do your homework in small increments and celebrate the strength it takes to rise out of bed in the morning. When you rise you have won. You have chosen to actively combat hate and pain. When you rise you have chosen to take steps toward healing.
In the words of Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise", "You may shoot me with your words, /You may cut me with your eyes,/ You may kill me with your hatefulness,/ But still, like air, I'll rise."
As an active member of F--kRapeCulture, I feel compelled to address the allegations of sexual assault made against Donald Trump. Fifteen women have come forward. That alone should send chills down the spines of the American people. It is indicative of the complacent attitude in the United States towards rape culture. It is indicative of the unawareness in this country of the definition of rape culture. Trump’s win legitimizes his sexually abusive behavior and condones it as appropriate conduct. Normative. Acceptable. A non-issue.
I refuse to turn a blind eye to this “non-issue.” I believe you, survivors. I believe your pain. I stand with you and honor your emotions. I honor your healing, and I will listen. Transitioning again from a tone of heavy critique — take small steps to regain personal power. Speak your truth — to a comrade, in a letter or journal entry, on a graphic T-shirt or a cardboard demonstration sign. Make a batch of cookies and ice them with snippets of sarcasm. Poke fun at catastrophe. Laugh at absurdity, express your despair and joy. Without it, there wouldn’t be such a pushback. Without it, there would be no rebellion. Be. Your experience is powerful.
Sage Foote is a junior studying English at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. How do you help people feel comforted? Let Sage know by emailing her at sf576313@ohio.edu.
