Wednesday, November 9th was the most awkward day of school I’ve ever attended. Each class was filled with sarcastic remarks, tears, and a general air of discomfort. I could feel myself slipping in and out of my “school mode” because the previous night kept replaying in my head. Even teachers felt stifled as they were unable address the political climate due to classroom etiquette. There was an elephant in the room. Pun 100% intended.

I’m sure you’ve gotten your fill on Facebook, but I feel I have succinctly formulated my feelings towards the matter:

What upsets me the most is not the actual outcome of this election (although, believe me, I can’t say that I’m thrilled). I understand that we have had bad presidents in the past, and we will get through the next four years. The problem is that Trump’s election has opened doors to closet bigots; Having him at the head of our nation normalizes hatred towards minority groups.

Even in our school, I get a sense that we are divided.

I then saw the “Election Night” SNL sketch, and it made me question whether I had any right to say anything on this subject. The sketch is about a group of friends watching the election. As time progresses, it seems that only the two African-American people in the group are not radically shocked by the outcome. Why would they be? According to The Washington Post, nearly 30% of shootings in the past year were black, so of course Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric winning him the president elect doesn’t surprise those who are already discriminated against. Here is a link to the sketch if you’d like to see it: “Election Night”.

So, yes, things are bad, but for others it’s been bad. What’s the point in saying something now?

I, personally, still benefit from privilege everyday, so I apologize to those who deem me unqualified to speak on behalf of these matters, but I am hurt by this election.

So, where does that leave me? I rolled my eyes at the initial “cool down,” article I was assigned, and I figured we’ve read enough Facebook posts to see that people are having polar responses. What can I add?

I feel we lack empathy in our halls right now. Remember when Isabelle Bogojevic (12) wrote “Reflecting on respect” two months ago? I’d encourage some of you to go back and give it another look.

Here’s a small portion of the people Donald Trump has discriminated against throughout his campaign.

Gallery • 13 Photos

I would like to add that I did try to reach out and interview some people who supported Donald Trump, but got no response. I find it interesting how people shy away from talking about the person they voted for, especially being that he won the election.

Trump’s views will, undoubtedly so, shift during his presidency. We’re already seeing signs of that. The real question is will the rest of America follow, or are we too stuck in our ways? That’s a choice for you to make every single day. I encourage you to choose wisely.