On November 5, 2024, America cast its votes in an election that will be remembered as a pivotal moment in our history. Donald Trump, the controversial figure who has held the title of the first president to be impeached twice and the first former president to face indictments, has emerged victorious for a second term. The results were staggering; Trump won by a landslide, securing approximately 58% of the popular vote compared to Kamala Harris’s 42%. This decisive victory has left many of us grappling with the reality of our nation’s direction and the palpable divide that has resurfaced in our society.
As I reflect on these results, I find myself in a state of deep contemplation, questioning the progress I believed we had achieved as a country. It seems that for many Americans, the desire to return to a time characterized by racial divides and limited rights for women outweighs the advancements we have fought to secure. This election starkly illuminated the fractures within our society—fragments that, as a Black woman, I cannot ignore.
What disturbs me most is the number of women—particularly white women—who voted against their own interests. The statistics are telling: a significant proportion of white women supported Donald Trump despite his administration’s threats to reproductive rights and healthcare access. This reality raises unsettling questions about the values that guide our nation and the choices that many individuals are willing to make. Instead of walking forward towards a society in which the children of the voters could be proud, women voters chose to vote against their own best interest and vote a man into office that will do everything in his power to take the rights of women away. This election will set us back over 50 years and counting.
Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, and especially the first minority woman, to hold the second highest office in the country. Yet, the outcome of this election suggests that our country may not be ready to embrace a woman in the highest office. This sentiment is further amplified by the demographic breakdown of voters; the data indicates that more white men and women, along with Latino men, chose Trump, even in the face of policies that could adversely affect their communities, including potential deportation threats for immigrants.
A personal testament of they “why” behind my vote
As a little girl, I recall my parents but in particular, my father sharing with my sister and I that we can be and do anything we want. This was during the 1980s and early 1990’s. During that period of time, things seemed grim for young women of color however fast forward to 2024, and women of color have progressed a great deal. But it’s not just the women of color who have progressed, it is women in general which is why I am shocked at the current state that the United States currently sits in. For the first time, I believed that the United States was ready for a woman to become commander in chief, especially since Kamala is currently the second in command of the United States but sadly, I was wrong. It seems as though instead of choosing a candidate based on clear and concise qualifications, education, experience and merit, the United States banded together and chose a man to win the election based on his gender.
When I think of any election that I have voted in over the last 2 decades, I think of my grandmothers who were not allowed to vote and if they were, they had to pay to vote, making it difficult to do so due to the value of money being different in those days. This election was particularly important to me due to the proudness I felt that a woman had the actual ability to become commander and chief. However the most important reason that I was proud to vote this year was because this woman was a woman of color and she signified a level of diversity that the world has never seen before.
Fear of the unknown
The results of this election bring with them a sense of fear and uncertainty. Many minorities are apprehensive about what lies ahead, recalling the racial tensions that have been increasingly visible in recent weeks. The pervasive sexism and discrimination against women’s rights further exacerbate this anxiety, casting a shadow over our collective future.
Kamala’s Concession Speech
On November 6, 2024, Kamala Harris made the difficult phone call to Donald Trump, conceding the election. This moment served as a bitter reminder of the uphill battle we face in achieving equality and justice for all. Social media erupted with expressions of disappointment, particularly among those who had championed Harris’s candidacy. Many are now grappling with the implications of Trump’s policies, particularly in regard to reproductive rights, and the reality that a significant number of women voted in favor of their own disenfranchisement.
Although I am still in genuine shock of the recent results, I‘d also like to take the time to educate readers and those who decided to cast their votes for Trump and the effects of their votes that are limited to affecting one sole group, this new presidency will be the beginning of life for men, women and children of all races, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Project 2025: A Shift to Society’s Foundations
As we stand at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, we must address the implications of initiatives such as Project 2025, which has the potential to dismantle the very fabric of our democracy. The prospect of an imperial presidency, devoid of the necessary checks and balances, raises profound concerns for vulnerable communities and institutions that are the backbone of our society. The detrimental effects of this project will reverberate through the lives of immigrants, black men, women’s reproductive rights, and our education system, creating a landscape fraught with inequality and injustice.
The Plight of Immigrants
For immigrants, Project 2025 represents a chilling shift towards authoritarian governance. With the centralization of power in the executive branch, we risk losing the protections that have historically safeguarded vulnerable populations. This could pave the way for draconian immigration policies that prioritize enforcement over empathy and understanding. The fear of deportation and discrimination may loom larger than ever, as the absence of oversight could lead to the implementation of aggressive tactics that target immigrant communities. In a society that should champion diversity and inclusion, Project 2025 threatens to alienate and marginalize those who seek refuge and opportunity within our borders.
The Struggles of Black Men
The implications for black men are equally grave, particularly concerning the legacy of policing strategies like stop and frisk. Under Project 2025, the potential for unchecked law enforcement powers may lead to a resurgence of aggressive and racially biased policing practices. The normalization of such tactics fosters an environment where black men are disproportionately targeted, facing harassment and criminalization without recourse. This cycle of systemic oppression not only undermines their dignity but also erodes community trust in law enforcement. As we witness the impacts of systemic racism, we must recognize that Project 2025 poses a direct threat to the lives and futures of black men across our nation.
Women’s Reproductive Rights at Risk
Women’s reproductive rights, encompassing far more than the contentious issue of abortion, stand on precarious ground under Project 2025. The potential for political encroachment into personal health decisions threatens to dismantle access to essential reproductive health services, including contraception, prenatal care, and comprehensive sex education. The erosion of these rights disproportionately affects marginalized women, who already face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. In an environment where reproductive autonomy is compromised, women may find themselves stripped of the power to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The implications of such an erosion of rights extend beyond individual choice; they threaten the very foundation of gender equality in our society.
The Education System in Peril
The education system, a cornerstone of our democracy, is not immune to the repercussions of Project 2025. Centralized power may lead to top-down mandates that prioritize political agendas over the needs of students and educators. This could result in the defunding of critical programs that support marginalized students, including those for immigrants and students of color. Moreover, the potential for political interference in curricula threatens to stifle academic freedom and critical discourse. By limiting the scope of what can be taught, we risk creating generations of students ill-equipped to engage with the complexities of our society. An education system that fails to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion ultimately undermines the potential of our democracy. This is just to name a few changes that have the potential to shift society in a different direction.
In closing, as I continue the journey of processing my emotions, I invite you to join me in reflecting on our nation’s future. Let us not forget that while some of us may feel defeated, our voices are still powerful. Together, we can mobilize for change, demand accountability, and advocate for the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender, race, or background.
In the spirit of action and community, I encourage you to visit my website at cocktailhourcatrice.com for more information and insights. Follow me on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, where we can continue this vital conversation. I am grateful for the support from my followers, especially as I celebrate crossing 12,000 followers on TikTok.
Let us remain vigilant and united. The road ahead may be challenging, but together, we can work toward a future that honors the progress we’ve made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead.
Sources:
1. [The New York Times: Harris Concession Speech](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/06/us/politics/harris-concession-speech.html)
2. [The New York Times: Trump Election Coverage](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/11/06/us/trump-election-harris-news)
3. [AP News: Trump-Harris Election Updates](https://apnews.com/live/trump-harris-election-updates-11-5-2024)
4. (CAP 20): Project 2025 Would Destroy the U.S. System of Checks and Balances and Create an Imperial Presidency. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/project-2025-would-destroy-the-u-s-system-of-checks-and-balances-and-create-an-imperial-presidency/
