Since the election, we have seen some mixed responses to the results. From protest to social confrontation, the U.S. has been facing an important transitional stage. As a Latina, I have had the opportunity to experience both sides of the coin these days, from friends approaching me to offer their support and tell me they will always have my back to acquaintances stereotyping me and joking about my immigration status.
As I have shared in previous columns, I am a big believer in respect, equality and community. Therefore, this entire situation has made me wonder: Will this political change be just an excuse to forget our social responsibilities, morality and ethics? I believe this won’t happen because we live in a community filled with academics and an environment rich in cultural differences.
Take this opportunity to show your discipline and your true values. If you feel any type of social pressure to compromise your morality, do not do so. Also, if you are on the other side of the spectrum and feel someone is making you uncomfortable, don’t be scared to be honest and respectful and appeal to their senses. We are all humans, and at the core of our existence we share the same feeling of compassion. It doesn’t matter who or what influences us; at the end of the day, we all have emotions. Do not let this situation escalate to a bigger drama. It is irrelevant, unnecessary and wasteful.
Regardless of whether you approve of the election results, you must always remember we are all part of something bigger, and the only way to achieve success is by contributing. If we waste time fighting each other, pointing fingers and making others uncomfortable, dialogue and negotiation will be impossible. We need to preserve peace and respect in order to preserve the democratic process in this nation. It doesn’t matter who is the president, senator or governor; the power resides with the people and the community. The U.S. has a real and honest democratic system and will assure justice and equality is a priority, unlike some other countries, such as mine, where the democratic system is hindered by the greed, economic manipulation and the lack of education.
Preserve the respect toward your brothers and sisters who are part of this community. Do not judge anybody, either, regardless of whether they agree with your ideas, beliefs and feelings. As long as hate is not the primary motivation for their actions, you do not have any right to influence and interfere with anybody’s personal decisions.
Promote love and peace, and make sure you take care of one another. Respect the differences around you. Remember, the shades in a spectrum must all come together to create a rainbow. We are different because nature is based on constant recombination and change. Appreciate the beauty of it.
Andrea Taboada is a UF microbiology senior. Her column appears on Wednesdays.
