Irrationality
Looking back now, what did I really expect to happen? Even I felt disillusioned this past year, watching some of our chosen elites seemingly ignore the devastation unfolding. While some were “standing on business,” promoting their products and projects, others sat silently, doing nothing, as the entire world witnessed a horrific genocide in real time. One of the gifts of technology is that we can now see what’s happening globally as it unfolds—not after the media has had a chance to shape the narrative. The raw footage we receive, despite being disturbing, makes it harder for any morally sound person to ignore the scale of these evil acts. Yet because of the world’s deeply ingrained racism and propaganda, many remain divided and unaware of the true reality. Meanwhile, our government and some of today’s idols, who should be informed, stay silent, protecting their own interests. After all, we can’t expect people to risk financial security to speak up for others, right?
From an administration funding these atrocities to elites backed by the same sources, complicity is everywhere. They choose neutrality over taking a clear stand, even if it’s as simple as a social media post. The fact that people prioritize business over humanity exposes the truly diabolical nature of those in power.
Disappointment was palpable on Wednesday (11/6/24). For the first time, I genuinely expected a shift. I couldn’t imagine a world wanting to revert to old ways after seemingly making progress over the last 15-20 years. But if this election taught us anything, it’s that forward-thinking people are still a minority in this country—not by race, but by mindset. It’s disheartening to see how many still cling to marketed, revisionist history—a false narrative fueled by the power-hungry 1% since this country’s inception.
As an American, I’ve been ashamed of the actions carried out globally in our name. As a parent, it breaks my heart that my daughter had to wake up to the news that a highly qualified candidate lost to an unqualified one. At just five years old, she’s learning that she isn’t seen as equal and may not have the right to make certain decisions about her own body in the future. And then there’s Kamala Harris, our current Vice President, (one of the most qualified candidates ever, with experience in all three branches of our government) losing to someone whose moral compass and track record are indefensible. Explaining how someone like this could lead a country is one of the hardest things ever because there is no rational explanation.
Irrationality seems to be running the show these days. This election proves it. Despite the choices and what we’ve seen this past year, one side continues to fail on a catastrophic level. The elected president is a literal reality-TV dumpster fire, intent on being “must-watch TV,” with hordes of people eagerly joining the ride. The problem is, they’re dragging the rest of us into the flames with them. Or did we stand by complacently, expecting someone else to do the heavy, generation-shifting, lifting work for us? Haven’t we learned from history what happens when a government doesn’t act in the people’s best interests? (Oh, right, they don’t teach that in schools anymore.) Those of us who know better realize that we must be the change. No matter how much they try to make us feel included, it’s clear we’re only valued for what can be extracted from us—be it labor, entertainment, or culture.
This election showed us the consequences of letting emotions take precedence over rational thinking. Like many, I too was upset by this past year’s events (and response to those offenses), but to think things would improve from his last stint in the Oval Office is laughable. The aiding of Israel’s genocide in Palestine is abhorrent and despicable—the worst thing I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. But his re-election won’t solve this problem; it will likely exacerbate it. All the people who either didn’t vote or voted for this outcome won’t be able to say anything when he escalates the situation, sending more money, guns, and aid to Israel to continue their agenda. He already stated his intentions — and yet people chose to nitpick the other side for doing what politicians typically do—acting political! Granted, V.P. Harris made some inflammatory remarks that most likely hurt her campaign, there was still a slight chance she was politically navigating until she could act independently as president. He, however, explicitly stated his full support of Israel, and many seem indifferent to the consequences.
If you don’t care about what happens abroad, remember the concept of karma. When he starts implementing the oppressive domestic policies he’s promised, there will be no sympathy for our rights or safety from the rest of the world. The only silver lining is that most politicians don’t fulfill all their promises. Hopefully, he’ll be lax about checking off his list, because if he follows through with even half of what he pledged, we are all in deep trouble.
The scariest part is that he won fair and square this time, which underscores the failure of our campaign. It faltered because we didn’t maintain consistent energy throughout. Ignoring issues for a year and then expecting people to rally behind you is unrealistic. People are upset by what they’ve witnessed and have been desperately pleading to “the powers that be” for a ceasefire. How can we blame those who opted out when our campaign events felt more like celebrity-filled festivals? It’s like Dave Chappelle’s skit about Ja Rule being asked his thoughts during 9/11: why do we care what celebrities think during a crisis, especially when they’ve been silent on the real issues? This was the last straw for many that might have supported Harris, if they voted at all.
I’m stepping off my soapbox now. FYI, I rarely speak out about politics, especially for public consumption. Not my usual topic of choice; I’ve often felt unqualified to share my opinion because it isn’t my area of expertise. But that’s precisely what they’ve banked on—silencing voices like mine. It’s laughable that this man is president again, given he is the most unqualified candidate ever! If he can lead the country, then I can certainly share my thoughts. And if this perspective helps even one person, then I’ve fulfilled my duty as a human being.
Lastly, please don’t allow the current events to paralyze you from living your life and loving on your loved ones. This isn’t our first rodeo, nor will it be our last… Be grateful that truth is being illuminated, giving us the pertinent information aiding in our decision making while navigating our future plans. Things may not be ideal today, but tomorrow is another day, a new day, with new opportunities, if you so choose. Remember, you are more powerful than you know. Be well and safe in all your travels.