An election that could have resulted in the first female president of the United States took a drastic turn and ended up with Trump’s election. It has almost been a week since the election results came in, but many students are still shaken up. After a year and a half spent of decrying certain races and ethnic groups as well as demeaning women, Trump won America’s vote. Now students at Hewitt are worried about the state of our country and how it will affect them in the future. Trump’s presidency threatens all Hewitt students because his remarks on women and could warp feminism and female empowerment in America.

After the infamous “Grab ‘em by the pussy” tape released, Trump was expected to lose lots of his female supporters. At Hewitt, students were shocked at the absurdity of his language and how he could be taken seriously. “Immediately, I felt unsafe because it sends the message to men that it’s okay to assault,” Mia V. ‘18. says.

However, some students were more lenient on the recording and felt as though because it happened so long ago, it shouldn’t be brought up again. A student, who wished to remain anonymous, believes, “Everyone makes mistakes. If someone recorded everything I have said, I would get in trouble too.” Many female Trump supporters also stuck by his side and claimed that what he said was perfectly normal.

It’s not normal for a president to say such heinous things towards a woman. It wasn’t locker room talk; it was sexual assault talk. To brush aside the recording just because it was from 11 years ago is foolish. It isn’t like he was a naive young boy when he said those things– he was a grown 59-year-old man who should have known much better.


His restrictions on reproduction health are also worrying to women. Trump decided to use extreme language while talking about late term abortion. His remarks were a slap in the face to all women, especially since he doesn’t seem to fully understand what a late term abortion is like. His vilification of women can be indoctrinated into the minds of not only men but women as well.

“The fact that Donald Trump has the ability to overturn Roe vs. Wade takes away all of the rights we’ve been working for throughout so many different generations. It’s absolutely terrifying,” says Lucy H. ‘18

How are we going to be able to save Planned Parenthood? How can we be sure that all forms of contraception will be available to all men and women? We’re threatened by Trump’s message, but also his extreme Vice President. Vice President Mike Pence allows his religious background to influence his judgment of many situations, specifically women’s right to abortions. He has signed anti-abortion laws and has even attempted to defund Planned Parenthood. It scares me to think of what can result with the collaboration of these two privileged white males.

Women attending anti-Trump protests held in NYC Credit: Credit: Getty Images/Drew Angerer
Women attending anti-Trump protests held in NYC
Credit: Credit: Getty Images/Drew Angerer

So far, Trump has accumulated 13 sexual assault allegations. The public has been aware of these accusations, but many Trump supporters men and women alike, have chosen to believe that these accusers are only doing it to sway him off his campaign high. It should be obvious that Donald Trump is a sexual predator and that these women are only speaking up now because they’re at risk of having their predator be the president of the United States. How safe is it now to come forward with sexual assault?

What’s most insulting to women is how Trump claims, “Nobody respects women more than I do.” After a year and a half of uncovering ugly truths, he has the audacity to say such a grossly inaccurate statement. “Actions speak louder than words, and his actions are sinister,” Lucy S. ‘17 says. Why should his talk be normalized? Why is it that his damning statements weren’t enough to show Americans he is not on our side.

Some people believe that Donald Trump is harmless and won’t do anything drastic. They believe that his rhetoric was only used to reel in the rust belt voters. True, his opinions on social issues like same-sex marriage, but that doesn’t mean his rhetoric hasn’t already damaged our country. Reports from schools all over indicate a spike in bullying towards students of minorities.

Trump energized his supporters at rallies with his hateful rhetoric Source: Politico
Trump energized his supporters at rallies with his hateful rhetoric
Source: Politico

 

“I personally feel like I’m in a safe environment at Hewitt,” Sophie J. ‘18 says. “We’ve got the Young Women of Color Alliance. Outside of Hewitt, however, I feel kind of unsafe. I don’t feel necessarily targeted, but it feels dangerous. It’s very sad to see this happening to people who have done nothing wrong. It’s ridiculous that people use this as an opportunity to lash out in racism.”

Our country has become so divided because of his message. It’s resurrected groups that truly endanger the lives of people. How could this country ever be united?

After seeing how Trump managed to win over America’s vote, it’s clear that the power of hatred is much stronger that love and acceptance. The social progress that’s been made over the years now feels like it could vanish. Roe vs. Wade is at risk, women have never felt more offended by a leader, and groups of racial and ethnic groups all over are being targeted. How can Hewitt students go about their day like this?

It’s easy to forget about all the progress that’s been made so far. Our accomplishments should not be forgotten even in this time of distress. The anti-Trump protests going on in all major cities show that there are people who don’t believe in his message and want to show that people are not alone. In her concession speech, Clinton addressed girl viewers and said,  “Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.” In a time where the possible strengthening of women’s oppression is looming over our  shoulders, we must believe in ourselves and take a stance.

 

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