The Majority Have Spoken – Reflections on the Election

As we reflect on the recent election, many of us are grappling with the outcome and what it means for our democracy. The majority have spoken, but that doesn’t mean we must like it.

That is what happens in a democracy. We exercise our right to vote, and we expect the election to be fair. The votes are counted, and the winner receives the office.

The Campaign

Many of us had high hopes, believing America was ready to elect a woman president. The campaign was unprecedented, with millions rallying in support. The crossover of individuals from the opposing party was impressive, and polls predicted a close race.

Who were we kidding? The short-lived campaign of the woman candidate took off like a bullet from a high-powered rifle. It was unprecedented and remarkable in astonishing details, and it ramped up support from millions of majority women who rallied around the candidate in solidarity. Most polls showed small margins of error, predicting a close call or a toss-up. Billions of dollars were raised during the election cycle, but the most noticeable gain in the 100-day campaign was historical.

Election Night Blues

As the count continued to the coveted 270 electoral college votes for the other candidate, the beeping lifeline on the monitor flatlined for those who prayed that the woman may still pull through. The day after the election felt like a lightning bolt pierced the heart of democracy for those who supported the female candidate.

Far be it from me to regurgitate all the analysis and excuses about what went wrong or right on either side, a forlorn attempt to find solace. I do not need to be reminded that I am a minority in this country. Black Americans would never gain the lead in voting for a national office like the presidency, but we have contributed significantly to more unified election results.

The Aftermath

While it’s essential to address the disappointment, it also highlights the importance of resilience and unity. Despite the outcome, we must remember the strength and perseverance of our country.

Like many who are feeling the pain of disappointing election results who voted for whom we believed to be the better candidate, I have a hard time understanding how the majority was so eager to elect someone with questionable morals, self-centered, criminal convictions, misogynoir, race-baited language, who has unrelentingly vocalized how he would act as a dictator in his next term in office. The big concern is whether the elected person has the best interest in unifying the country.

It’s understandable to feel disheartened by the results, primarily when so much hope was invested. The majority won, but the pain of the loss is real. As a Black American, I am reminded of the struggles our ancestors endured during slavery, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow to build this country. The election outcome has already sparked instances of racism, where disturbing anonymous text messages threaten some young Black Americans, pressuring them to get ready to report to a plantation, highlighting the ongoing challenges we face.

The party that ran on making America great again will not care about the historical achievements nor the injustices our ancestors overcame to gain guaranteed rights for all – read inclusive – Americans. We will not be threatened or bullied to return to an era of blatant racist behavior that sometimes led to violence.

Moving Forward

This country cannot become Jim Crow 2.0. We must unify to stop malicious policies and acts of vengeance. White Americans who see the severe threats must be galvanized to work together. The road ahead will be long and hard, but we must stay resilient.

Many are still smarting from the election results and need more time to process and heal. Could you take some time and, when ready, get back to work? ?Let’s unite to ensure that our voices remain heard and that we work towards a more inclusive and just society.

The majority can sometimes be wrong.

Isaiah 8:11-13

With his great power, the Lord warned me not to follow the path which the people were following. He said, “Do not join in the people's schemes, and do not be afraid of what they fear. Remember that I, the Lord Almighty*, am holy; I am the one you must fear.

Hebrews 11: 39 - 40

39 - These were all commended?for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised?40 - since God* had planned something better for us so that only together with us?would they be made perfect.

*Yahweh

Thank you for reading and subscribing to this newsletter. PASS IT ON!

My LinkedIn course, ‘Managing a Diverse Team,’ is?now available in nine languages.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/learning/managing-a-diverse-team/welcome?u=2125562