The Year The World Went Crazy

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I was discussing my blog with someone recently, and they referred to it as 'light reading'. Overall, they were very complimentary, and told me how much they admired me for doing what I do. My blog, by and large, is designed to be a light read - my musings on fashion, art, social trends and media. I occasionally comment on issues beyond my normal realm such as politics. For example, I wrote this piece in June, asking why 16 year olds weren't given a vote in the EU referendum. 

 I acknowledge that this isn't normally a space where I make profound revelations about philosophy, or discuss the inner mechanics of the human mind. However I'd like to think that when I delve into heavier issues, my blog is becomes more than 'light reading'. 

That brings me to the present day. On Wednesday the 9th of November, 2016, Donald Trump was elected as President of the United States. And the global reaction was huge. There was shock, tears, anger, fear. Somewhere in the world, I'm sure there were cheers, hugs, smiles, celebrations. It's the former bracket of reactions which I fell into. 

I can't pretend to be fully versed in politics, but I'm by no means ignorant. Although there are sporadic elements of politics on my blog, I almost feel it would be wrong to go on without commenting on this. It is a monumental event in history, and who knows what the repercussions will be.

All I can say is that I'm scared. I'm scared for women, people of colour, Muslims, the LGBTQA+ community, Mexicans, and all those who don't fit into what is considered by Trump and his followers as normal. I'm scared that a man who has been accused of sexual assault by over 20 women can be elected into one of the most powerful positions in the world. It seems progress that has been made over the last few years in terms of rights for women, the LGBTQA+ community, and so many more, is in jeopardy and at risk of being reversed. That is the most scary prospect of all. 

I'm also sad. It seems if it had gone the other way, women's rights and overall position in society would have made a leap ahead. Had the US elected it's first female President, it would have been an empowering social milestone. Regardless of what you think of her politics, the UK has Theresa May, its second female Prime Minister. 2016 could have been the year of female leaders. I'm deeply disappointed and saddened that we're not going to have a female President (at least for the next four years). 

I'm going to remember exactly where I was when the US election result came in. And I'm going to do the same for the day when the Brexit Referendum was announced. These events and this year, 2016, will be studied in history, by my children, your children and their children. My advice is remember where you were, remember how you felt, because it will be important to hand on those stories to the next generation. It will be a tale of deep divisions, of political classes being challenged by different groups who are united only by their discontent. It will be remembered as a time of setbacks, protests, possibly revolution. And who knows what else?


The other question we must ask - what do we do now?


-LEXI

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4 comments

  1. WillowTea13 November 2016 at 09:07

    Such a good post; if this year shows anything it's the massive divide and disillusion we're living with. I'm so disappointed in those who voted for such a hatful man, and I feel so much pity for those now living in fear and anger. I only hope we can work on moving forward so that by the time it's us in charge, the world's made some progress. Love your blog Lexi! x

    willow-tea.com

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    Replies
    1. Alexis Lawrence19 November 2016 at 13:01

      Thank you! I agree, I look forward to that time.

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  2. Liz14 November 2016 at 17:58

    Great post! I've been seeing so much hateful on Facebook that it's making me sick. I'm not for or against any party so I just stay out of it for this reason.

    Liz
    Www.lizzieinlace.com

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    Replies
    1. Alexis Lawrence19 November 2016 at 13:03

      I agree, the hateful content can be upsetting, especially if you feel impartial towards both parties. But equally, staying out of it won't cause any progress to be made.

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