After what feels like an eternity of campaigning, the Election of 2016 has come to an end. The United States has voted, and the results are in: Donald J. Trump will be our next president. Other local and state races, such as the race between Senate incumbent Pat Toomey and Katie McGinty, have been closely followed by the media, as well as many Pennsylvanians.

While some people waited to learn who our next president was with excitement and anticipation, others of us waited in fear, or in indifference, or even in boredom. Now that we know the results, we are as diverse in our opinions on how the election turned out as the different candidates were in their beliefs.

Regardless on whether or not you were happy with the results of the election, this past election cycle has been tough on all of us. If you are still struggling with the election, as well as its results and the backlash from them, here are five pieces of advice for getting through this turbulent time, as well as the years between now and the next presidential election.

1. Be an active participant in the political system. Keep in mind that the presidential election is not the only election that voters can take part in. Every year, there are local elections where voters can pick their state and local representatives, and primaries and caucuses take place in the spring and early summer months. Be sure to learn about the positions and policies that make up the platforms of all candidates, so that any decision made at the voting booth is informed and prepared. Voting is the best form of protest towards the government, and if something is going on in the government that you disagree with, voting against that measure, or, if you’re underage, informing voters as to why they should vote against the measure, you are showing the government how you feel about the current climate. If you agree with the decisions being made, be sure to use your vote to tell the government you feel that way.

2. Remember that nothing lasts forever. New people are elected to state, local, and federal offices every year, and nobody can hold the same office forever. If you were really hoping that somebody was going to win, but then they lost, remember that there will come a day when either they, or somebody with similar ideas to them, will run for office, and you can vote for them. If your candidate won, keep in mind that somebody else’s candidate lost the election, and that someday you may be in the same boat as they are now. The people in office right now will not be in office forever, which is something to keep in mind as you go through the next few weeks.

3. Be respectful. The past year has been exhausting for everybody, and right now, respect and decency are needed in order for everybody to heal. Many people want to talk about what happened during the election, and how the results will affect their lives. If you feel like you cannot talk about the election without being disrespectful towards somebody and their opinions, please refrain from discussing the election or anything related to it. Arguments about politics can lead to hurt feelings, fractured friendships, and a general sense of isolation, if the wrong things are said. If somebody says something you disagree with, you are welcome to correct them. Just as they have the right to say whatever it is that you disagreed with, you have the right to disagree. However, all should be sure to be respectful about what they are saying, and if you cannot debate somebody without disrespecting them, it is most likely best for you stay out of political debates, at least in the current political climate.

4. Remain kind. This may seem like it goes without saying, but cruelty over political opinions is absolutely unacceptable. No matter what their political and economic beliefs are, everybody deserves basic human dignity, and, when needed, simple kindness. If somebody is simply disagreeing with you, and not being cruel or unfair in any way, you have absolutely no reason to be rude and disrespectful to them If you believe somebody is being cruel and unjust, be the bigger person and treat them with the kindness you want from them. Do not neglect to extend kindness to somebody in need of it over their political opinions or leanings. That is unfair and intolerant.

5. Choose love. The best way to fight the toxicity and pain that is the current political climate is to use love. Keep on smiling and laughing with your friends, and do not let differences in background or anything else get between you. Hold your significant other close. Spend time with your family when you can. Be a bearer of love, not a vessel for hate.

 

Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Editorial” represent the views and opinions of the author, not the 2016-2017 Periscope staff, CHS Administration, or the CHS student body.