We asked teachers and parents to submit writing from young people in response to the recent presidential election. Here are some responses from a class taught by Hypertext Magazine Managing Editor, high school librarian, and teacher Chelsea Laine Wells.
Following a lesson that allowed my kids (a class that includes several LGBQT students and is ethnically and racially diverse) to reflect and write about an array of facts and varied political/social opinions, ultimately guiding them to understand why this happened, and how, and the idea that Trump voters are people just like they are, and that many of them voted for an anti-establishment candidate because they feel abandoned or misunderstood by the existing system just as my kids might feel abandoned or misunderstood by the system, as well as the idea that the presidency itself matters less than the hatred and violence happening at a social level among citizens– following this lesson, I asked my kids this culminating question:
What can you do as an artist, or an intellectual, or an activist, in general as a vital alive awake person, as someone who is young and has their entire unformed life ahead of them and the right to shape it however you want – in what way will you lead your life that will demonstrate your values and your strength against those who oppose you and those you oppose, and in support of humanity as a whole? How can living life and creating art and/or working meaningfully at something important to you be a revolutionary political act even if you do not openly engage in or reference politics?
I will continue to be an independent thinking woman, I will continue to be an open bisexual, I will continue to support my friends in fear and be an example of what Trump and his supporters think we are not.– Anonymous, Sophomore, Dallas, TX
Be the example. Lead those struggling. I believe that I belong here. I will show those who are the “bad apples” hurting everyone’s viewpoint of us that we are not what they call us. We are not criminals, rapists, bad people. We are good, and we belong here.– Anonymous, Sophomore, Dallas, TX
You have to be the voice of realism and bring to light all that can and will be changed. Demonstrating the right way to voice your opinions and defend your views.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
I will be nice to everyone. I will value everyone and everything they believe in. I will give a smile to everyone because you never know who might need it. I need to spread positive vibes and show that I care.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
I will continue to live my life while representing my background, my proud African American/black heritage, and I will not fall into the corruption that engulfs my nation, like its government.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
It can open peoples’ minds, art. It can show the truth of how we’re currently struggling to find peace with ourselves and others.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
I want to ignore oppressive people and emerge from my exile, become a shadow that understands all, and share my free thoughts from this chained body.– Anonymous, Sophomore, Dallas, TX
I would support the people who are being hurt and neglected by society and politically. I would express my feelings in art and writing stories.– Anonymous, Sophomore, Dallas, TX
I would simply do what I always do, ignore it and create my own ideas, speak my own words, stand up for what I believe in. Voice my opinion.– Anonymous, Sophomore, Dallas, TX
Although I’m scared, I refuse to show that. I will live and express myself as boldly as I did before this happened.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
Work my ass off and walk away from the bad.– Anonymous, Senior, Dallas, TX
Speak.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
As a young black male I have been exposed too many times to how life is. It has always been dark out. Sometimes I just want to add some light and some color. I will create for my people as long as I live.– Anonymous, Senior, Dallas, TX
We can understand. We can open minds. Hatred isn’t an option. It isn’t the answer. We open minds and hopefully peace comes to us all.– Anonymous, Senior, Dallas, TX
They won’t get in my way. They can’t control me or what I do. My one vote will do what it pleases. I represent myself. My art. My writing. My everything. I help even in small ways. Even if I don’t show, even if I am invisible. I have what I believe in and that’s what is me.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
I can write and get to others. I have a certain platform to share my work. I am dressed up today to go sing the national anthem. I’ll still do it, I don’t care who got elected.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
Express our opinion, but also open others’ eyes to understand and not hate. Represent the peace and equality we voted for. Simply believe that another man in the White House does not stop us from doing what we must for our rights. This is America, land of freedom. Let’s show them how free we are.– Anonymous, Senior, Dallas, TX
I will continue living my life as normal and not treat anyone different for who they voted for. However, I will try to fully comprehend and make the best decision on who I would vote for in the election of 2020, and not spread hate to those who oppose me for it.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
I will write my stories and my personal hardships to bring insight to others on why I am the way I am. I will continue to create writing with meaning and allow the world to see it, even if they disagree. I want people who disagree with me to see my work the most, they’re the ones who should see it. I will stand up for what I believe in when it is safe to do so and the lives of the ones I love are not in danger.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
I want to do something, not just complain and trash people. Maybe this is what we needed to wake up. For people to actually do something we need someone like Trump to get us moving. We still have our right to protest.– Anonymous, Junior, Dallas, TX
The only thing I can do is be me and stay me, despite what’s happening. If everyone can do this and accept how everyone else is, a beautiful resonance can vibrate between us, making an atmosphere of unity, open-mindedness, and acceptance.– Anonymous, Senior, Dallas, TX