Resolved but Not Rejoicing: A Reflection after Election 2020

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:29:35 -0500
election2020

by Charis Lawson, '21, English

Civic Literacy Intern, Center for Democracy and Civic Life

My relief is tainted. When I first realized that Joe Biden was probably going to be President of the United States, I had an overwhelming sense of accomplishment that was almost immediately mellowed. In the back of my mind, I kept hearing Biden’s voice from the video clip that swirled around the internet where he stated, “If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black.” This message to the black community is disheartening because plenty of candidates claiming to represent us have failed to deliver on their promises. Their rhetoric has implied that we shouldn’t ask questions, just be satisfied with the lesser of two evils. The black community is often left with the bare minimum, and then asked why we aren’t happy. Yet as the weekend progressed, everyone’s joy seeped into my own soul, giving me a sense of warmth that I hadn’t felt in years. I wanted to hold on to the feeling of togetherness and accomplishment of the people around me.

While I am happy with the outcome of the election I am not ecstatic. This election did not diminish my resolve to work for positive change. I want people to know that the fight for justice isn’t over, and want to be sure they are not lulled into a false sense of safety just because we have someone who knows how to speak coherently leading us. While of course, it goes deeper than that, I am afraid that by comparing Biden to someone I have would describe as incompetent we place him on a pedestal he doesn’t deserve.

I am motivated to continue to have deep conversations with peers and those with more knowledge than me about the problems that have plagued this country since its founding. I am determined to find unity amidst the chaos because I do not believe that all people who disagree with me are filled with hate. For me, that means starting locally because that is all that I feel equipped to handle. At this point, I have met all of the representatives from my Maryland General Assembly district and talked to them about the policies they see as important and am in the process of educating myself on those issues so I feel more equipped to form my own opinions.

I hate the idea that one party is inherently moral and the other is inherently evil. Both parties have work to do. Figuring out exactly what I want to accomplish is evolving with the knowledge that I gain from my representatives and my own research and discussion with my peers. I am determined to work toward the world as I imagine it: the world as it could be.

Contact the author, Charis Lawson, at chala1@UMBC.edu.