Why we hurt after Hillary’s defeat
Like millions of others, I closely followed the U.S. election. I was quietly rooting for Hillary. Not that it actually matters in the greater scheme of things considering I am Canadian and not a US citizen, but I tapped into the inspired energy of the sisterhood. I felt a sense of pride and hoped this woman — this accomplished, bright and capable woman — would become the shiniest beacon of light for women around the world.
Following Hillary’s defeat, I found myself mourning. At the core of mourning is a sense of loss. In a way, mourning seems unreasonable because I am simply a bystander to the entire U.S. election circus, em, process. As a Canadian, it is not my election. But I am not alone. So many others are feeling a sense of loss – and pain. It still dominates conversations between friends, at work, in social settings and even the dog park.
We hurt because this was personal. Women have come such a long way in our evolution and fought so hard to be valued, valuable and powerful in every definition of the word. That pain knows no borders – or walls. And that mourning is the loss of a dream — the dream that women can be much more. Much more. That’s why it feels so personal.
Words matter
What I have taken away from this crazy election is how impactful words are and how they impact humans at their deepest core, whether negative or positive. President-elect Trump thrust upon the world massively painful words that energized, galvanized – and hurt – depending on the values of those hearing them. But the kicker is this: he is merely expressing what the masses are suppressing.
Women have to fight for respect. Let’s be honest, Hillary lost not just because she had baggage, but because she is a woman. And let’s be even more honest, the United States of America is not ready for a female leader.
Find your voice
Of greatest and immediate concern now is that women’s rights, which Hillary fought long and hard for, are at risk. That’s obvious. What happens in the U.S. touches all of us. So, yes, I care.
Today, the renowned feminist, Gloria Steinem, penned a thoughtful article in the Guardian, encouraging us not to mourn, but rather to organize. Interestingly enough, a Million Women March is being planned for January 19th in cities across the U.S. that might be worthwhile attending for anyone wanting to add their voice to the chorus. I, for one, am angered by the way women were treated in this election, and bewildered by the many men and women who turned a blind eye and tossed it up to “it’s normal.”
Exercise your rights
Hillary is the real winner in this election. Thanks to her, our eyes are more open than ever. Women are expressing themselves and finding their voice. Men are beginning to understand the seriousness of misogyny and its chronic nature. Changes are underway.
In fact, we are likely about to witness the largest, most determined and organized women’s rights movement in history.
Thanks to Hillary Clinton.
If you felt a sense of loss post-election, how did you deal with it? I’d love to hear from you. Tweet to me at @Shannon_Skinner.
Shannon Skinner is a Toronto-based, award-winning television and radio talk show host, inspirational speaker, writer and author of “The Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity.” For information on her speaking engagements and interviews, visit: ShannonSkinner.com and ExtrarodinaryWomenTV.com.
- photo courtesy LA Times
