This Country Will Not Break Me

There have been days where I have wept for children I haven't birthed yet.

I'm not sure how many women are so moved by the social and political climate that they cry. On election day, no tears were shed. I wasn't surprised when many states turned red, especially Texas. My home state never fails to show how deep the racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia runs. America took off the mask of a progressive yet concerned nation to reveal the dirt we've swept under the rug for centuries. You can find more on that from Evelyn From The Internets. I can't speak for anyone else but for me I was also shaken by the inhumane treatment of a child who looked like cousins of mine. So why would I be surprised?

Being a member of a marginalized group has always been tough. Unnecessary weight is placed on my shoulders by people, not just men, who look like President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence. These people refuse to understand the plight of the rest of the country. So these results aren't of my doing. It's on the white community, either from blatant discrimination and oppression or non-action when faced with the truth of their brethren. If you don't believe me, watch Meghan Tonjes expound upon this.

The questions we're left with are "What do we do? How can we change anything?" I don't have an overarching answer for those questions. I wish I did. Well, Ari Fitz helps answer them and gives advice for our wounded people. However I will not accept complacency. I cannot sit on this soil and lose my joy again. That power, my power, will not go to the people who don't want me to shine. My existence matters and I will continue to be a great example for my family, friends and little girls just like me. You can't stop us from being ourselves. Truth and love will always come back on top. That's why I'm not broken.

Are you?