Athena Sobhan

I am not one to openly express my opinion on world issues on the internet, or in general.  For those who know me, are probably rolling your eyes and shaking your heads because you have heard me speak my mind on these issues several times.  It has taken a lot of time for me to really find my voice and contribute to conversations that need to be had.  However, in an election cycle where racist, bigoted, and sexist rhetoric is used to propel a Presidential campaign, I realize that voicing my thoughts and ideas are necessary to make change possible. 

Last night’s Presidential debate left me completely speechless.  I am still trying to process what just went down since I am not really sure how I feel about the debate.  Though Trump seemed more prepared for the debate, he truly showed the world how unfit he is to lead the United States.

Donald Trump excused his disgusting remarks about being able to grope any woman he wants because he’s famous as “locker room talk” and that we should be focusing on “the bigger issues.”  All right then, let’s talk about some of the bigger issues Trump… Let’s discuss rape culture in the United States.  Let’s talk about how people think that catcalling women on the streets are considered compliments that women should accept or how the way a girl is dressed is considered “asking for it.” Or we can talk about how there are rapists out there that either serve a short sentence in jail or don’t serve any time at all or how girls between the ages 16-19 are four times more likely to get raped or sexually assaulted than the general population (https://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence).  I want to know why anyone think it’s okay to talk about sexually assaulting women so casually and pass it off as “banter” or “locker-room talk.”  Is that issue big enough for you?

The fact that Trump said if he was elected, that he would make sure that Hillary Clinton would be thrown in jail is something that everyone should be concerned with.  This shows how petty and immature Trump is and also proves he is completely unfit to lead.  The fact that he would even suggest jailing Clinton goes against what democracy is about.  The persecution of people that share political differences with the person in power is something dictators have done in the past and what is going on right now in some countries today. 

Since the beginning of his campaign, Donald Trump has verbally attacked minority groups in the US, especially the Muslims.  Trump LOVES to run his mouth about how President Obama and Secretary Clinton refuse to address the issue of terror as “radical Islamic terror” and accuse both of them of not addressing the issue at hand.  I loved when Clinton responded with “We are not at war with Islam” because it’s the truth.  These people who act violently ARE NOT MUSLIMS.  The foundation of Islam is peace, and does not promote violence UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  Donald Trump’s campaign, however, inspired violence against Muslims in the United States, with hate crimes against Muslims at its highest since the post 9/11 era (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/18/us/politics/hate-crimes-american-muslims-rise.html).  Trump thinks he can cloak the fact that he wants to enact a ban on Muslims by calling it “extreme vetting,” but the reality is that Trump wants to alienate and persecute a group of people for their religion.  Sound familiar doesn’t it?

Trump has used the phrase “It’s just words” about pretty much everything that Clinton has said in the past two debates, but I really don’t think Trump understands the power of words.  If, god forbid, Trump becomes President, there is a possibility that some of the policies he advocates won’t even get through Congress.  However, the things that Trump said in this campaign and in the past will be used to excuse actions that reflect his beliefs.  A Trump presidency would send a message to the rest of the world that the American people stand by his words, and that is not something to be proud of. 

This election reminds me the impact of voicing my opinion and the consequences of staying silent.  In a democracy, the power is with the people and its imperative we speak out.  Staying silent about the issues that matter most will not solve anything and implies that we are complacent with the system.  We have to ensure that we are aware of things going on around us and doing our part to contribute to the conversation, not just during the election.  Media outlets are inherently biased, and it’s our responsibility to take time to go though several outlets to gain a more holistic view of certain situations.  If the media isn’t talking about something, then its up to us to ensure we speak out and bring attention to it. 

This is my way of standing up and speaking my mind.  I am going to blog more and speak about the issue that matter most to me and make sure that I am heard.  I am taking a stand against Donald Trump and his political stances.    I will be voting for Hilary Clinton in November because I know she will be a president for all.  There are things that I don’t like about Hilary and don’t necessary agree with her on, but she is willing to listen to what the people truly want and will do everything she can to make change that benefits us all.