It's all so, so personal
The political that is...
"If Trump wins will it affect me?"
Is the text I got from my 16-year-old daughter at 11:17 am on November 5th, 2024.
She is a Canadian teenager. We live in Alberta. I texted her back and said, that it would likely make her mad and/or sad, like it would so many. I also wanted to be honest with her about what a Trump win means for everyone, including our family and friends.
A Trump win means that other governments who look up to the MAGA movement and its key players will be emboldened to do more to legislate the rights and freedoms of their citizens and anyone outside their narrow ideals.
Governments like the United Conservative Party here in Alberta. A government who is right now trying to pass the most restrictive anti-trans legislation in Canada focused primarily on trans and gender-diverse youth. They want to pass laws banning gender-affirming care, similar to ones enacted by the Republicans in many states. Legislation that will directly affect people she loves and who are part of our lives.
A Trump win means we will continue to avoid visiting the United States. Out of an abundance of caution for my bi-racial family, and because this is my version of BDS (boycott, divest and sanction) towards America until it can get its "bleep" together.
My 17-year old son told me at dinner on Tuesday night that we have "radicalized him against the United States." I don't know if I would use those terms, but maybe he is right. We haven't shielded him or his sister from the parts or people of America and in American politics that are anti-science, anti-human rights, and very specifically anti-woman and xenophobic. My eldest child (if I can still call my almost 18-year-old that) is a very smart kid. He knows injustice when he sees it. If I've managed to influence him enough to make him a radical lefty who believes in equality and science - my job is done!
A Trump win means that we are at a cross roads as human beings and we have to make a decision to fight—either as robotic Stormtroopers for the Empire, or by banding together and joining the Rebellion to risk it all for the greater good. I know what side I want to be on. I just hate that we have to have sides—that half the population doesn't see, respect, or care about the humanity of the other half.
EVERYTHING about this election was personal and for more than just the American people. Canada is on the verge of its own right wing MAGA-esque political descent both federally and provincially (with the exception of Manitoba!) We know that baby-Trump-wannabes like Pierre Polievre are just itching to get their hands on the political reins and steer us back to the dark ages. With a Trump win in the United States, the political future once an election is called here in the Great White North is almost un fait accomli.
So yes, baby girl, a Trump win is going to affect you.
We can and will be mad and sad about it for a while. And then we have to rise and keep fighting, because in this house, we do not and will not let his hate and fear-mongering take over our hearts and minds and rob us of hope for the world.
For your future world.
XOXO,
Mama
P.S. And we’ll use our voices, show up, and go to many, many protests together until we live in that world.
