Last Tuesday's election has proven to be one of the most momentous in all of our country's history. Some may argue that our country has taken a leap back, others say forward. Whatever your political views, it's important to recognize the key women who are increasing representation in politics as a result of the 2016 U.S. election. Some of these key women include the Catherine Cortez Masto (first Latina senator), Tammy Duckworth (first Thai-American female in Congress and first female senator to have seen combat), Kate Brown (first openly LGBT governor) and not to forget, Kamala Harris (first Indian-American senator) and many more.
Although, as of lately, Ilhan Omar has been making headlines as one of Minnesota's new lawmakers. She is the country's first Somali-American lawmaker and is also a former refugee.
Omar arrived in the United States with her family in 1995 as a result of the Somalian Civil War and spent 4 years prior in a Kenyan refugee camp. Omar's election has increased dialogue surrounding the current Syrian refugee crisis and the United States' role in harboring refugees. In addition, Omar herself is a Muslim and serves to disprove many of the false negative stereotypes that are commonly associated with being both a Muslim and refugee.
As of now, our country has become more polarized than ever in terms of ideological differences and perspectives. It's important that we recognize and celebrate the diversity that strengthens us in order to overcome the negative rhetoric that has been affecting minority groups across the nation as a result of the presidential election.
Questions to Consider:
1. In what ways does Omar's election contribute to the dialogue surrounding Trump's proposals condemning both refugees and Muslims?
2. In regards to the electoral successes of the women mentioned, how do they help counterbalance the increase in conservative power in D.C. as a result of the election?
These elections provide a certain sense of hope. Many of us have expressed disgust at Donald Trump's sexist and racist comments, and for good reason. However, the fact that minorities are still being represented in government shows us that perhaps not all Trump supporters are racist and sexist. And that the government is perhaps not as overrun with white power as we might fear.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Alex is saying in the sense that the government needs to offer diversity in order to contribute to this foreign melting pot of a country we all live in. In order for everyone to be equally heard there needs to be diversification in the government in order to sponsor all kinds of people.
DeleteI agree with what Alex is saying. I believe many citizens make erroneous assumptions about Trump's supporters based on comments that he has made. Many don't realize that voters don't necessarily vote for a candidate's character, but rather what he or she has to offer the country for the next four years.
DeleteI agree with Ian. I also think media has too much control over society which always gives a negative and corrupt understanding of people and certain topics.
DeleteI think it's extremely important to acknowledge that even though this election split our country in ways that have never before occurred, we have to keep moving forward, and by electing Omar, I feel that we can have something to look forward too. The fact that Hillary was opposed by many for just being a woman was especially hard to understand and I want to take this opportunity to fight back and show the country that we have so many amazing women here that need their voices heard. Hillary wasn't perfect and not everyone should be, so personally I'm excited to experience what is to come for all the women who were voted for in this election.
ReplyDeleteOmar's election provides a refreshing release from the negativity surrounding Trump's victory. The fact that Omar - perhaps the polar opposite to Trump - has also won office goes to show how polarised American society is, contributing to both the inefficiency of American government, but also adding to the cultural diversity of representatives in government.
ReplyDeleteIt's unclear whether or not women will counteract any conservative rise to power because many women in Washington, D.C. are conservative, but there should definitely be more minority and women representation in court. Women make up more than fifty percent of the population, and less than twenty percent of Congress.
ReplyDeleteThough many women in congress are conservative, I think that electing Omar could possibly counteract some conservative power. She can bring light to some of the conflicts regarding refugees and Muslim Americans. By her being elected, it shows that the people want change and are capable of looking past religion, race, or color, in a time that proves that those three things create conflict amongst people.
DeleteOmar's election shows that leaders of foreign countries are ready to compromise, and that in our current day in American society, we could not be more divided. Her rhetoric and status go to show that many of Trump's negative comments regarding Muslims are just his own opinions and are not factually accurate to any extent. Overall, her elections gives many American and citizens of other countries alike hope for the next four years.
ReplyDeleteDonald Trump is apparently not ready to compromise as he is extremely uncontrollable when speaking with or about minority groups. His unpredictability could just as easily be seen as a benefit as well as seen by the fact that he is ready to compromise with the likes of radical leaders such as Duterte and Putin. His unpredictability will determine his legacy, whether it is good or bad.
DeleteThe fact that Omar was elected shows that the people of America are capable of looking past stereotypes regarding race, religion, and country of origin. Omar's election shows that there is hope for the eventually end to the unjust prejudice that some US citizens hold against muslim people. Trump used fear as a motivator when he built his anti-muslim immigration stances in the campaigning process. The election of Omar shows that the people of the US will not be forever blinded by the irrational fear that has compelled them towards hating an entire race and religion.
ReplyDeleteI think this is an incredible step forward for our country in terms of diversifying the people that compose our different governments. I think that by having more women and minorities, racist people will be able to see their capabilities and hopefully respect and believe in them. This is the first step towards creating even more minority representation in our government and I don't believe the future Trump administration can stop that progress.
ReplyDeleteAmerica's lack of progress in terms of diversifying the government is embarrassing considering many countries have had female officials for decades, however our small steps towards progress our hopeful. I believe that in the next four years our strides towards progress will be hindered by the Trump administration but our progress will not be completely ended indefinitely.
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