5 Things You Can Do To Fight Trump's Rhetoric

If you're still in shock over the election that, as the AP reports, resulted in a Donald Trump presidency, you're not alone. Some of us just simply can't fathom the idea that the Republican candidate has been elected president-elect of the United States, when it seemed certain that Hillary Clinton would take that title instead. Sadly, Trump's potential victory does not only mean a painful loss for the candidate so many people supported; it also signifies that America is willing to elect a Commander-in-Chief whose rhetoric throughout — and long before — his campaign was hateful and dangerous. Yet while it might be hard to think past that troubling fact, there are things that you can do to help combat Trump's rhetoric, and not let his horrifying words and actions determine the image of our country and the treatment of its people.

Nothing can, unfortunately, reverse time and take Trump's victory away, as much as many of us may want to believe it. But his victory doesn't mean that there is no hope for the values that Clinton and her supporters stood for to prevail. Here are some of the ways that you can help fight the hateful speech that's being uttered by Trump and his followers.

1. Support Your Fellow Women

One of the most moving things about Clinton's campaign was seeing just how many women came together in support of the candidate, and each other. Whether it was on Twitter, at her rallies, or in the Pantsuit Nation Facebook group, millions of women showed their respect and appreciation for one another during the course of Clinton's presidential run. This doesn't have to end, even with Trump in office. Women can, and should, still come together to share their stories and offer support. We need it now more than ever.

2. Be An Ally To Minority Communities

It's been heartbreaking to see how Trump's campaign has brought out so much racism and discrimination among the American people. His win is hard for everyone, but for women, LGBTQ+ people, Muslims, African Americans, Hispanics and more, it's especially horrifying to see someone who has routinely criticized and discriminated against these communities to be elected into office. Be an ally to them, and make it known that you won't let that kind of behavior stand, regardless of who's president.

3. Support Planned Parenthood

Want to fight Trump's anti-women agenda? Support organizations like Planned Parenthood by donating your money or your time. Women might have a harder time than before getting the help they need, and it's crucial that we work to keep the organizations that support them alive.

4. Vote In Other Elections

Nov. 8 might've been the biggest night for politics, but there will be other elections, all of which could have significant repercussions. Vote for the candidates who represent the opposite of what Trump stands for.

5. Don't Be A Bystander

If you see, something, say something — and that goes for hateful rhetoric. If you hear someone spewing discriminatory words towards someone else, don't just sit back and let it happen. Take a stand, and make it clear that that kind of rhetoric isn't tolerated in our country, even with Trump as president.

Trump being elected may be painful, but it doesn't mean that those who opposed him don't still have a chance for their voices to be heard.