Dear Layla,
As I reflect on the whirlwind of the 2016 presidential election, I realize how difficult it has been to shield you from its harsh realities. The morning after the election, I was taken aback by the brightness in your innocent brown eyes as you tiptoed into my room, eager to learn the outcome. I found myself at a loss for words, grappling with the harsh reality that the woman you admired had been defeated by a man whose behavior toward women has been openly disrespectful. It pains me to think of the disappointment you might feel and the worries that cloud my mind for your future.
My silence may weigh heavily on you, and though I long to find the right words, I can only offer you my embrace for now. After a few moments of stillness, you asked me if I was afraid of Donald Trump. My instinct was to dismiss the question, but I realized your insightful, five-year-old perspective had picked up on my hidden fears. I hope that one day you’ll read this and understand the emotions I struggled to convey that morning.
My fear is more about dread—a dread about how to explain the complexities of this election to a child whose future hangs in the balance. How do I tell you that the man set to lead us has shown a disturbing tendency to demean and objectify women? How can I encourage you to trust your intellect when we are governed by someone who prioritizes looks over substance? I worry about the impact this will have on our allies in the fight for gender equality. The dreams of universal parental leave, equal pay, fair representation, and reproductive health could be pushed back decades. I dread the day when you learn these truths in ways I cannot control, fearing they may diminish your belief in your worth.
As the election results trickled in, I tried to find solace in past elections where the outcomes took unexpected turns. But as the night wore on and the maps turned red, my anxiety deepened. I had hoped for a different outcome, but when Pennsylvania fell to the Republicans, I felt a sinking realization. We both understood the implications of Trump’s promises to target Muslims and other minorities, and it felt like our home was echoing a harsh “Get out!”
That night, we lay awake, anxiety coursing through us as we awaited the morning when our children would ask for answers we weren’t prepared to give. So, am I afraid, my dear Layla? Yes, I am afraid—not of Trump himself but of the forces he has unleashed. I fear those who will seek to scapegoat us and infringe upon our rights. I dread the aftermath of a Trump presidency, the division and hatred that could become palpable. I worry that the beauty of our diverse nation and the connections we’ve built might be sacrificed to satisfy his ego. I fear that my belief in the goodness of others may turn out to be naive.
Not too long ago, in an 11th-grade history class at Riverdale High, I learned about a curriculum called Facing History and Ourselves, which focused on understanding the roots of genocide and ensuring history doesn’t repeat itself. I remember thinking those events were far removed from our reality, but with Trump’s rise, I began to comprehend the importance of learning from history. His campaign has been built on dehumanizing minorities, and what once felt like an impossibility has now become our reality. My dear Layla, yes, I am afraid—afraid of how swiftly humanity can turn against itself, and I fear we are not part of his vision for America’s future.
Yet, amidst this turmoil, I hold on to hope. I envision a future filled with individuals who believe in a vibrant spectrum of possibilities. I see both our generations embracing concepts like social justice, equality, and love. We must learn from the complacency of the past so that our worst fears do not materialize. Together, we can strive for a brighter future.
With all my love,
Mom
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Summary
This heartfelt letter expresses a mother’s concerns and fears about the impact of the 2016 presidential election on her daughter, particularly regarding issues of gender equality and the treatment of minorities. Despite the challenges, she holds onto hope for a future filled with love and social justice, encouraging her daughter to learn from history and strive for a better world.