The upcoming election and its aftermath have become my primary source of anxiety. I know many others share this feeling. As a Black, queer woman, I can’t help but think about the implications of a second Trump term; it would undoubtedly complicate my life even further. Yet, I recognize that my apprehensions won’t simply vanish if Biden wins. Regardless of the victor, I’m concerned about possible backlash from the right, who have the most to gain or lose in this scenario.
Racism won’t disappear overnight, no matter who takes office. You cannot resolve a systemic issue that has persisted for over 400 years with a single election. I understand that reality. However, the outcome could lead to either slight improvements or significant setbacks. While Biden isn’t the perfect candidate for addressing systemic racism, he does propose some potentially beneficial policies aimed at tackling various inequities. His stance on police brutality is lacking, yet he has at least put forth a plan, unlike Trump, who refuses to acknowledge any existing issues.
Regardless of the election results, my fear as a Black individual remains. The last four years have emboldened people to express their racism more openly. Although this has always been a problem, the current president’s blatant discrimination gives others permission to act similarly. When the leader of our nation labels Black Lives Matter as “Antifa” — which is not even a real entity — it creates a dangerous environment for Black people. Some individuals even go so far as to claim that BLM is a “terrorist organization” when, in fact, it fights against the true terrorists in our society.
If Trump wins again, I worry that white individuals will become even more brazenly racist and violent. They’ve already shown boldness, but what will stop them if he remains in power? He would likely incite and encourage such behavior. I fear that I could find myself in a perilous situation, or that a member of my family could fall victim to police violence, leading to a devastating phone call about my father, brothers, or nephews.
Even if Biden prevails, I’m concerned that these same racists will linger, and the same discriminatory officers will still patrol the streets. I dread the possibility of ongoing unrest fueled by white male anger. It unsettles me deeply.
The most daunting aspect of this election is the hatred it has revealed. In the past four years, we’ve seen a surge in animosity. Even if Biden wins, that hatred doesn’t vanish. Those who harbor these feelings won’t quietly fade away as if this entire administration never occurred. Instead, they might become even more enraged at the thought of their way of life being questioned again. It’s uncertain how that anger will manifest in our communities. Will they form militias and take to the streets? The potential for violence is alarming.
I reside in a predominantly minority neighborhood that feels relatively safe at the moment. However, there’s no guarantee that angry individuals won’t attempt to infiltrate our area to spread their hate. My family is undoubtedly a target. My partner is a white woman who presents in a masculine way, and although my son appears white, he is mixed race. It’s clear I’m his mother. What if something were to happen while we’re out together?
My partner and I are planning to marry next year, but with the Supreme Court now leaning conservative, we’re anxious. We genuinely worry that if we don’t hurry, we might lose our right to marry. Justices like Thomas and Alito have already indicated a desire to overturn marriage equality, and with the recent appointment of Amy Coney Barrett, that concern feels more plausible. Our future now depends on individuals who believe we don’t deserve basic rights, which is truly disheartening.
Compounding all of this is the ongoing global pandemic. We’re trying to stay safe without resorting to total lockdown, yet many people still refuse to wear masks or practice social distancing, treating COVID as a hoax. The election’s outcome will significantly influence how we continue to address the pandemic. Should Trump win, I fear he would downplay the situation and urge everyone to return to normal. This would lead to an increase in cases, job losses, lack of financial aid, unsafe school environments for our children, and overwhelmed healthcare workers.
Black individuals are suffering and dying at higher rates from this virus. While I consider myself healthy, that doesn’t guarantee anything when it comes to COVID. As the primary breadwinner, what would happen if I fell seriously ill? To make matters worse, my family and friends live on the East Coast. My elderly parents are in poor health, and I worry that if everything reopens prematurely, they could become ill and die. I wouldn’t be able to reach them safely.
If Biden wins, I hope he’ll heed scientific advice and help guide us towards a safer future. But I’m still anxious about those who dismiss the pandemic as a joke. If people refuse to follow CDC guidelines, compliance will be difficult. Will they adhere to mask mandates, or will defiance continue to put our communities at risk?
The election atmosphere is anything but normal. We’re all navigating a sea of anxiety, fear, and a glimmer of hope. For many, especially those of us who belong to marginalized communities, this fear is ever-present. While it may not dissipate if Biden wins, it might offer a faint light of hope for the future.
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Summary:
The upcoming election is a source of immense anxiety for many, particularly those from marginalized communities. Concerns about racism, violence, and the ongoing pandemic loom large, regardless of who wins. The fear of backlash from the right, potential threats to rights and safety, and the pandemic’s impact create a complex emotional landscape. As individuals grapple with these fears, the hope for a better future remains, albeit tenuously.