Why You Should Lean Into Your Post-Election Joy
There’s still much work to be done, but we can celebrate Biden’s presidential victory
When we talk about liberation, we don’t use words like joy. Empathy, compassion, and love are generally not credited as tools needed to uproot our nation’s trauma.
So, when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were named president-elect and vice president-elect, celebrations erupted in cities like New York, Atlanta, and Detroit. Some felt that the joy on display overshadowed the work that needs to continue.
The joy many feel — especially Black Americans — is not rooted in some idyllic, fairy-tale fantasy. Biden stepping into the role of president is not the answer to all of our woes and salvation.
Trump’s presidency was a setback for millions of Americans across class, race, and gender. Cuts to education, health, and housing, stricter immigration laws, and polarizing racist language created tension and inherent fear. Trump used that fear to galvanize those in full support of his policies; his dog whistles reached those who longed for the days of a past “great” America.
