“I rebel against this idea that politics has to be a place full of ego and where you’re constantly focused on scoring hits against each one another. Yes, we need a robust Democracy, but you can be strong, and you can be kind.“
Jacinda Arden
November 8th, 2020- It was 4 in the morning in Malaysia when I woke up from my deep sleep to see messages and notifications on my phone saying, “Biden has projected to win Nevada and Pennsylvania.”, “Your candidate did it!”, “Biden has been projected to be the President of The United States of America.”, “He won and it is incredible!”, Talk about a jolt to your system. My eyes grew wide open and started scrolling to every social media page. I could not believe it. Joe Biden became the projected 46th President of The United States, and Kamala Harris as the projected first Black, South Asian, and female Vice President of The United States.
This was a monumental moment well deserved in the history books of American Politics. This one mattered. America was the center of attention as many around the world watched closely. It was an election that hit close to home for many, whether they are citizens or not. Persons of every age glued their eyes to the television and phone screen to see the constant updates of votes being counted. Talk about literally being at the edge of your seat. As the final results and projection of the 46th President of The United States was revealed, it felt more like liberation than a win. A liberation out of systemic racism, discrimination, and social decay. A huge step forward towards a better and more accepting America.
Being excited about the projections is an understatement. My heart is full of pride, and downright elation. I can just imagine it being absolute bliss, not just for the citizens of The United States, but for the rest of the world, who have left a small piece of them in this beautiful country. After living there for nearly 10 years, I sure as ever left a piece of me, and gained a few new ones in this amazing country. This was home for some who have traveled far to harness bigger and better opportunities, but unfortunately had the short end of the straw of not being able to secure a permanent placement. I call the United States of America my second home. Acquaintances who have turned into lifelong friends, and their family members as one of mine. So much so I would address their parents just as papa or mama. This election brought me through a whirlwind of emotions. I lived through two great elections in the United States, and believe me, as a non-immigrant I have experienced the good and bad of it all. I have dealt with the outpouring love and acceptance of many fellow Americans, and I have also gone through discrimination, racial and religious profiling, and sometimes, unwelcoming looks for my skin color. Quite frankly, the last four years felt more of protecting myself rather than embracing the freedom America stands for. I am a non-immigrant Muslim woman who is of a different skin color. I think that sentence itself is self-explanatory for many to understand where I am going with this. I know I have not faced harsh incidents many people of color have endured, but there were a few where I felt if I were to speak out to defend myself, I would either be arrested or harassed even more. It saddens me to even write such a thing for a country I love, and a place where I believe holds principles of empathy. But after what I have seen and experienced, it felt like the total opposite of the American dream I lived for, 5 years prior. Do not get me wrong. This is not a hate speech for America. This is me saying, “Be in my shoes for once, and understand where people like me, who come with good intentions struggle to gain the respect of some, because their leader has a different view of individuals such as myself.”
My view on politics does not step in the way of the relationships I have with my friends and family in the United States. What matters the most to me is the bond among individuals who accept one another, without prejudice and hate, regardless of their beliefs, and political stand. I can tell you now, I have great friends who have strong political views from both parties. You have your point of view, and I have mine. That does not mean we have to fight among each other. Respect is a two way street, and I am not going to demean you for having a different belief. The only thing we have in common, and should be addressed constantly when things get heated, is being good to one another and gathering the positives to make a country better. That is all there is to it. You can hate the person I believe to be a better leader. Though let me accentuate this- There is no room for the attribute of truculence over politics when it comes to friendship.
As I said in my previous post on Democracy, everyone has a right to their opinion, as long as we can agree to disagree without any tiffs. I know there are some who are over the moon about the win, and there are some who are disappointed. I get it and everyone has a right to react towards the results of the election; But it does not give you a right to react in a way to cause harm, destruction, obstruction, and endangerment of other’s well being. There is a bigger issue at hand here, and the people should look past the divisive environment of the current matters of state. This was not about politics. This was about plain democracy, and most of all human decency.
In all truth, America’s democracy is what the people should be fighting for; Not come to blows with one another, because the person they wanted did not win. Sure there were talks about the blue wave, and keeping a state red. At the end of the day, this election was not about whether you are part of the blue or red team, but more about the people, by the people, and most importantly, for the people. This was about picking the leader who would bring forth democracy. A leader who believes in ending the systemic discrimination of all faiths, races, and sexual preferences. Unity of a nation is what’s important. This is what we should take out of this election. Honestly to me, I do not care if you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent; or for Malaysia, a Malay, Indian, Chinese, Sabahan, or other races. If you have the ability to instill democracy, economic growth, and unity for the nation, then by all means you have my vote.
For this matter, the United States was given the opportunity to rejuvenate their Democracy, and by God they did it. Take a bow Americans, you spoke your mind. You used your voices, exercised your rights to the best of your abilities, and boy did the world hear it, when the nation spoke for a leader. Some got who they wanted, and unfortunately some did not. But sure enough those voices were heard. That my friends is what I call a bellow for Democracy. A call by the people, for the people, in hopes for a leader who will listen and act in accordance to what the nation needs. Believe me America, I know you are hurting from the actions caused by many who smeared the reputation of Democracy. Now with change in the picture, you can start the process of healing, not just for your individual selves, but for all Americans. It is time to put aside the hate and political rivalry. Now is the time to look upon rebuilding the foundation where democracy once stood.
Malaysia, this is prime time to take America’s election as an example. Power of the government does not rule you. You are what the government has to oblige to. You have a God given right to voice out your opinion on what you believe is right for your country since August 31st, 1957. Do not let a power mongering government dictate what is right or wrong to benefit their personal agenda. The definition of a leader for a country is to serve the people; Not dictate. They took an oath before being sworn into office, to protect the country’s assets, its people’s liberty, and its unity; Not for personal gain and power. Quite frankly, our leaders have been blinded by the gluttony, greed, envy, and pride, corruption brings. Funny how one word can bring such destruction, just by the taste of its sweet malice. As I can tell now, our leaders had more than just a taste. They have savored it. It is pretty clear too as we are now seeing almost everyday, of lawsuits being filed against government officials becoming more apparent. The staggering number of lawsuits stated by the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission are rising in the thousands, ranging from civil servants, to management and professional groups since 2015. How heartbreaking it is to see all of this unfold.
Mind you, it is not just in Malaysia that we are seeing the destruction of corruption. It is happening all around the world, and sadly even in developed nations. We need to wake up from the delusions our leaders have tranced us with. We have to realize as citizens, we are the ones who face the harsh consequences of corruption’s vile doings. Not them. They take advantage of their power in office, and benefit the most, even after they step out of office. As for us citizens? What do we get? A pat on the back saying we have done our service to our country for voting a monster into office? Yeah… Screw that. Now it’s time for change. If not now, when? The waiting game is what causes the vicious cycle of corruption to gladly take its due course. Enough sauntering about. Start making big strides to bring forth a revolution, for a better, and much greater Democracy. This is a stand we must all gallantly take to overturn the practices that have murked the waters of democracy. I know it is easier said than done, but we all have to start somewhere. We do not fight this battle physically. We fight it with every ounce of intellectual strength we have. This is how we shift the mindset of corruption. We shift it from being the only source of success, to it being a detrimental trait we need to get rid of, for any nation. Time and time again I have always said, one voice can make a smidge of change. But with many, we will be a force to be reckoned with.
“Fight for the things that you car about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
World Footprint 