Opinion: Inauguration reflection
Photo By: Valeria Garcia
I admit to be a bit of a political nerd and have no shame about it at all. Our generation has entered into an era of progression and not staying quiet no more. These past four years proved America’s polarization and had the American people pick sides. The foundation in which the United States was built upon was nearly destroyed as egos needed to be proven. It was to say the least, scary times because a lot of basic human rights were tested and had to be fought for all over again.
The year 2020 was filled with historic moments that caused me to reflect on America’s current state, and it only motivated me more to get involved. During this year I was involved with the Chicago protest for the killing of George Flyod, and even then I wasn’t scared in what I saw. The people who were sworn to protect and serve us, inflicted the violence on a peaceful protest, and I’d like to think it was because none of that was new to me. It’s almost sad that we are used to that type of injustice in our lives especially since it has been accepted as a norm for the past four years. During my fall semester, I was given the wonderful opportunity of interning with A League of Women Voters, a nonprofit voter advocacy organization. ThereI was able to educate voters across the nation on any election and polling questions they had. I watched the election very closely for my internship and had to report back numbers to them. On Election Day I was in D.C. excited as ever to be a part of history and feeling so relieved when the election results came in. The atmosphere in D.C. after the results was so lively to the point where people were dancing in the streets and celebrating together. America took a deep breath after four years.
The day the results came in really set the tone to what was to come, America was looking forward to Inauguration Day, and it did not disappoint. There were so many emotions playing into me as I was watching, it was mainly a nice warm feeling of relief as we aren’t going under such harmful and toxic administration. The environment itself was uplifting and as a Latina who had specific concerns, I feel like there's hope to come. With the images I’ve seen this inauguration there was one thing I noticed to be the most impactful, and that was the diversity.
Biden’s administration matches the diversity of America and that was much needed in order to encourage others to fight for their right to fight for others and being heard on it as well. We are often talked about, but not spoken to and it seems like that will change soon.
I’m not trying to be annoyingly optimistic but America seems to be in better hands then where it was. Just because Biden was elected into office doesn’t mean i’ll stop the fight either and I encourage you not too as well. There are seats for our voices to be heard now and hope inflicted in American air today.