This has been a tough week for America. In particular, it has been a tough week for the women of America. Regardless of whether you are pleased with the results of the presidential election, it is undeniable that Hillary Clinton’s loss was a devastating blow to the progress our society has made when it comes to gender equality and women’s rights. However, a small beacon of hope still shines through; this week Congress welcomed a few firsts, as three new women of color were elected to the Senate, along with several other women who were voted to the House. As of now, 38 women of color serve Congress, an unprecedented number that brings hope to many around the nation.
Among these notable firsts includes Jamaican-American and Indian-American Senator-elect Kamala Harris, Latina Senator-elect Catherine Cortez Masto and Thai-American Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth among many other female legislators that will add diversity to a white, male-dominated government. As a result, Congress will benefit from an increase in different perspectives while passing legislation. This country’s long and egregious history of suppressing the voices of disenfranchised demographics must come to an end. Now more than ever, we need strong voices and tenacious representatives fighting for people who have been ignored by the government for far too long. We need people who understand the plights of the impoverished, the barriers that racism and sexism have created for generations and the urgent need for society to become more inclusive and provide equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. The recent election of these women to Congress will hopefully lead us one step in the right direction.
We must all be open to having a thoughtful dialogue about the future of this nation. Regardless of personal beliefs, it is crucial for all of our representatives (new and old) to be willing to listen to each other’s thoughts and concerns and to be willing to compromise — that is why the new wave of representatives should give hope to so many people. An increase in the diversity of viewpoints means that there will be more conversation about how legislation will affect every American, and not just one demographic. As trite as it may sound, the United States is a melting pot of people of all creeds, and it’s time that both houses of Congress reflect that.
As disheartened as I was about not having a woman in the Oval Office, the results of the congressional elections still give me hope. I urge everyone — especially the younger generations — to not become disillusioned with the state of our nation and our government. Although the next four years are bound to be tough for some, we must remember we still have control over the future and direction this country will move in. Congress’ new representatives are pioneers for change and embody the vision of a new, more tolerant America, and that in itself is magnificent.
Asha Kodan is a freshman biology major. She can be reached at ashakodan@ymail.com.
