Where Do We Go From Here: A Recap

Presenter Sabrina Boykin shares wisdom on how to move forward during times of uncertainty in our country.

When Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States on November 5, 2024, many citizens who did not vote for him were left feeling shock, disappointment, and uncertainty. On our January 7 Mindful Discussion, presenter Sabrina Boykin led us through the moments leading up to that day, how the country arrived at those results, and guided us toward a productive and mindful future.

After exploring exit polls and voter demographics, we found that among those aged 18-29, 54% voted for Harris while 43% voted for Trump. Among female voters, around 53% voted for Harris while 45% voted for Trump. And, among Black voters, 85% voted for Harris while 13% voted for Trump. (The sample size for this poll conducted by the BBC was 22,509 respondents.) This is just one small snapshot of the whole picture.

Whether they're social, political, economic, or psychological, numerous factors go into the results of a presidential election. The U.S., especially, is at the center of several important worldly affairs; thus, the election of Donald Trump on the night of November 5th was an international spectacle for various reasons.

And, coinciding with the election of Donald Trump is the looming ban on TikTok, a social media video app used by at least 170 million Americans. On Saturday night, the app went dark, leaving millions unable to use the platform to create content. The future of the app is unclear, but many Americans now challenge the U.S. government, claiming they stripped citizens of their First Amendment rights by censoring speech on the app. The legal implications of this ordeal will likely be debated for months to come, setting a precedent in American history for how much the government can overstep onto its citizens.

Donald Trump is to be inaugurated on Monday, January 20th (ironically coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and has already promised to negotiate a deal to keep the app running smoothly in U.S. territories. While some app users are glad to hear this news, others believe the ban is a stunt aimed at gaining popularity among Gen Z and the youth. By "saving" the popular app, some claim, Trump will amass support from those who typically wouldn't support him.

Needless to say, the political and social state of America leaves much unknown as we move into a new federal administration predicated on lawmaking with conservative, traditional values---with a majority Republican Congress and a conservative majority on the Supreme Court.

If you are unsure of how to move forward during this time of uncertainty, you're not alone. Among some important steps to take care of yourself are:

1. Take time to feel all of your emotions and know they are valid.

2. Have a community of people you can talk to openly and honestly about your feelings.

3. Take a break from the news and social media when you feel yourself getting overwhelmed.

4. Set up boundaries for people/places that will be difficult for you to navigate now.

5. Check-in with others.

In times of uncertainty like these, we need to take action more than ever. Remember to keep educating yourself on the important issues that affect those around you. Use empathy as you navigate your everyday life. The American people need to stick together and fight injustices, just as we have done in the past. Always Be Mindful of your impact, Purposeful in what you do, and Positive in what you say as we transition into an uncharted territory of United States history.

Best,

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