By Marrissa Ballard and Lily Margaret Jones | Co-Editors-in-Chief
In the wake of the election, many students are having different reactions towards the results. On Thursday, Mosaic set up a table in Miley where students could write down their feelings and opinions about the election completely anonymously. We received 73 responses from students, faculty, and administration.
This is only a small sample of the Salve campus, but the responses still demonstrate how many students are feeling after Tuesday’s results.While asking students to write down their feelings, we did encounter some who had not voted, or did not want to give their opinions.
The responses were categorized into three groups according to various criteria. If the person mentioned outright support for the results and President-elect Donald Trump, they were categorized as “Happy about the results.” If the response contained both positive and negative sentiments regarding the election, it was placed in a “Middle ground” category. Lastly, if the note mentioned negative emotions regarding the results or a dislike of President-elect Trump, it was categorized as “Unhappy about the results.”
The smallest percentage of the responses, around 7%, were happy about the results. Some notes from this group included some of Trump’s famous phrases, including “Build that wall” and “Make America Great Again.” Others simply stated that they “could not be happier” that Trump was elected, and that they felt he was a good leader.
Many students gave responses that pointed out both negative and positive aspects about the election results. This group made up 30% of the overall anonymous notes that we received. One respondent notes that they are “Surprised but at the same time, the country is so divided that either way one half of the population would’ve been upset.” Similarly, other notes voiced dislike for both candidates with responses like “Every candidate was trash,” and “We were screwed anyway, let’s just hope Trump fixes the economy.”
Some of the more middle ground responses were critical of not only the election, but the reactions to the results. One respondent stated, “People need to keep their opinions to themselves and stop attacking people who disagree.” Other responses included, “Hillary lost, MOVE ON” and “Get over it.” While these responses held negative emotions, they did not remark on their own response to the election and instead showed the respondent’s feelings about other people’s reactions.
Other respondents made remarks about America or the presidential position in general. A few people stated that they would support the President of the United States no matter who he or she is, or that “The president should be supported and division should be combatted in whatever means necessary.” Another note remarked, “Stop complaining about the results. Yeah, Trump sucks but you still live in America, and not everyone gets to.”
Other notes in the middle ground category took more hopeful or positive positions, while still noting negative aspects about the results. One response stated, “I am very disappointed in America with the outcome of the election, however, I am trying to do the right thing and fight hate with love and be hopeful for the best.” Many other responses remarked that it was time for the country to be “united” and come together as one to “move forward.”
The bulk of the anonymous responses demonstrated that much of the Salve community is upset about the results. Some notes also commented on the division in this country, stating, “What a scary thing to have a country so divided – on one hand, progressives fighting against hate; on one other, conservatives criticizing those reactions.”
Some responses only contained one word or short phrase, including “stressed,” “awful,” “static,” “disgusted,” “surprised,” and the now popular hashtag “Not My President.” Some notes condemned the President-elect using swear words.
Many of the upset responses included elements of shock, hurt, and disbelief. One note stated, “I can’t believe it, we are such a racist, sexist country.” Another remarked, “I find it a disgrace that our country, which is compiled of all immigrants, can be able to elect such a hateful and ignorant man. He only rules through fear and the insecurities of people, but has nothing to offer that is meaningful. I’m ashamed to be an American.”
Several responses spoke on what the election says about America in general. One stated, “What angers me most is the fact that so many people agree with the racist supremacist we will now have as a president. How could so many people agree and share his beliefs? This shows me that America has not progressed at all!” Another said that the election “truly shows and confirms what minorities have always known is true: ignorant, racist, xenophobic, white supremacy still reigns in America.”
Other notes reflected a desire to work on the issues. One respondent said they were “motivated to make a change” and another stated “I will do anything to change the President-elect.”
One response reflected the fear that some students are feeling here on campus, stating, “I’m scared for my future. I’m scared to be a minority here at Salve.”
While all of the anonymous responses included a range of emotions and perspectives, many spoke on the divisions in America or spoke specifically about our campus. As the country moves toward the next presidential term, it is clear that much of the Salve Regina community is both invested and passionate about the results.
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