EDITORIAL: Now more than ever, it’s up to millennials to critique, create the world we want

Shock, angst and frustration: As Donald Trump becomes president-elect of the United States, those are the only words we can summon now to describe how we feel.

Trump’s comments throughout the campaign — beginning with Hispanics, then Muslims, then women — revealed a disqualifying personality. Now, with his victory over Hillary Clinton, they only highlight the need to advocate for those victimized by 2016’s derisive and disrespectful election campaign.

As millennials wake to a new day, we must regroup and recommit to the world we want.

Now more than ever, the American people must shoulder the responsibility to protect the concerns of women and minorities.

Now, more than ever, a renewed and more aggressive focus on progressivism is needed. We must not evade these long-standing problems.

Regardless of the results, America must not succumb to fear, intimidation and divisiveness. The election has been stressful and exhausting but is, nevertheless, a  testimony of the nation’s determination to persevere, progress and improve. The image of America is not solely delineated by the president or a house majority, but rather the unifying principles of natural rights, popular sovereignty and individuality.  

Neither the government nor whatever makes our lives great now are beholden to the federal politicians we elect today. Today’s election does not predict what is to come — but our scrutiny will be more important than ever along with our continued engagement in the political process.

On this momentous day, sadly, an opportunity has been lost — the opportunity to elect a competent, virtuous and conscientious leader. And yet, the decision to stand in unison against violence and hatred remains.

The issues of racial, sexual and economic equality remain vital. This is not the time to cling to the disappointment of failure.

—Featured photo: Student journalists from San Dieguito Academy in Encinitas, California, gathered during election night on Nov. 8 to publish live reports. Credit: Kate Sequeira.

This editorial represents the consensus of the Global Student Square editorial staff.