Let's Talk: 2020 US Presidential Election

I can’t believe today’s the day. The 2020 election has crept up on us through the pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, and the countless other big news events that have taken place this year.

I’ve followed along with the election coverage quite closely over the last year. I would be embarrassed to see a total of hours I’ve spent watching CNN, The View, or reading articles about either party leader. At one point, my Twitter feed was practically curated for a US citizen, seeing updates as news broke about either party leader, their campaign, or any scandals they were involved in. I’ll be honest, it got to the point that it became toxic and started taking a toll on my mental health. Constantly being exposed to such hate and toxicity from Trump and his supporters, I had to block certain words from my social media to get a break from it all.

I vividly remember my reaction to the results of the 2016 US Presidential Election. I had been following along with my mum, both of us not believing there would be a world where Donald Trump was the President of the United States. As the results came through, we were both shocked but it wasn’t until the following day that it really hit me what happened. I was sitting in my first-year Gender and Women’s Studies tutorial and my TA asked us how we were doing. We went around the circle and like many first-year classes, many students didn’t want to participate and just shrugged off her question with a “fine” or “good.” When it came to my turn I shared with the class that I had been following along with the election and I was shocked by the results. I also shocked myself by full-on breaking down in front of my class. The ultimate bully had won and I was scared of what he would awaken in the rest of the world now that such a hateful person was in a powerful position.

Fast-forward 4 years and it’s election day again. I’m not going to lie, I’m anxious regardless of the results. Win or lose, what will be the repercussions of either outcome?

I know this election isn’t happening in Canada. I’m beyond grateful that it isn’t but I’m not naive. I understand that the outcome of this election will affect Canada, its relationship with the US, and ultimately how people will continue to treat one another.

This is a huge moment in history that I’m sure the future generations will be studying in years to come. Goodness knows I know more about American politics and history than Canada’s given our close border and the constant exposure to American content.

If you’re a Canadian feeling overwhelmed by the election, I don’t blame you. I’m in the same boat as you. Take a break from the news and social media. If you’re looking to mute some words from appearing on your timeline like I did, I suggest you check out Twitter’s help page for instructions.

If you don’t really care what happens just be extra kind to others over the next little while as they may be feeling anxious about the future.

If you’re curious about what this election could mean for Canada, I recommend you check out this CBC article that breaks down 5 ways the US election result could impact Canada.

Regardless of the results, let’s try to spread love and positivity to our friends, family, neighbours, and strangers. Let’s not let the hate that so strongly exists south of the border grow in Canada. It exists but let’s not feed it.

Good luck America.

xx Lex