By Evelyn Lucado
Elm Staff Writer
This election season has seen America deeply polarized, divided, and weary, with many students and community members asking the question of what comes next.
After a long and hard-fought campaign for the White House, the 2024 voting season has come to an end with Donald Trump being elected as the 47th president of the United States.
Anger and fear are valid emotions following such a tumultuous election; however, it is vital to take a step back and address those emotions in a productive manner. For students, it is important to step away from “doom scrolling” and take the time to process this deeply stressful period.
In review, the 2024 presidential election was driven by fearful rhetoric, with a surge of misinformation, leaving a deep wedge that fractured American communities.
As America looks toward the next four years, it is time to learn from the chaos and polarization and move forward. The first step to healing these disconnects is taking the time to process and reflect on recent political stressors.
According to AP News, the months leading up to the election saw an influx of misinformation on several social media platforms, with the FBI attributing one such post to Russian influence actors.
Many Americans chose to unleash frustrations about influxes of misinformation and political anxiety on their fellow citizens.
According to a poll conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice, the percentage of surveyed local election officials reported harassment, abuse, and threats of violence increased from 30% in 2023 to 38% in 2024.
One thing Americans can do to combat the fear caused by misinformation is understanding how to verify information. On the whole, social media platforms do not produce reliable sources.
According to the North Carolina Board of Elections, citizens should look for credible information from trusted sources, such as state election boards. To combat misinformation and disinformation, North Carolinian Board of Elections members have compiled resources regarding how to verify sources and spot uncredible information.
“Make the State Board of Elections or your county board of elections your first choice for accurate election information. Questions? Contact the State Board or your county board of elections,” the North Carolina Board of Elections said.
For Washington College students, the campus library offers a plethora of eJournals, online databases, and research tools to aid in verifying information.
One step to healing as a nation is understanding misinformation and disinformation. The next step is to avoid cycles of anger and blame.
Many supporters of presidential candidate Kamala Harris are taking to social media to express their fearfulness and anger surrounding the election results.
In times of stress, it is crucial to maintain community and connection. However, it is also okay to take a step away from social media.
Many WC students have taken to the social media platform YikYak, which allows users to post namelessly. The WC YikYak page has seen several anonymous and heated arguments surrounding the election results.
When frustration and fear reach a boiling point, it is important to take a step back and tend to those emotions.
Most importantly, it is crucial to understand that no one is alone in their feelings. Americans from all walks of life are feeling the effects of political tension.
According to a campus-wide email to students from WCFaculty Council, “As faculty, we will continue to use our power to advocate for the value of all Washington College students, faculty, and staff, even when public discourse shifts away from affirmation and support of the wide range of human experiences.”
WC faculty is right. The election outcome presents an oppurtunity for campus to connect more than ever.
“We know our strongest future is one we build together, across differences, and guided by the values of love and collective liberation,” WC faculty said.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Photo Caption: Increased political fear and anxiety present an oppurtunity for productive and healthy discussion.