Letter: ​The new normal after Trump isn’t so new

TO THE EDITOR:

In the upcoming weeks after the election, we must make sure that we do not accept the “new” normal. I say “new” because for people of color, this has just been normal.

Many have said what has transpired in the wake of the election has been disappointing and is not a reflection of Real America. In a word, yikes.

Real America is black lives not mattering.

Real America is ignoring what’s going on in North Dakota.

Real America is hate crimes spiking after the election, but also the fact that according to the FBI, hate crimes spiked in 2015 overall, especially against Muslim Americans.

So, there are two paths you can take.

A: Not care at all and continue to ignore oppressive power structures for the sake of comfort

B: Realize that there’s more to being woke and do something about it.

We can acknowledge that we have privilege by being at Chapel Hill but also realize that it’s a different world for many of us.

We need empathy, open ears and a willingness to commit to change, as uncomfortable as it may be. There’s no time to wait around for people to come around.

Fighting the good fight is more than just a safety pin. It’s putting yourself in uncomfortable situations, choosing truth over ease and realizing that for the sake of humanity, we have to do something now.

Good luck.

Insaaf Mohamed

Junior

Economics