I've read several articles that have explained why people have voted for Trump, more specifically, why people who were the target of his inflammatory and at times outright hateful rhetoric, voted for him. I will admit that plenty of their reasons have merit (worries about the economy, the inability to afford "Affordable Healthcare," and plenty of others.)
While I understand and accept your reasons for voting for Trump, and understand that a great number of people voted for him for reasons other than subconscious (and not so subconscious) racial bias, xenophobia, and misogynistic views, it is important that you understand why so many people are adamantly opposed to a Trump presidency.
Regardless of why you voted for Trump, it's important to recognize that while you may not be the "illiterate/ignorant redneck" that comprise a substantial part of his base supporters, many of his supporters actually are. By electing him we are not simply saying no to Obama's policies, or Hillary's perceived corruption, we supporting the notion that it's ok to feel like immigrants are a problem and that we should expel people and close our borders because of people's religion; that it is ok to speak to women and treat women as if they are objects; that the very real social justice concerns of people of color are not important; that people in the LGBT+ community do not have a place in this America; and that whiteness is something to be preserved and cherished. Trump's words emboldened and validated these opinions. His words inspired the support of the KKK. So although you may feel that you voted for other values that you saw in him, your vote also has the consequence of supporting these repulsive ideologies.
I do not consider you a bad person for voting for Trump, but I do ask that you understand the negative consequences of his election and assist with combating them. I ask that you outwardly condemn the large number of people that believe his election somehow confirms that it is ok to be a racist, a misogynist, and xenophobe. We all have the right to support who we think will steer our country in the right direction, but people do not have the right to tear off hijabs, tell black people that it's time to go back to Africa, and generally, to dehumanize and shame people for how they are born. I recognize Trump as my new president, and hope that he serves us well, just as you do. However I realize that we need to make a concerted effort to help people understand that this is one, united America that is accepting of all religions, races, and people. Please help me to help those who think otherwise to recognize this as well.
