I admit it: I feel lost in this time of Trump.
I was raised by lifelong Republican parents who always told us to respect all people no matter what they look like. They were challenged in their beliefs as their daughters fell in love with men of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
I was raised by lifelong Republican parents who always told us to respect all people no matter what they look like. They were challenged in their beliefs as their daughters fell in love with men of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
It wasn’t easy for them to accept these differences, but in time they did. The foundation they gave was one of love and openness to the good in others.
As an adult I carry these values:
I consider myself an agnostic but respect one’s right to worship as he or she chooses.
I’m a heterosexual but celebrate the right of all to love and partnership, regardless of their sexual orientation.
I’m a white Anglo Saxon whose ancestors came to this country in the 1600s, and I joyously welcome all those who seek to join our country of immigrants wherever they come from.
I am thankful to be healthy and free of disability but fight for those who face these struggles and seek to enjoy all our society has to offer.
I am a white woman married to a black man with two beautiful daughters and three exceptional grandchildren, all people of color. I understand fully how the American experience is very different based on what one looks like.
Until now, I believed the majority of Americans also held these values, even if our politics were different. This election has shaken those beliefs.
I no longer understand what it means to be Republican or conservative. For the first time I don’t know how to react to those I know and love who supported Trump. How do they really feel in their hearts about humanity, morality and social civility? I don’t know and I’m sad, confused and scared.
Joan Means is a resident of New Haven.