In the days following the election, visions of “#TrumpsAmerica” have been plaguing the minds of many. They see our new America as drastically worse than the nation which we inhabit today: a new society where nationalism and bigotry reign supreme over love and acceptance.

This, in my opinion, is completely naive.

The vast majority of people who are saying this are young Americans, many of which do not remember a time before President Barack Obama. In their view, the president is a cool and hip guy, someone who takes adorable photos with babies and plays basketball at the White House.

There is an element of truth to this, as Obama has truly represented the pinnacle of what our generation desires—someone harmless, lovable and inoffensive. He makes us feel good.

Obviously, this is the opposite of President-Elect Donald Trump, who is brash, unruly, inflammatory and unattractive. He does not think before he speaks, is arguably immoral and is a terrible replacement in the eyes of liberal America for Obama, who was placed on a Kardashian-esque pedestal. Because of this, they believe that taking to the streets to protest is the right idea, fear of old-school racism, sexism and homophobia taking over.

I find it difficult to agree with these feelings. Even as someone who (begrudgingly) voted for Hillary Clinton in this election, I cannot fathom how the general culture of America will change just due to Trump’s election, nor how this is the absolute worst thing that can happen. Social progress and personal opinions cannot be changed by a single man, and it is insulting to the grit of the American people to think so.

This all boils down to, I believe, the fact that the President of the United States does not define the culture of the country which he governs. We were not all evangelical conservative Christians under George W. Bush and progressive liberals under Obama, just like we will not all be bigoted jerks under Trump. Are there people out there who will take the election of Trump as an “OK” to being bigoted and hateful? Yes, of course. But these people will soon realize that our civil society has not upturned due to a new President being elected, especially if we the people still stand and fight for what we believe in.

The new man in the Oval Office will not be able to undo this, will not be able to change the minds of millions, as he does not have that much power. He will never have that much power, unless we hand it to him. And if you are that worried about Trump’s America, about what will happen now, then you must always remember that the real power in the country is held not by him, but by us.

https://youtu.be/aTCuvGupgoo

Maddie D’Iorio is a senior at Coppell High School. She is a member of the International Baccalaureate Program and debate team at CHS.