In a heartfelt letter that resonates with countless women experiencing emotional turmoil this week, Amber Thompson articulates how many of us are feeling in the wake of recent events.
“Through your journey, we have gained clarity, and we can’t ignore how much of this nation values women—including women themselves.” This powerful sentiment is just one of the many poignant observations Amber made in her open letter that struck a chord with so many of us.
She reflects on the morning after the election, sharing, “We woke up, exchanging texts filled with images of our tear-streaked, puffy faces.” The angst continued as we confided in each other about our children’s fears—kids waking up from nightmares about walls being constructed. We found ourselves having to explain to our daughters how a man with a history of mistreating women has now become the president. Pregnant women among us voiced their anxieties about what the future might hold. Amber recounts sending and receiving at least 38 messages like these from friends that morning, capturing our collective angst.
This week, we are united in shared pain. We feel Hillary’s disappointment deeply. Many of us have faced professional setbacks, been labeled “too aggressive” for taking charge, or have outperformed male colleagues only to be overlooked. With her three decades of political experience, Hillary represented a beacon of hope—she is a seasoned leader with extensive knowledge of foreign affairs and governance. Yet, she lost to a reality TV star with no political experience, which feels like a slap in the face to all of us who have been undervalued.
“Your candidacy served as a reflection of our society’s complex relationship with female power, embodying both our support and our disdain,” Amber writes. “You’ve become a guiding light for our futures, a constant reminder of the work we’ve accomplished and the battles we still need to fight.”
The day after the election, many women wore expressions that captured a profound sense of defeat. It’s a feeling that lingers, a painful acknowledgment of our collective disappointment. I couldn’t look another woman in the eye without feeling tears welling up. It’s disbelief. We were deserving. We had the potential. What went wrong? If those expressions could speak, they would echo our confusion and sadness.
“We want you to know that we recognize the efforts you’ve made, and we understand the challenges that lie ahead for us,” she conveys. “Through your journey, we have become aware of how half of this nation perceives women—including the women themselves.”
One of the most disheartening realizations has been the number of women who cast their votes for the opposing candidate. Our rights, our freedoms, and our identities seem betrayed by those we hoped would stand beside us. Hillary’s candidacy represented the chance for women to finally receive recognition for their achievements—a national affirmation that we are indeed equals.
While we may not have gained that recognition, it’s important to understand that the true revolution lies not in accolades but in the fierce determination within each of us. No election can extinguish the fire that fuels our fight; regardless of how defeated we feel this week, we rise again. That’s what women do.
“You are an integral part of a movement that has been simmering within us for generations. You are the figure we could rally around to finally say, ‘That is how our power emerges. That is how our power is challenged. That is how our power is misrepresented. That is how our power is reclaimed. That is how our power transforms, evolves, and strengthens. That is how our power can be revolutionary.’”
“I see you, Hillary Clinton. I see you. Thank you for acknowledging us.”
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In summary, while we may be feeling lost and defeated this week, it’s essential to recognize our collective strength and the ongoing fight for women’s rights and recognition. We will rise, we will fight, and we will not be silenced.
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