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If the news that America just elected Donald Trump – the most inexperienced US presidential candidate ever – over Hillary Clinton – the most experienced presidential candidate ever, and what would have been the first female president – don’t despair.
No really, don’t. Jennifer Lawrence doesn’t want you to. In an open letter to women published on Vice website Broadly on Friday, the adored actress made an attempt to galvanise the anger many women around the world are feeling at Trump’s election and turn it into action.
She acknowledged the injustice of it all for minorities.
“This country was founded on immigration and today the only people that feel safe, that their rights are recognised and respected are white men.”
She said we needed to put our emotions aside.
“We shouldn’t blame anyone, we shouldn’t riot in the streets. We should think strongly and clearly about what to do next because we cannot change the past.”
She said we should effect small, positive changes in our communities and countries in any way that we can.
“If you’re worried about the health of our planet, find out everything you can about how to protect it. If you’re worried about racial violence love your neighbour more than you’ve ever tried to before—no matter what they believe or who they voted for. If you’re afraid of a wall putting us all into another recession then organise and stand against it.”
And finally, she urges us not to go quietly into the night
“Like Hillary, you can still be an inspiration and get important things done. Do not let this defeat you—let this enrage you! Let it motivate you! Let this be the fire you didn’t have before. If you are an immigrant, if you are a person of color, if you are LGBTQ+, if you are a woman—don’t be afraid, be loud!”
