Similar to many of my fellow Americans, I am appalled, disgusted, and ashamed by the results of the election on Tuesday. I am still in denial about our next president, but I am aware that we, as a nation, have to keep moving forward. We must show that love trumps hate, bigotry, and violence. I’ve compiled a list of some speeches, performances, and pieces of art that have inspired me during this unnerving period in American history.
This performance has circulated the internet before, but their words still resonate with me. I am choosing to channel my anger and sadness into change. We owe it to these women, and to all women, to do so.
“We Shall Overcome” is associated with the civil rights movement, but the message remains the same. When they go low, we go high.
“Glory” was written for the film Selma. It contains powerful statements on civil rights and the #blacklivesmatter movement.
The Laramie Project is a play comprised of interviews from the town of Laramie, Wyoming after the murder of a young gay man.This is a documentary-style movie adaptation of the play, and it should be noted that many characters use hateful language and depict triggering situations. As an ally, I promise to stand with the LGBTQ community.
Probably the most obvious choice, Imagine exemplifies peace.
Art is a beautiful way to express emotion and create change. Get angry. Cry, yell, sleep, scream. Then, create. Sing, write, protest, volunteer. Let’s use the arts as a vehicle for change.