Friday, November 8, 2024
My Dearest Son,
As I sit down to write this letter, my heart feels heavy. While you embrace the joy of childhood, dreaming of fun, school, and adventures, your mother is struggling to find the strength to express the sorrow that weighs on me. I am sad, devastated, and, filled with disbelief. The world around us feels chaotic and frightening, especially after the results of our presidential election. I never imagined this could happen, and even now, I grapple with the reality of it. Each day, I wrestle with thoughts of “what if” and the potential impacts of the new policies that will be implemented—ideas that resonate with so many uncritical minds, perpetuating a cycle of manipulation. My heart aches for our undocumented friends, our beloved trans and queer community, our friends of color, and for me—your single mother, navigating life and education from a marginalized community. I think about what this means for you: for your education, your future, and your identity in a world that seems increasingly unkind. It saddens me to acknowledge that, as a four-year-old boy, you may one day have more rights over your own body than I, your mother, will have over mine.
The hate spreading in our society is overwhelming. Since the election a few days ago, we are seeing threats against African Americans reminiscent of our nation’s darkest chapters of slavery, threats, disrespect against members of the queer community, and divisions within the Latinx community that misunderstand the truth about identity and belonging in a world that will never accept their own attempts at whiteness. White supremacist fears of becoming the minority in a land built on the backs of Native Americans are alarming and a danger to us all that are not like them. When did it become acceptable to spread such animosity? To judge others instead of spreading love and empathy?
Since waking up to this disheartening news on Wednesday, my mind has felt clouded. It pains me deeply to see how many in our Latinx community contributed to this election outcome. The hatred directed at women and the growing toxicity around masculinity fuel my research and my heart’s purpose: to prevent such hegemonic masculinity from taking root in your life. It would break me to see you, one day, embodying the very attitudes that oppress women and our queer or undocumented friends.
I am determined to raise you with hope—to nurture a spirit of empathy, understanding, love, and respect for all, especially for those marginalized in our society. You are the future, and my greatest hope is that you will be a part of the change we so desperately need in these tumultuous times. For now, I will protect your innocence and allow you to rejoice in the joys of being a child. Your carefree spirit is a precious gift, and I long to see you enjoy your youth without worry. As I gather my strength to fight against this darkness alongside my peers and colleagues, I want you to know that my resolve remains undeterred by this election. I will persevere, ensuring that you grow up with a conscious awareness of the world and the people around you. Thank you, my dear son, for bringing me courage and strength in these trying times, even without you realizing it.
I love you more than words can express.
With all my love,
Mama