Redefining Reality in the Face of Political Shifts- Women Rights
On November 6, when Donald Trump was re-elected and among the media frenzy, I began to reflect on what this meant for America and, personally, for me. Though I am typically nonpartisan and follow politics only to stay informed, certain aspects of this new administration—particularly the recent office appointments—caught my attention. Most of the new administration’s top spots went to men, signaling a regression in representation and diversity. Paired with Project 2025’s anticipated cuts to social, racial equity, education, health, and housing initiatives, I found myself questioning if progress toward social justice was slipping backward.
This turn of events has evoked memories from my own journey, one that began as a child immigrant in America. I remember being nine years old, having just moved here, and getting bullied on the playground. When I turned to my mother for comfort, she would tell me, “We are foreigners here; this is not our land.” Those words stayed with me, not just through childhood but well into my career.
As I grew and entered the workforce, her words echoed in the times when I was passed over for advancement or when I was criticized unfairly. Yet, through the years, I found my value came not from fitting in or appeasing those around me but from my resilience, dedication, and intellect. My achievements were hard-earned, not gifts afforded by race or privilege. And for that, I became all the more grateful for the opportunity to define my own identity here in America.
In Taiwan, as a young student, I was discouraged from speaking the Taiwanese dialect in favor of the “more sophisticated” Mandarin. Teachers often gave preferential treatment to mainland Chinese students—the legacy of the political dominance of Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang (KMT) party. It wasn’t until I was older that I understood the cultural and historical reasons behind these biases and the political hierarchy imposed upon us. Looking back, I now see similarities in the values that uphold tradition and legacy, mirroring the conservative values in America today.
I often wonder if the KMT party back in Taiwan, with its strict adherence to tradition and legacy, was a parallel to the Republican party in America today. Both seem to enforce values that benefit specific groups, perhaps out of convenience and self-preservation. When I think of Project 2025’s objectives, I can’t help but wonder if some policies are crafted in the same spirit—to preserve power rather than uplift everyone.
As I reflect on Trump’s re-election and the implications for rights that matter deeply to me, like women’s rights, I can’t help but ask, “What has changed?” Yet, the answer has become clear. Instead of feeling compelled to accept my place, I’m shaping my own narrative and taking action to create the reality I want to see. I’m no longer the nine-year-old girl who believes that her only option is to accept her “foreign” identity. Instead, I’m a woman with a voice, empowered by my experiences here in America, my home—where my individuality is recognized and valued.
For this, I feel grateful for the Western cultural influence that has shaped my voice and instilled in me the confidence to advocate for what I believe. We can’t predict the future, but we can control how we contribute to shaping it today. It’s not just about the political outcome—it’s about the journey of standing for what we believe in and refusing to back down. This is my reality, and it’s one I’ll continue to define on my own terms.
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