When I look back at Nov. 8, I still get chills. For those of you who are privileged enough to not be affected by this, I’m talking about Election Day.

What an interesting day it was. It was filled with a rollercoaster of emotions, shock, and disbelief. I still feel as if we’re all in some sort of a daze—waiting for the “I’m just kidding!” to roll out of Donald Trump’s mouth. That doesn’t look like it’s happening anytime soon, however.

There was no way I could articulate my thoughts about this entire ordeal immediately after the elections.

I’m here to drop my two cents and educate you all on why I don’t think Trump is the problem, but more of a symptom.

I could care less about Trump and his twisted (and unconstitutional) plans and ideals. Don’t we have this thing called checks and balances? And what’s up with Congress? Oh wait, everyone’s a Republican now, so who knows what the future holds.

It’s not like this country didn’t execute Islamophobic-rooted actions before. Donald Trump wants mosques to be surveilled? This country has been there and done that.

The New York Police Department has been singling out Muslim communities across New York City and the Tri-State area as well as infiltrating them with informants since 2002. Even after admitting that all was clear (even though their pretenses were already baseless), they continued their unconstitutional surveillance and targeted an entire population based on their beliefs.

I mean if you all want to talk about generalizations, then shall I stereotype against all White Christian men because of the KKK? An organization that endorsed our current president-elect, by the way. Bravo, ‘Merica!

It’s not just Muslim-Americans that have repeatedly gotten the short end of the stick. Whether it was under the Bush or Obama Administrations, and soon, Trump’s Administration, every single marginalized group in this country has been targeted in one way or another.

What I’m trying to say, is that Trump didn’t win because people designated their votes to a third party. He didn’t win because the system was rigged. Trump won because his very ideals are already deeply rooted within this country. Trump won because we have racists, xenophobes, Islamophobes, bigots and supremacists living here.

If you disagree, know that’s it’s your privilege talking.

The minute you recognize that and hold yourself accountable is when you can stand with us as an ally. Now is the time, more than ever, for Americans to unite. We pride ourselves on being the “free world” and valuing our ideals (democracy, equality, liberty, etc.), so let’s act like it.

Americans come in all shapes, sizes and colors. No matter your background or beliefs, if you love this country, then it’s your duty to represent it well and stand up for what’s right.