By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following Donald Trump’s election victory, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used her Instagram platform to address her constituents, encouraging them to prepare for the future while emphasizing the importance of unity and intentional joy in the face of potential hardship. She cautioned against internal Democratic division and harmful finger-pointing, urging instead a focus on combating Trump’s policies, including potential mass deportations and economic instability. Ocasio-Cortez encouraged her followers to engage in real-world community involvement and prioritize authentic connection, advocating for a more proactive approach to tackling the challenges ahead.
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Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) urged people on both sides of the political spectrum to avoid engaging in online vitriol. She acknowledged that the tendency to be rude and offensive had become prevalent on the left and the right, suggesting that righteous causes were often used as a smokescreen to justify personal attacks.
AOC’s call for restraint was met with mixed reactions. Some people agreed with her sentiment, recognizing the need for civility and constructive dialogue in a deeply divided political climate. Others disagreed, arguing that it was important to speak out against harmful rhetoric and policies, even if it meant using strong language. They felt that remaining polite in the face of injustice would be tantamount to condoning it.
Many expressed frustration that the Democratic Party seemed unwilling to confront Trump and his supporters with the same intensity that Republicans used against their opponents. They felt that Democrats’ attempts to “take the high road” were futile and that the party needed to be more assertive in defending its values.
Some commentators pointed out that AOC herself had built her political career by speaking out against injustices and challenging the status quo. They argued that her call for restraint was hypocritical, considering her own history of using a direct and confrontational style.
However, others argued that AOC’s call for restraint was not about censoring dissenting voices but rather about focusing on constructive dialogue and building bridges across political divides. They acknowledged that emotions were running high following the election, but they emphasized the importance of finding common ground and working together to address the challenges facing the nation.
Ultimately, AOC’s call for restraint highlighted the complex and often contentious nature of online discourse in the wake of a divisive election. It sparked a debate about the role of civility and assertiveness in political activism, as well as the potential pitfalls of using online platforms to express anger and frustration.