By Yes, we know he’s not a girl, but he’s still pretty awesome! And if elected, Donald Trump would probably ban him, because Muslim.
In what should definitely be seen as an election for the history books, Sadiq Khan has been elected as the new mayor of London!
Mr. Khan beat conservative contender Zac Goldsmith by 1,310,143 votes to 994, 614, effectively ending the eight year conservative control of London’s city hall.
So why is this significant?
In a time where Islamophobia is rampant, and openly employed in the media, Mr. Khan has now become the first ever Muslim mayor of London, and therefore, the first Muslim mayor of a major Western city. Ma shaa Allah!
This blatant stand against the xenophobic rhetoric that has become so common in the U.S. Presidential election is something that inspires hope in our future as a global society. This is a victory for not only Muslims, but all minorities, and not only for Londoners, but for the world.
Think about it–this man, the son of a Pakistani immigrant, has now become mayor of the capital of England, AKA the country that once colonized Pakistan. He was voted into office by the population of one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. That, my friends, is called progress.
The campaign itself is also cause for hope that people can excel regardess of their differences. During the campaign, Zac Goldsmith attempted to link Mr. Khan with extremists–as any Islamophobic, fearmongering person desperate for votes would (hi, Mr. Trump!). However, the results of this election show that regardless of fear tactics, people really do have the ability to separate an innocent majority from what the media claims is an entire religion. Well, at least in England.
In the words of Mr. Khan, Londoners truly showed that “Politics of fear is not welcome in our city,” and that is something to celebrate.
As possibly the most powerful Muslim holding office in Europe, Mr. Khan had some wise words to share in his victory speech saying, “This election was not without controversy, and I’m so proud that London has today chosen hope over fear and unity over division. I hope that we will never be offered such a stark choice again. Fear does not make us safer, it only makes us weaker, and the politics of fear is simply not welcome in our city.” He continued, “I promise to always be a mayor for all Londoners, for every Londoner, regardless of your background.”
Cheers, Mr. Khan! Let’s hope the rest of the world will follow in the footsteps of acceptance and understanding for all.