The future through the Womens March

 The future through the Womens March

It was Winter of 2017 when I asked my mom why she was knitting a pink hat with cat ears; I do not remember what she said at first, but I questioned further, and she said, “Do you really want to know?” Once I heard the words of my elected president, It became clear to me that bringing to light the ugly truth is the only way to fundamentally encourage change for the future: the optimistic and trusting view of the government and democracy of America I was taught growing up was not something that we could rely on. Trump's election seemed to seal the deal for millions across America that progress is not linear and time needs to be used constructively. Lighting a fire for many to get involved and take an active role in ways to influence government, peoples engagement, and response to the marches illustrates how a mindset of many everyday Americans has progressed from the basis of exclusionary 1st and 2nd Feminist movements to a multidisciplinary and inclusive grassroots effort to revolutionize various systems that aid in harm and oppression of marginalized groups. 

In the wake of the 2016 election, I remember an increased awareness of social issues around me and others in the community. At the moment, I believe this was in response to the election, but more importantly, it can be attributed to the Women's March itself, and the reverberating inspiration national and global support had on the greater progressive community looking to create change. The marches of January 21st showed the globe, not just America but the world, supported the necessity of the feminist movement, undoubtedly playing a role in the inspiration of so many to speak up.

An article discusses the progression of these movements, focusing on the outcome of the January marches on people’s mindset and mental growth.  “[the demonstrators] had come to the Women’s March not as a unified people following a leader with a specific set of demands, but as individuals with a variety of related grievances, wanting to express a broad feeling of dismay at the direction the country was headed.” The event now highlights significant ideological and moral values of dissenting groups in America fighting for change. A stark comparison to the January 6th insurrection, these people fighting against a government they felt was unfairly elected and could obstruct their rights did so with composure and self-awareness. While an article by David Brooks tried to write off the marches as “mass therapy” and “nothing more than a seductive substitute for action,” the true significance of the demonstrations lies in the lasting impact of marking the beginning of a new fight for a feminist society. People across the country came out of the woodwork and together in support of something they felt was necessary, an apparent psychological change from half a decade ago when many more were apathetic, especially to issues that did not directly affect them.

As I began to learn more about people from both sides of the aisle, I began to recognize the inconsistencies and way our own American foundation can be used to manipulate and defend different mentalities, like believing in the premise of America to protect and defend one’s individual and collective rights, versus “patriotically” standing behind whatever present political system. I think Americans today use their own personal and emotional leanings to defend and support their political beliefs; however, I believe one argument is stronger than the other, taking the values of equality and liberation and applying them to the current political situation. Like Jefferson said, “a little rebellion now and then is a good thing.”