One Year Post Women's March

On January 21st, 2017, millions of women, men, families, children, and determined individuals all over the world united together for the Women's March, a demonstration to protect our human rights, and an event that would become the largest single-day protest in U.S. history.  The Women's March portrayed solidarity, purpose, and unity.  We sent a message to the Administration that we, as women, as families, and as citizens, demand protection of our rights and refuse to accept the status quo.  Those of us who marched that day recall feelings of hope and inspiration.  We felt empowered by strong leaders in our communities, and we knew that we weren't alone.

We are now one year post Women's March, and what a year it has been.  It seems like every time we turn on the news (or go on Twitter), our President is making an ignorant comment, carelessly ignoring disasters in our nation, trying to take away the basic liberties of people, burning bridges, causing calamities, and making impulsive decisions that will undoubtedly have unfavorable ramifications for years to come.  Our President is arrogant, egotistical, and short-sighted.  He thinks the rules do not apply to him, he is unable to rationally comprehend the consequences of his actions, and, perhaps worst of all, he does not show any signs of having a conscience.  We who participated in the Women's March last year are no less furious about the election of "45" than we were a year ago; however, I think we all recognize that he is never going to change, and, sadly, he probably won't lose any of his supporters either.  So where do we go from here?

I can't help but notice the deepening and growing divide in our nation because of discrepancies in wealth, opportunity, and values.  I also can't help but ask myself, have we made a difference?  By speaking out and uniting, has anything changed?  Have things become more manageable?  It's hard to say.  But we are talking more.  We are sharing our opinions and speaking out.  People who don't normally speak out politically are doing so.  We are supporting one another.  We are celebrating our shared humanity.  We are realizing that people are inherently the same everywhere in the world.  We are embracing diversity.  We are become aware of our own intrinsic biases, and taking steps to become better people.  We are looking out for those who need our help the most.  

So, one year later, how do we continue to survive?  We ban together.  We perform daily acts of kindness.  We exercise patience.  We recognize that Trump's statements and Tweets are attempts at distraction, and we try to ignore them.  Most importantly, we act politically by voting, donating, campaigning, discussing, and educating.  Democrats need to gain control of Congress this year if we stand a chance.  We've made it through one year, and together we can survive three more.



"Girls Just Wanna Have Fundamental Rights"
Little Marcher, 2017

At the Women's March

One year later...

... pondering the future...

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

A Pacific Northwest Bachelorette Party

High Altitude Baking: Coffee Cake

My Bachelorette Party: San Francisco and Sonoma