Tucker arrived in D.C. on inauguration day and watched as violent protests broke out just blocks away from where Trump was being sworn in.
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The first thing to note about the huge marches was that while they centred on fighting Trump’s agenda to roll back women’s rights and dignity, they also expressly included fighting back against the reactionary, ultra-right attacks on race, LGBTI rights and working people’s rights he championed in his election campaign, as spelt out in the “Guiding Vision” of the Women’s March on Washington. The march was one of the biggest demonstrations in the nation’s history.
On paper, the Women’s March has done exactly what it was meant to do – unite women of all backgrounds in a display of civic strength and unity. “I felt like I had to go”. Homemade signs and rainbow flags bore symbols of peace and love – others emblazoned with the printed message “Women Won’t Back Down”.
Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell said that some 7,500 people were coming from her home state of MI on 100 buses. The marchers I know voted and are concerned about issues that will negatively affect many Americans if left unchecked. Trump is not interested in building consensus.
There were many families with young children at the March and a few times I had anxious for the kids’ safety if anything was to get out of hand. There are people who claim that women who rightfully bring up that intersectionality needs to be a integral part of feminism and movements around women’s rights are being “divisive”.
I marched as a reminder to those “who won” that they can not ignore those who didn’t.
To my surprise, a dear friend of mine flew from Huntsville to Washington in order to march.
Bland made it clear these women were not token inclusions, but strong leaders with vast experience in mobilization centered around intersectionality, historically a problem area for white feminism.
Still waiting for Trump to invite a leader from the Women’s March to the White House for a discussion.
The “Guiding Vision and Defining Principles” moved well beyond narrow “identity” politics to an understanding that all forms of oppression in this society are related.
I am not a Democrat, and I did not vote for Hillary Clinton (I didn’t vote for Trump either). And their advocates should seek to work with the administration on issues when they can.To get to specifics, a lot of concern was expressed during the marches about demagoguery, something Trump easily can address by avoiding rhetoric that demeans groups and individuals. Instead, I would be right there next to them to serve as a reminder that we are here and we will not be forgotten.
Whether it has been intentional or the result of blind luck, I have found myself surrounded by strong feminists who I call upon every day. Some held signs above their heads and some had tears in their eyes.
All in all, the Women’s March on Washington was a much-needed unification of women and men across our divided country and across the world.
Being a woman is not defined by one’s biology. You can also volunteer for an organization that is important to you, such as Planned Parenthood. Because we are making this way out of no way.
Second, you can not look at women’s rights from one standpoint.
I marched for, and alongside, my friends Kent and Caanan. This was the first time I would be at the epicenter of something of this magnitude as a participant.
Donald Trump’s embattled new press secretary, Sean Spicer, was on Monday, offensively obtuse about the marchers, saying they weren’t really marching “against” anything. Concussion grenades were thrown around like it was the middle of a war zone. Black people do not get equal treatment from the police.
As for ongoing debate over the “huge” numbers, or lack thereof, at the inauguration, Tucker said there is no doubt in her mind, the women’s march trumped inauguration day numbers.
This group of protesters are really protesting what they see as a weakening of what makes America great – its diversity, protection for minority rights, and the dignity and respect we have for women.
I was there with a few of my past roommates from Middlebury College. It allows the state-sanctioned oppression and discrimination of communities of color to continue while protecting the assets of well-off white women. As more households are led by single women and their children, the income inequality, and low wages become a burden. This march should just be a beginning.
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This march, despite some flaws, was an enormous first step towards solidarity and true progression.
