Staff Writer
Cities all across the country became the sites of dozens of Women’s Marches over the weekend of January 20, 2018. At the one year anniversary of the original march, anywhere from 1.6 to 2.5 million protesters marched yet again to make their voices heard. However, this year those attending had their sights set on a new goal.
While the 2017 marches were meant to show dissent and dissatisfaction with the government, this year’s marches had a focus on the midterms. At the Philadelphia march, which I attended, signs calling for the coming of a “Blue Wave” could be seen throughout the street, as women were being urged to head to the polls and vote for the change they wanted to see in the next midterm election. Voting is not where things ended, of course, as women were also encouraged to run for office and be the change they wanted to see.
There was also, of course, focus on many other issues. Signs throughout spoke of things such as DACA, Obamacare, support for immigrants, support for the disabled, the government shutdown, LGBTQ+ rights, Puerto Rico and other islands still hurting after last year’s hurricanes, and generally decrying hatred and bigotry. There were even signs by men in support of women, not to mention dozens of humorous signs. One of the most prevalent issues brought up by protesters and speakers alike was the #MeToo movement, calling attention to prevalent sexual harassment and assault against women. Some speakers shared their own stories, including the singer Halsey who delivered a powerful speech on sexual abuse at the New York City march.
Trump also tweeted in support of the march, saying, “Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!” It’s unclear whether or not he’s aware the march was actually a protest, and that much of the march was meant to protest him.
Only time will tell if the march’s ambitions will come to fruition, but even so, this anniversary proves that the spirit of resistance is still alive in the American people.
