Yes, I went to BOTH the 45th Presidential Inauguration and the Women's March on Washington.
Yes, I did experience two different emotions.
No, I will not spend my time talking about the negative aspects. I am here to reflect on my experience as a Hispanic woman.
On Friday, January 20th, I was given the chance to attend a historical event and witness a peaceful transition of power.
I was able to get orange lawn standing tickets, so safe to say that it was an easy way in. Security was very tight and I appreciated the feeling of safety. I was not able to see any protests by my sections, but I was hearing and seeing on Twitter that while my entrance was clear, some were with protesters already. Even in the event, there was little to no protesting, which I was very surprised by.
As a future reporter and journalist, I was observing the crowd in comparison to the voter turnout numbers.
It was fairly correct.
Voter turnout for race and gender was 63% for white men and 53% for white women. Less than 10% was for both black men and women, and less than 30% was for latino men and women.
As an observer, that is what I saw, unfortunately. As much as we want to say we are one nation, we are a deeply divided nation, unfortunately. Coming from Miami, I see diversity in all parts of my city. This was not the case and I was not surprised. These people who turned out came to support the change in their nation and their patriotism was at its finest... or was it?
The ceremony was quite an experience. There were moments of high and there were moments of absolute low. Everyone was very excited to see President Trump and other highly regarded Republican officials. When they showed some Democratic members, some comments were very unnecessary and did not repress a peaceful and respectful transition of power (Obama's transition was met with protesters asking for his birth certificate, asking him to move back to Kenya, and slave references -- just saying). Much booing happened when Hillary came out, but it was refreshing to see people clapping for her. Hillary did not need to go, but she did, and while some people continuously called her "ugly" and booed at her, others clapped their fair share and awaited peacefully for their new President. When Michelle Obama came out, many clapped for her, but when Melania Trump came out, many men began to cat call. "You never heard that when Michelle came out." No, you didn't, and you shouldn't have heard that cat call at all. Both women are beautiful and I feared racist remarks against Michelle. But, thankfully, I didn't hear anything, but I did wish men would have treated such poised woman with respect.
The time to swear-in came after the crowd didn't want to hear ANYONE talk (I'm sorry but do you know how these ceremonies work?). Once Pence was sworn in, it was time to have Donald Trump as President. The crowd was wild, and beyond excited to hear those words that made him officially the new President.
It was speech time.
It was starting to sound like the speech I wanted, but it wasn't the speech I expected. Someone mentioned the speech was a hard jab at every past President there. Others felt that it was exactly what America needs and the perfect way to transfer power. But unity for ALL and not only the whites needed to be addressed. It still needed to be addressed before the divide gets even further.
Leaving was easy, and no protest was encountered.
On Saturday, January 21st, I attended the Women's March on Washington.
Before you go on to say that this was a protest on Trump, as a WHOLE, it wasn't.
Yes, there were people protesting the Presidency, but everyone knew they can't change what has been done.
This march was a march for women's rights, LGBTQ rights, trans rights, Muslim rights, equal pay, immigrant rights, indigenous women, and even climate change. Everyone in this fight was showing congress that women of all colors and ranges will not be disregarded over men or other white women.
Many women use white privilege to get their s*it done, and while that is great, a POC would not reach the same finish line with an all white, all right, and all male congress.
Come to think of it, many of us wouldn't be where we are now if it wasn't for the 1956 Women's March. Once again, women are rising above on the first day of a new government to show that a fight is going to be fought.
There was more diversity in this event and the energy was very positive. As a Latina, the energy was powerful and personally gave me strength to fight a congress that wants to take away rights for minorities.
This even was NOT to have it easy. This event does NOT undermine the horrific events happening to other women across the globe (and on that note -- since when are we now caring about other nations? I thought it was America first?). There are many Women's Rights campaigns that are helping women across the globe. This event was for us here in the U.S. to show that more women are going to be involved as ever. It was a chance for white women to support minorities and join in the fight. It was a chance to not be quiet and warn that a woman's place is in the house AND in the senate.
By the way -- it was not an event to attack men. A friendly reminder: Feminist (n): a person who believe in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.
