January 20, 2017 marks the start of a new world, and for many, a new life.
Traditionally, inaugurations mark the "beginning or introduction of a system, policy, or period". Which, this description holds true as the 45th Presidential Inauguration takes place; but this time, the word "inauguration" morphs into something with so much more meaning for American, and world, citizens.
To begin with, the inauguration of President-Elect, Donald Trump, is not only creating buzz in small towns and cities across the nation, but it is also serving as an impressive economic stimulator for Washington, D.C. Though the district initially saw an increase in hotel cancellations immediately following the results of the election, hotel demand has escalated to "unprecedented numbers" as protesters, press, and supporters alike cram into the Capitol.
There are many reasons that account for the upsurge in attendees, the main factor being that the celebrity President-Elect is creating more news surrounding himself, as America fights for the prime spot to watch history be made. Everyone is curious, and everyone wants to make sure they get to see how it all really goes down in D.C. on Inauguration Day.
Though this stimulation in commerce should seem like a positive thing for the area, it is causing more trouble than it may be worth. According to politico.com, hotel and business owners are preparing for a "potent and potentially tense mix", and many hotels are hiring additional security to compensate for the tension that will be evident.
However, the important question in this mess is; why are so many precautions and extra measures being taken for this particular election? In no other Presidential Inauguration have there been so many preventative steps taken, though this could be due in part to the advancement of online threats, drones, and individual acts of violence.
The main threat as reported to ABC News is "lone-wolf threats", meaning that people are striking singularly. The scariest part of this "threat" is that the motives will most likely be unknown at the time, indicating someone had a problem with something that has been done or said. And as was learned in 2016, anything can be a trigger for these behaviors.
A good amount of the people that are going to be in D.C. over Inauguration weekend will be women protesting Trump and his policies, and on-lookers of the protests; while another significant part of the equation will be Trump's supporters.
As the old adage goes, "there are two sides to every story", but the stories being heard from liberals and conservatives are not lining up at all; it's like they are telling completely different narratives. Why is this particular election so divisive of the people that comprise "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"? The phrase "E. Pluribus Unum" is printed on our currency, something that literally translates from Latin as, "out of many, one". So, why are we acting like we are all on opposites of the same coin? Are participates in this historical milestone so afraid of each other that it is necessary to order in costly and, possibly excessive, additional help?
When the Rockettes were announced as performers at the Inauguration, some of the girls were outraged that they were being coerced into having "to be tolerant of intolerance". James Dolan, the executive chairman of Madison Square Garden, responded to their complaints by stating, "[we are] celebrating a new president, not necessarily this president".
As just mentioned, not everyone is excited about the President-Elect--well, half the country, really. But, does that mean we are allowed to treat our fellow citizens as objects without feelings and opinions?
Washington, D.C.'s commerce is benefitting from the curious minds that are being pulled to the Inauguration. It is benefitting from the protesters who are free, and able to share their thoughts and ideas with the world. It is benefitting from the foreign diplomats that are visiting our (already) great country. It is benefitting from the supporters that backed Trump from the beginning, or merely voted for "the lesser of two evils". And if our melting-pot of a country is willing to get together in one city for one weekend to share their unique and lovely thoughts, shouldn't they feel secure in doing that? Isn't that a basic right as an American citizen?
And, what can college students learn from this unusual day in history? For many millennials, this will be the first Presidential Inauguration to make a lasting impression on their minds.
Some things that can be grasped from this event is that everyone has a voice. This has been apparent from the first day of the Presidential campaign. Hillary Clinton had a dream for this country, and she sure as hell fought for what she believed in. And though Hillary wasn't the one given the title of President-Elect, tens of thousands of women are marching in Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day to say that they aren't done hoping in their futures and goals.
However, these opinions can be stated peacefully, so as not to provoke extremely violent reactions. Everyone has a voice, and it will be heard--the important point to keep in mind is how. Though college students sometimes feel lost and drowned out in all the drama and excitement, they are the ones that can bring about the most change--why else would we ship off to different colleges and universities, other than to learn how to think for ourselves? This independent thinking is what propels the country forward; without new ideas and fresh thoughts, we would be stuck in the days of England telling colonists what taxes to pay.
With all the power we have as students, we must act carefully. The limits and security procedures mentioned previously are only being put into effect because a number of individuals do not know how to peacefully share their ideas; the only method they know to use to express themselves is violence. Do we want to be a generation known for creating an even greater division in our people than has already been fostered? There are ways to amicably share our thoughts with one another in order to bring about change. (If you think this statement is false, and that the only way to change is through force and intimidation, you have already been corrupted; you have bought into the idea that hurting someone who could have helped you is more vital to your advancement than constructive criticism--and that is called bullying.)
So, how will you use the 2017 Presidential Inauguration to spark change in your community? How will you let your curiosity be uncovered in the midst of this world-changing event? And most importantly, how will you share your ideas to influence practical and beneficial change?