Since the 45th President of the United States was sworn in on January 20th, protestors have taken to the streets, voicing their opinions and exercising their rights. A large portion of America is extremely dissatisfied with the state of America as it is, and we are unafraid to speak up against it. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution allows Americans their right to peaceful assembly, and the Women's March that occurred the day after Donald Trump's inauguration strongly utilized this right. Peaceful protest is steeped in our country's history, but is it truly what brings change today in America?
Throughout the course of history, figureheads of civil rights like Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Martin Luther King Jr. have utilized picketing and peaceful protest to further equal human rights. It goes without saying that if these people had not spoken up and led such powerful movements, the world as we know it would be very different. These wonderful and strong human beings spoke out against injustice, and with lots of help and perseverance, changed the very rights that people could utilize. From voting rights to equal and fair treatment, the movements that these people set in motion changed the fabric of America and around the world.
Our First Amendment rights are not ones we should take lightly. The founding fathers, when writing the Constitution in 1789, gave the masses powerful tools should government actions require speaking out against. When we utilize freedom of speech, freedom of the press, or our freedom to assemble and voice our dissatisfaction, we are wielding the weapons against government actions that we disagree with. Due to the recent inauguration of a controversial president and his actions that have set damage in motion only seven days later, these freedoms that we as Americans are granted are even more important than before.
So, is peaceful assembly what brings change in America in 2017? The answer is an emphatic and resounding yes. When we as citizens of a country that values voicing opinions take up picket signs and march in protest, we send a powerful message to the powers that be. Remaining peaceful while our movements are resisted, even violently, will demonize those who struck out, not we who remain civil in the exercise of our rights. We must protest, yes, but we also must remain nonviolent - acts of violence will only incite more violence, and violence should not be a source of change in today's government and society. And remember, this may take time. The boycott of public transportation led by Rosa Parks lasted 381 days. The Women's Rights Movement as a whole lasted for around 70 years. We must not be discouraged; as long as we are out there voicing our disapproval, they can't ignore us forever.
For all of those helping make America a better place by standing in solidarity, marching, picketing, or even voicing support online: thank you. You are truly the harbingers of change in our country and set a good example for people around the world. For the rest of America who couldn't make it to Washington: there will be more marches and other ways to help. There may be a march going on near you in the near future, or the potential to host one. Petitions and voicing opinions online are also powerful ways to consider helping if marching and crowds just aren't your thing. Most importantly, we must keep informed and stay brave. Together we can change the world.
