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Holding signs, calling out for a change, standing with the oppressed. THIS is what democracy looks like. On a cold day in Washington, the American people set out to watch the 45th President of the United States be inaugurated into office. However, the majority of the spectators were not at the National Mall watching the event, but rather rallying outside. They were not expecting a change, but they were expecting to be heard. Holding signs plastered in art decorum reading: "this is not normal," "millions voted for her [Hillary Clinton]," and "my body, my choice." These were just a few of the signs that were meant to be seen.

On Jan. 20, we bared witness to those who are not afraid. We saw people who spoke the truth even if their voice shook. In the downtown streets of Washington, I saw an America not just for a certain few, but for all of us. I saw women standing with signs bravely and peacefully about women's rights as they got rude and hateful comments from people who passed them by. I was able to hold a sign and exercise my rights. There was so much love in the streets, and that may contrast to what you saw on the news, however, the media can be skewed.

You may have heard about the 95-100 people who got arrested for violent protests and vandalism, but the thousands of people who protested peacefully and civilly are ignored. Some may look at the news and think: "Those crazy liberal snowflakes are throwing tantrums in the street!" but that's not right at all. That is a single story, not the whole story.

The fact of the matter is is that this is not normal. Yes, presidents are not liked by everyone all of the time, but no one should have to fear for their own safety under someone's rule. After being in office for just a few hours, Americans saw the eradication of many liberal pages on the White House website. This almost made the oppressed feel what they have felt for the entirety of the 2016 election-- betrayal.

As we go on into a Donald Trump Presidency, we have to remember one thing-- this is not normal. Bigotry, racism, and sexism are not normal. Do not let this be normalized into our everyday society. Stand up for others, love your neighbor as you would yourself, and be loud. If you see something that is not normal, stand up, and speak out for those who have lost their voice, or are too afraid to use it.

No matter what, I will not "get used to him" just because "he is my president." I will never accept the fact that someone could be so cruel to the vast majority of his people and still be elected. This is not normal.