During the weekend, about three million American citizens marched in solidarity of women, members of LGBTQSA, African Americans, Muslims, immigrants, and others in the Women’s March on Washington, and smaller ‘sister’ marches across the nation. Meanwhile, millions more marched themselves around the globe, going all the way to Australia and Antarctica. Records were shattered–– it may be the largest civil rights demonstration in United States history. Locally, I attended a march in downtown St. Petersburg with over 20,000 protesters taking over the waterfront area. It was inspiring, marvelous, and I was proud to be a part of the action.
Yet, there’s been a fair amount of criticism stated against the march, and I believe they deserve the full weight and attention of American pluralism, not vicious counter-attacks that women of color are “trying to divide the revolution” or that transgender citizens are “nit-picking”. The critics who have spoken out against the Women’s Marches have a right to claim their basis, and those like me who were participants should listen–– many raising complaints are the people we said we represented during the march itself.
I’ve seen some argue that last weekend’s events didn’t live up to the intersectionality claimed by the official message of the events, which is upsetting to hear, yet a valid criticism. The white initial organizers of the Washington march did base its title on a historic black activist rally in 1997 (The Million Women’s March). Meanwhile, they really only drew in fresh faces of other races into the organizing when faced with waves of backlash online. It seemed to me, too, that in St. Petersburg, a lot of the men and women marching were white, to the extent that I had to ask myself if there really was any representation from African Americans and other citizens of color. I did end up seeing men and women of color, but the image of so much white forming a river through the sidewalks and streets stuck with me. I don’t want to advocate techniques to ‘entice’ women of color to join, but perhaps there are ways to be more sensitive and transparent to non-white, non-straight potential marchers in the future–– reaching out to community organizers in traditionally African American communities, making sure to say on their website that non-cis men and women are welcomed and supported by their demonstrations. And perhaps this is being done around the country, to which I would say, Great! We’re going in the right direction. But from the beginning, we need to remember as activists and as people that our statements in support of other genders, sexualities, races, ethnicities, religions, and incomes aren’t just cute slogans to tote on signs for a day. Marches like the ones held this weekend should result in long-lasting, progressive influences in all communities. Which leads me to another point.
Some have also criticized the marches for what they say is ineffectiveness, even backward progress through divisiveness. This doesn’t have to include the kind of statements that say we’re “whiny liberal losers” and “feminist, autistic crybabies.” There are much more well-constructed arguments expressing that the marches were too politically-charged for them to attend, and in general might split the feminist movement across party lines. I understand this–– it’s difficult to imagine a civil rights protest of such magnitude that does not include some amount of liberalism, towards women’s right to choose abortion, choose from a diversity of religions, and choose to change gender. I could easily just shrug and admit that there are sacrifices made to start revolutions, but there are men women who would’ve joined the weekend March if it weren’t for the politically-charged climate. I suggest we as participants ask these critics, no matter if they’re long-time Republicans, even Trump supporters, what they felt kept them from the marches. I’m not suggesting people, especially civil rights activists, let hatred and discrimination stand. But those citizens who could be a part of future activism may be peers, friends, even family. We can listen to them, and if we don’t agree, we can at least begin to establish meaningful, essential conversations with these people. Who knows, they could end up being important allies and members of civil rights protests after all.
About the criticism raised that the Women’s Marches were overall meaningless and ineffective, well, yes and no. By themselves, the demonstrations raised a lot of media attention and awareness that activists do exist in our communities, and they’re watching the federal government right now to make sure every member of the American household is protected and given they rights. Inside the communities of the marches, it allowed for connections between activists and a sense of belonging and confidence. That’s an experience that cannot be understated as a plus of the actions of this weekend. Yet, for many past civil rights protests, that’s where it’s ended. It’s Monday again, and marches are going back to their everyday lives, gratified and feeling safe. But, there are a lot of Americans that won’t get to go back to ‘safe’ lives, and with the looming legislative actions of defunding Planned Parenthood, executive cabinets potentially appointed with bigoted elites, and planned federal actions to increase security at borders and for immigrants, a lot more Americans are about to feel unsafe and threatened.
So, we marched. Now what? Well, the Women’s March has now released plans for a project of ‘100 Days of Action’, where they’ll regularly post instructions on what regular Americans can do to be activists in their everyday lives, starting with sending a postcard to their representatives. Another tactic being circulated is calling your Senators, and even showing up at their offices unexpectedly as watchdogs of the American people. In addition, reach out to those beyond yourself, especially if, like me, you happen to be white, straight, and male. If you were a man who came out to the protest, reach out to women you know and tell them that you consider their rights and capabilities important, and ask how you can support them. Same for the LGBTQSA community, women of color, citizens of other non-Christianity religions, and those who have immigrated to America. Don’t be afraid to keep being an activist, and don’t stay too quiet to do much more than wearing a safety pin and a pro-rights shirt. Those small steps are important, but over time they have to be met with larger actions. Start with calling your city/ state officials to inquire into their support of civil rights, joining more local protests, and listening to those in your community who might be at risk for the color of their skin or sexual preference. We’ve done well, but there’s still work to do, so let’s keep working!
