The Women's March - Keys to Success and What We Learned

[Sungura]

Several of us attended one of the many Women's marches on Saturday (Jan 21) and many more of us engaged through friends or the media. I attended in DC with my sister who lives in WV. I'm from NJ close to NYC. from what I have read, there was no civil disobedience reported and no destruction of property reported. My experience, and that of other PSers as discussed in my previous thread, is that the events were peaceful, hopeful, inclusive and fun. So here are some possible follow in discussion starters:

• Logistics aside, what factors do you think contributed to the peaceful and inclusive nature of the marches?
  
  what did you learn from your participation or speaking with friends that impacted you in some way?
  
  Critics of the march say "pro life feminists" weeny invited. Thoughts ?
  
  I suspect there are women who would like to get involved but aren't sure how they fit in. How do we reach out to them?

 

[the_mother_thing]

Bringing my kudos & questions over from the previous thread in hopes of just understanding how things were organized so well, if anyone cares to share that aspect.

I will also add that while I am largely unaware of the planning and coordination that went into THIS particular event, I think whoever was responsible seriously deserves a medal of freedom! I have planned lots of events (mostly corporate types), and they were nowhere near the magnitude of this. And - whether you participated or not, support the cause or not - to have pulled this event together in so many cities and other countries even, and to have it come together, peacefully with few if any reports of violence is nothing short of miraculous!

Hopefully, other groups/causes will take note, as the coverage I have seen for this event (politics aside) compared to others has been all positive. And I believe the manner in which it WAS coordinated & carried out is what will set this platform apart and above others in terms of "being heard".

I found out everything I knew via social media, and coordinated through Facebook as the specific medium.

TY! That's kind of what I was assuming in terms of the technology aspect making the coordination & communication quick & easy. I am a member of only one national organization w/political affiliation, but not 'active' to the extent that I attend demonstrations and such.

Was it a particular group that you belong to (e.g., Nat'l Org for Women) or something along those lines (you don't have to specify) that had a national FB page to coordinate things centrally, or was it more networking between multiple groups in regional areas that came together, formed a committee of sorts, and put the wheels in motion?

I also read a few on here comment about rules for attendance/participation, and am curious who/how that got decided, and how they managed to require & enforce it. For me (and I assume most of you who attended), it's kind of a 'no brainer' to not do 'dumb stuff'; but when I think about other groups who carry out demonstrations that do experience/provoke/cause disturbances, violence and damage, I kind of wonder why they wouldn't take a similar approach to ensure their message is not overshadowed by negativity that would ultimately hurt their cause.

 

[monarch64]

Joco, I don't belong to any women's organizations. I consider myself a humanist, having evolved from feminism into a general wish for equal human rights. Certainly the feminist movement is important, but I have worked on that particular cause for over 20 years in various ways and recently came to feel the need to take a more generalized approach as many of the men in my life are not only feminists, but humanists as well, and I care just as much about them and their rights as I do womankind's.

That said, I saw a map on Facebook of all the locations around the world these marches were being planned. I clicked on that and was directed to an Eventbrite invitation that allowed me to register for my city's march. (They merely wanted a headcount--I didn't supply any personal info.) I didn't look further than that, so I only have that social medium to thank. To answer your last question specifically: not sure, but it seemed like a national thing that morphed into branching out into other channels/cities.

 

[monarch64]

If we can do what we did this past Saturday as far as organization and implementation, we've proven we can do anything. Why not take it a step further and strike a la Iceland, 1975?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_Icelandic_women's_strike

 

[the_mother_thing]

Joco, I don't belong to any women's organizations. I consider myself a humanist, having evolved from feminism into a general wish for equal human rights. Certainly the feminist movement is important, but I have worked on that particular cause for over 20 years in various ways and recently came to feel the need to take a more generalized approach as many of the men in my life are not only feminists, but humanists as well, and I care just as much about them and their rights as I do womankind's.

That said, I saw a map on Facebook of all the locations around the world these marches were being planned. I clicked on that and was directed to an Eventbrite invitation that allowed me to register for my city's march. (They merely wanted a headcount--I didn't supply any personal info.) I didn't look further than that, so I only have that social medium to thank. To answer your last question specifically: not sure, but it seemed like a national thing that morphed into branching out into other channels/cities.

Thank you for the additional background; technology and all that it entails is an amazing thing! Kinda makes you appreciate how they organized marches 50 years ago! I also appreciate the bolded part, and feel similarly. I won't elaborate here though so as not to stray from the thread focus.

 

[Sungura]

I, too, learned of the March in Washington on Facebook long before other marches were organized. The only email I received was a logistics email with FAQs. I also learned via social media when the march published a Guiding Vision. There was never any list of who may or may not attend, just this statement "the Women’s March on Washington (WMW) is for any person, regardless of gender or gender identity, who believes women’s rights are human rights." Here is the website https://www.womensmarch.com/

The only "rules" as I read them were "What not to bring" e.g. weapons, backpacks, wooden poles for signs etc

I trained to be a volunteer marshal. The system in place was there were captains with teams of 30-50 marshals. All connected using a chat app called FireChat which doesn't rely on cell service to communicate. Rules were simple - report any issues to team captain who would engage right experts such as medical team, 911, legal observers. We were to stand between marchers and traffic, police and protesters and keep calm, answer questions and keep the march moving forward Apparently a private security firm was engaged as well

None of this explains how the crowd was so kind and peaceful. Some say because there were so many women. I can only attribute it to these three things:
(1) the violence from the day before hung over our heads,
(2) the Guiding Mission for the march was very inclusive and attracted non judgmental people of all ages. Perhaps the presence of young and old tempered the crowd.
(3) And finally, there were virtually no detractors on the sidelines yelling at us, thus few triggers.

 

[the_mother_thing]

Sungura! Sounds like a very well-oiled machine, and a model for others to mirror when planning such events. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Tekate]

Several of us attended one of the many Women's marches on Saturday (Jan 21) and many more of us engaged through friends or the media. I attended in DC with my sister who lives in WV. I'm from NJ close to NYC. from what I have read, there was no civil disobedience reported and no destruction of property reported. My experience, and that of other PSers as discussed in my previous thread, is that the events were peaceful, hopeful, inclusive and fun. So here are some possible follow in discussion starters:

Logistics aside, what factors do you think contributed to the peaceful and inclusive nature of the marches?

what did you learn from your participation or speaking with friends that impacted you in some way?

I learned that even young women were positively affected by the Donald Trump and his actions against, that was an eye opener for me(who I thought thought us womens liberation age group were mean, old hags)

Critics of the march say "pro life feminists" weeny invited. Thoughts ?

I thought pro life women's groups weren't invited because they are pro Trump, this is a happening that was anti Trump and his treatment of women, I'd wonder WHY women who are anti choice would want to go, if they wanted to go, they could.. They have their own march this Friday, have they invited anti Trump leaders to it?

I suspect there are women who would like to get involved but aren't sure how they fit in. How do we reach out to them?

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TV commercials, new reports. I would suggest women who are interested should search the web and their individual large cities (close to where they live).. We should encourage women to call their senators.

 

[ksinger]

I learned that even young women were positively affected by the Donald Trump and his actions against, that was an eye opener for me(who I thought thought us womens liberation age group were mean, old hags)

WARNING: MINI-RANT (not directed at any particular person, and I realize not all the young did this, but this IS high on my list of things about which to be severely put out)

And you know what? They were WARNED by some of those old hags. Remember the Sander's young female supporters' kerfuffle about Steinem dragging out her "special place in hell" comment during the primaries? How many of those who got their knickers in a twist about that, ended up voting for a third party? Out of touch old washed-up feminist is talking down to us, needs to abase herself, sit down and shut up, was the general tenor. I wonder if there is any private chagrin today. There should be. The fact is, 53% of white women (also the overwhelming color of Sanders' supporters) voted for Trump, making me ashamed of my color and my gender and my age. The millennials who were so proud and loud about how they supported social programs and cared so much, but who couldn't handle incremental change led by a woman who didn't meet their oh-so-lofty standards, and wanted it all right NOW, cast the most 3rd party protest votes on no-hopers. I'm sure more than a few of those 3rd party votes were cast by young women. Did you get any sense that young women had finally gotten a clue about priorities? That there was any genuine understanding and a smidgeon of remorse maybe, about all the people both black and white, that they'd thrown under the bus for their purity and unicorn demands of candidate perfection? There's a special place in hell alright, it's just that those who couldn't see the forest for the trees, have taken the rest of us to that place with them. I just hope that they understand that a super feel-good march, is a nice thing, but accomplishes little if it isn't followed by sustained and concerted action. The next 4 years is likely to be a brutal lesson in the real consequences of refusing to acknowledge political reality (there were only ever 2 candidates) and to make wise decisions about political priorities. Otherwise, next cycle they could do the same self-indulgent and wildly stupid thing again, and piss away their chances again. Steinem was there, being gracious and inspirational no doubt, and probably very sad inside, that feminism had done it's job too well, to the point that too many women of all ages, thought they had nothing to lose.

Honestly, my generation is a lost cause. Don't expect us to bail anyone out, because hey! we didn't! (I tried y'all, I tilted at that windmill like I always have in my eternally red state, there's just never enough of us here, sorry) So now is the time for the young women to use that energy of youth and do the hard work, mostly at the state level - the fed is a goner for the moment, we all need to work hard at home. Maybe this is the cycle, maybe all of us, but especially the young, simply can't learn these lessons except through experience, like not believing someone telling you fire is hot until you stick your hand in it and get burned. I'm genuinely sorry they're going to likely begin to experience again what some of us lived, or witnessed. I'm sorry for us all.

OK, I'm far more tired than my years would allow. That rant wore me 'plumb out.

END RANT

 

[monarch64]

 

[ksinger]

It was a bit over the top, I'll admit.

Can I at least be a tiny bit excited that I had the energy to write it?

 

[monarch64]

It was a bit over the top, I'll admit.

Can I at least be a tiny bit excited that I had the energy to write it?

Ha! I thought it was amazing. Mic drop is a compliment!

 

[lovedogs]

I learned that even young women were positively affected by the Donald Trump and his actions against, that was an eye opener for me(who I thought thought us womens liberation age group were mean, old hags)

WARNING: MINI-RANT (not directed at any particular person, and I realize not all the young did this, but this IS high on my list of things about which to be severely put out)

And you know what? They were WARNED by some of those old hags. Remember the Sander's young female supporters' kerfuffle about Steinem dragging out her "special place in hell" comment during the primaries? How many of those who got their knickers in a twist about that, ended up voting for a third party? Out of touch old washed-up feminist is talking down to us, needs to abase herself, sit down and shut up, was the general tenor. I wonder if there is any private chagrin today. There should be. The fact is, 53% of white women (also the overwhelming color of Sanders' supporters) voted for Trump, making me ashamed of my color and my gender and my age. The millennials who were so proud and loud about how they supported social programs and cared so much, but who couldn't handle incremental change led by a woman who didn't meet their oh-so-lofty standards, and wanted it all right NOW, cast the most 3rd party protest votes on no-hopers. I'm sure more than a few of those 3rd party votes were cast by young women. Did you get any sense that young women had finally gotten a clue about priorities? That there was any genuine understanding and a smidgeon of remorse maybe, about all the people both black and white, that they'd thrown under the bus for their purity and unicorn demands of candidate perfection? There's a special place in hell alright, it's just that those who couldn't see the forest for the trees, have taken the rest of us to that place with them. I just hope that they understand that a super feel-good march, is a nice thing, but accomplishes little if it isn't followed by sustained and concerted action. The next 4 years is likely to be a brutal lesson in the real consequences of refusing to acknowledge political reality (there were only ever 2 candidates) and to make wise decisions about political priorities. Otherwise, next cycle they could do the same self-indulgent and wildly stupid thing again, and piss away their chances again. Steinem was there, being gracious and inspirational no doubt, and probably very sad inside, that feminism had done it's job too well, to the point that too many women of all ages, thought they had nothing to lose.

Honestly, my generation is a lost cause. Don't expect us to bail anyone out, because hey! we didn't! (I tried y'all, I tilted at that windmill like I always have in my eternally red state, there's just never enough of us here, sorry) So now is the time for the young women to use that energy of youth and do the hard work, mostly at the state level - the fed is a goner for the moment, we all need to work hard at home. Maybe this is the cycle, maybe all of us, but especially the young, simply can't learn these lessons except through experience, like not believing someone telling you fire is hot until you stick your hand in it and get burned. I'm genuinely sorry they're going to likely begin to experience again what some of us lived, or witnessed. I'm sorry for us all.

OK, I'm far more tired than my years would allow. That rant wore me 'plumb out.

END RANT

Awesome post, K! But I do have to say that I feel a little guilty for being 30 right now But I've always been "old" for my age (my idea of the most fun night is staying at home with my DH and our 2 dogs, sitting on the couch and watching TV....and I've felt that way since college, before my DH was even in my life!)

 

[ksinger]

It was a bit over the top, I'll admit.

Can I at least be a tiny bit excited that I had the energy to write it?

Ha! I thought it was amazing. Mic drop is a compliment!

LOL! I'll take it. Whatever good thing I can get at the moment, the other thread has me wishing for a quick coma. Hence the booze.

 

[ksinger]

I learned that even young women were positively affected by the Donald Trump and his actions against, that was an eye opener for me(who I thought thought us womens liberation age group were mean, old hags)

WARNING: MINI-RANT (not directed at any particular person, and I realize not all the young did this, but this IS high on my list of things about which to be severely put out)

And you know what? They were WARNED by some of those old hags. Remember the Sander's young female supporters' kerfuffle about Steinem dragging out her "special place in hell" comment during the primaries? How many of those who got their knickers in a twist about that, ended up voting for a third party? Out of touch old washed-up feminist is talking down to us, needs to abase herself, sit down and shut up, was the general tenor. I wonder if there is any private chagrin today. There should be. The fact is, 53% of white women (also the overwhelming color of Sanders' supporters) voted for Trump, making me ashamed of my color and my gender and my age. The millennials who were so proud and loud about how they supported social programs and cared so much, but who couldn't handle incremental change led by a woman who didn't meet their oh-so-lofty standards, and wanted it all right NOW, cast the most 3rd party protest votes on no-hopers. I'm sure more than a few of those 3rd party votes were cast by young women. Did you get any sense that young women had finally gotten a clue about priorities? That there was any genuine understanding and a smidgeon of remorse maybe, about all the people both black and white, that they'd thrown under the bus for their purity and unicorn demands of candidate perfection? There's a special place in hell alright, it's just that those who couldn't see the forest for the trees, have taken the rest of us to that place with them. I just hope that they understand that a super feel-good march, is a nice thing, but accomplishes little if it isn't followed by sustained and concerted action. The next 4 years is likely to be a brutal lesson in the real consequences of refusing to acknowledge political reality (there were only ever 2 candidates) and to make wise decisions about political priorities. Otherwise, next cycle they could do the same self-indulgent and wildly stupid thing again, and piss away their chances again. Steinem was there, being gracious and inspirational no doubt, and probably very sad inside, that feminism had done it's job too well, to the point that too many women of all ages, thought they had nothing to lose.

Honestly, my generation is a lost cause. Don't expect us to bail anyone out, because hey! we didn't! (I tried y'all, I tilted at that windmill like I always have in my eternally red state, there's just never enough of us here, sorry) So now is the time for the young women to use that energy of youth and do the hard work, mostly at the state level - the fed is a goner for the moment, we all need to work hard at home. Maybe this is the cycle, maybe all of us, but especially the young, simply can't learn these lessons except through experience, like not believing someone telling you fire is hot until you stick your hand in it and get burned. I'm genuinely sorry they're going to likely begin to experience again what some of us lived, or witnessed. I'm sorry for us all.

OK, I'm far more tired than my years would allow. That rant wore me 'plumb out.

END RANT

Awesome post, K! But I do have to say that I feel a little guilty for being 30 right now But I've always been "old" for my age (my idea of the most fun night is staying at home with my DH and our 2 dogs, sitting on the couch and watching TV....and I've felt that way since college, before my DH was even in my life!)

No, don't feel bad, no apologies. And don't be old. You get genuinely old far too quickly. Enjoy that energy and outlook!! Just take that non-unicorn wisdom of yours and spread it around to everyone you encounter. You guys have to be the ones to do the heavy lifting now, and you can't do it if your assessment of the gravity of the situation, and what factors within your control helped to get you here, if you can't admit error. That will be one of the challenges of your generation, I think. But then I suspect it is for most of us.

You and those right behind you have the most to lose.

 

[AnnaH]

In answer to one question, I think the prolife organizations should have been included, but the organizers had the right to choose their partners.
I read an article written by a member of a prolife group that participated. She reported an overall positive experience. Some shouted at them and tore up their signs. But other marchers protected them.

 

[missy]

It was a bit over the top, I'll admit.

Can I at least be a tiny bit excited that I had the energy to write it?

Ha! I thought it was amazing. Mic drop is a compliment!

Karen, I thought what you wrote was amazing too. And true.

I wonder if many of the (white) Millennials had a do over they would vote differently now...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-09/what-this-election-taught-us-about-millennial-voters

Can we have a do over please???


Just reposting it because it was such an awesome post!

WARNING: MINI-RANT (not directed at any particular person, and I realize not all the young did this, but this IS high on my list of things about which to be severely put out)

And you know what? They were WARNED by some of those old hags. Remember the Sander's young female supporters' kerfuffle about Steinem dragging out her "special place in hell" comment during the primaries? How many of those who got their knickers in a twist about that, ended up voting for a third party? Out of touch old washed-up feminist is talking down to us, needs to abase herself, sit down and shut up, was the general tenor. I wonder if there is any private chagrin today. There should be. The fact is, 53% of white women (also the overwhelming color of Sanders' supporters) voted for Trump, making me ashamed of my color and my gender and my age. The millennials who were so proud and loud about how they supported social programs and cared so much, but who couldn't handle incremental change led by a woman who didn't meet their oh-so-lofty standards, and wanted it all right NOW, cast the most 3rd party protest votes on no-hopers. I'm sure more than a few of those 3rd party votes were cast by young women. Did you get any sense that young women had finally gotten a clue about priorities? That there was any genuine understanding and a smidgeon of remorse maybe, about all the people both black and white, that they'd thrown under the bus for their purity and unicorn demands of candidate perfection? There's a special place in hell alright, it's just that those who couldn't see the forest for the trees, have taken the rest of us to that place with them. I just hope that they understand that a super feel-good march, is a nice thing, but accomplishes little if it isn't followed by sustained and concerted action. The next 4 years is likely to be a brutal lesson in the real consequences of refusing to acknowledge political reality (there were only ever 2 candidates) and to make wise decisions about political priorities. Otherwise, next cycle they could do the same self-indulgent and wildly stupid thing again, and piss away their chances again. Steinem was there, being gracious and inspirational no doubt, and probably very sad inside, that feminism had done it's job too well, to the point that too many women of all ages, thought they had nothing to lose.

Honestly, my generation is a lost cause. Don't expect us to bail anyone out, because hey! we didn't! (I tried y'all, I tilted at that windmill like I always have in my eternally red state, there's just never enough of us here, sorry) So now is the time for the young women to use that energy of youth and do the hard work, mostly at the state level - the fed is a goner for the moment, we all need to work hard at home. Maybe this is the cycle, maybe all of us, but especially the young, simply can't learn these lessons except through experience, like not believing someone telling you fire is hot until you stick your hand in it and get burned. I'm genuinely sorry they're going to likely begin to experience again what some of us lived, or witnessed. I'm sorry for us all.

OK, I'm far more tired than my years would allow. That rant wore me 'plumb out.

END RANT

 

[Sungura]

In answer to one question, I think the prolife organizations should have been included, but the organizers had the right to choose their partners.
I read an article written by a member of a prolife group that participated. She reported an overall positive experience. Some shouted at them and tore up their signs. But other marchers protected them.

AnnaH thanks for sharing this. Do you remember where you read the article? I would love to read it too. I am pro-choice but i believe we need to find a way to help pro-choice and pro-life to co-exist. There was too much black and white thinking this election season and I am hoping we can help people to embrace more dialectical thinking (eg I can support the Black Lives Matter movement and also respect and support law enforcement)

 

[chrono]

I know that I am going off a tangent here so if it gets too off course and should have its own thread, please tell me so.

The March is great and all. It built togetherness, it was well carried out and made a statement. Now what? How do we keep up the momentum? How do we remind the politicians that we still care and still need to be heard? I don't want this to be a one time thing then silence...

 

[Sungura]

I know that I am going off a tangent here so if it gets too off course and should have its own thread, please tell me so.

The March is great and all. It built togetherness, it was well carried out and made a statement. Now what? How do we keep up the momentum? How do we remind the politicians that we still care and still need to be heard? I don't want this to be a one time thing then silence...

Glad you asked that Chrono

The Women's March team just launched 10 Actions / 100 Days. https://www.womensmarch.com/100/ a program to help marchers and friends of the March to become to take next steps. There is a new action every 10 days. You can sign up to receive reminders when each new action is posted. First action is sending postcards to congress. I'm going to do it today

Beyond that I joined a group locally that is trying to flip our seat in the house to blue.

As for my personal cause/long game is making sure more people vote, especially where laws or gerrymandering makes it difficult. I'm willing to travel outside my blue state and region to help make that happen.

 

[Arcadian]

So.... in response to ksinger's post, there's another side to this; the black vote.

Too many in the black community didn't even bother voting. This makes me sad and more than a little pissed off frankly.

My nieces especially, would be like, I'm not voting. Like it would go away if they didn't. I called their tails out!

I am on one hand proud of them. Most of them went on to higher education. Those that didn't went to specialized trade schools. All went on to do something at least, and are not a stereotype.

But the voting thing, that makes me crazy...

Its less about how you vote and more about fact that you SHOULD. Don't know about the candidates? Take time to learn. Find out their positions on them. Go to their websites, Check out the debates. Don't like the Republican or Democrat positions, then look at the others out there.

If you identify as a black man or woman and are of voting age and can do so, its stupid to not vote, especially considering that blacks used to not even be considered human in this country. Too many have fought and died, so that future generations of blacks had the right to vote. Unfortunate that many who can, don't. How it became someone else's job to do it is beyond me, and why they feel their vote doesn't matter is scary.

Next month is black history month. And while I'm very proud that black women have made great strides in areas of higher education, too many of the younger generation don't know or don't care about what they call ancient history. IMO we should never forget the past because if we do it can repeat itself.

Thats not to say we should be bound to wear our history on our sleeves, but we shouldn't allow it to be whitewashed away either.

 

[AnnaH]

In answer to one question, I think the prolife organizations should have been included, but the organizers had the right to choose their partners.
I read an article written by a member of a prolife group that participated. She reported an overall positive experience. Some shouted at them and tore up their signs. But other marchers protected them.

AnnaH thanks for sharing this. Do you remember where you read the article? I would love to read it too. I am pro-choice but i believe we need to find a way to help pro-choice and pro-life to co-exist. There was too much black and white thinking this election season and I am hoping we can help people to embrace more dialectical thinking (eg I can support the Black Lives Matter movement and also respect and support law enforcement)

Sorry, Sun, I looked but couldn't find it. I don't think it was a source familiar to me.
As an aside to Arc, the same author mentioned her disappointment that so few minorities participated. She speculated that organizers maybe could have done more to reach out, but it was just speculation. She didn't know.
In my search for the article, I saw mixed reviews from prolife marchers. The crowd was so vast that their treatment was probably a matter of happenstance, whoever was around them. In such a large crowd, there are going to be those who don't really represent most marchers.

 

[737liz]

The question about why the huge crowds did not turn violent is mystifying. I was expecting the marches stateside to draw #45 supporters, and for there to be ensuing clashes. The organisers did a good job of making sure that the message was a pro (insert cause here, there were so many) rally and not anti-Trump (officially).My experience was that I got information about the march from many, many sources. I may not have gone had I only heard about it once, but having information about it repeatedly presented to me made me decide to go. Every time it was mentioned, or popped up on my Fb feed, or was in the news, it helped steel my resolve to go. I was simultaneously scared that a total of 2 people would participate, we'd be ridiculed, and the march would fail, while also feeling that if the crowd was laughably small that I wanted to be there in solidarity for those who did show. Plus, going on the website and seeing that there were women trying to organise in places like Saudi Arabia and Antarctica, made me realise that 'its too cold to march half a block' was a poor excuse not to go out and physically represent your values. I'm in Switzerland and the march we had was a only half a mile long, but it was an emotionally rewarding experience to see families, non-US participants, and those where clearly this march was not their first rodeo trying to galvanise the crowds. Since mid October I have felt fear for the stability of the world ( because for the moment, we are still THE global superpower) and disappointment in my countrymen and women- including the left who didn't think that #45 could win and cast their votes for a 3rd party, because they too wanted to send a message to 'the establishment'. I've been a snotty mess since November 8th, I've been asked to stop reading the news by my partner, who is trying to be supportive of my near daily teary newsreading episodes. This march has helped me see that there are many who are just as concerned. It gave me hope- gosh that sounds so cheesy, but it did ! I honestly don't think any federal policy will be affected by the march, but I am glad for my own sake that I was a part of it.

So, that's why I went, and how I felt.

 

[Dee*Jay]

The question about why the huge crowds did not turn violent is mystifying. I was expecting the marches stateside to draw #45 supporters, and for there to be ensuing clashes. The organisers did a good job of making sure that the message was a pro (insert cause here, there were so many) rally and not anti-Trump (officially).My experience was that I got information about the march from many, many sources. I may not have gone had I only heard about it once, but having information about it repeatedly presented to me made me decide to go. Every time it was mentioned, or popped up on my Fb feed, or was in the news, it helped steel my resolve to go. I was simultaneously scared that a total of 2 people would participate, we'd be ridiculed, and the march would fail, while also feeling that if the crowd was laughably small that I wanted to be there in solidarity for those who did show. Plus, going on the website and seeing that there were women trying to organise in places like Saudi Arabia and Antarctica, made me realise that 'its too cold to march half a block' was a poor excuse not to go out and physically represent your values. I'm in Switzerland and the march we had was a only half a mile long, but it was an emotionally rewarding experience to see families, non-US participants, and those where clearly this march was not their first rodeo trying to galvanise the crowds. Since mid October I have felt fear for the stability of the world ( because for the moment, we are still THE global superpower) and disappointment in my countrymen and women- including the left who didn't think that #45 could win and cast their votes for a 3rd party, because they too wanted to send a message to 'the establishment'. I've been a snotty mess since November 8th, I've been asked to stop reading the news by my partner, who is trying to be supportive of my near daily teary newsreading episodes. This march has helped me see that there are many who are just as concerned. It gave me hope- gosh that sounds so cheesy, but it did ! I honestly don't think any federal policy will be affected by the march, but I am glad for my own sake that I was a part of it.

So, that's why I went, and how I felt.

Thank you for sharing this, and especially for participating!

As for being a mess since Nov. 8, you are most definitely not alone.

 

[missy]

So.... in response to ksinger's post, there's another side to this; the black vote.

Too many in the black community didn't even bother voting. This makes me sad and more than a little pissed off frankly.

My nieces especially, would be like, I'm not voting. Like it would go away if they didn't. I called their tails out!

I am on one hand proud of them. Most of them went on to higher education. Those that didn't went to specialized trade schools. All went on to do something at least, and are not a stereotype.

But the voting thing, that makes me crazy...

Its less about how you vote and more about fact that you SHOULD. Don't know about the candidates? Take time to learn. Find out their positions on them. Go to their websites, Check out the debates. Don't like the Republican or Democrat positions, then look at the others out there.

If you identify as a black man or woman and are of voting age and can do so, its stupid to not vote, especially considering that blacks used to not even be considered human in this country. Too many have fought and died, so that future generations of blacks had the right to vote. Unfortunate that many who can, don't. How it became someone else's job to do it is beyond me, and why they feel their vote doesn't matter is scary.

Next month is black history month. And while I'm very proud that black women have made great strides in areas of higher education, too many of the younger generation don't know or don't care about what they call ancient history. IMO we should never forget the past because if we do it can repeat itself.

Thats not to say we should be bound to wear our history on our sleeves, but we shouldn't allow it to be whitewashed away either.

Arcadian, thank you for sharing. I agree completely with everything you wrote. One has to keep fighting to make sure their voices are heard and that we never forget the past because we all know how the past can and will repeat itself if we don't keep vigilant. And everyone's vote matters but even more so if one has been discriminated against. Don't people get how hard won the right to vote was for so many? It pissed me off too when I realized how many people just didn't (for what ever reason) vote. Couldn't be bothered or rationalized why they just didn't want to vote.

Good for your nieces for making a good future for themselves and working hard to make it happen. And good for you for setting them right regarding voting. Those millennials. Sigh.

 

[OreoRosies86]

 

[Calliecake]

Thanks for posting this Elliott. Gotta love a Pussy hat!!!

 

[lovedogs]

yesssssss