My Experience At The Women's March On Philadelphia | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

My Experience At The Women's March On Philadelphia

We are just getting started.

12
My Experience At The Women's March On Philadelphia
Taken by Kara Barber

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in largest movement in United States History. About 2.9 million people marched on January 21, 2017 all across the globe- even in Antarctica! Although I wasn't able to go to the march in Washington, D.C., the sister march in Philadelphia was also a huge success.

I've seen many people question the march's motives since then. Many people believe that women already have their rights, and there's nothing for us to "throw a tantrum" about.

Here's the deal.

We marched for marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ+ community and women of color. Although in theory, women technically have "equal" rights, that is not the case in reality. Women STILL make less money than men, and even worse, women of color make less than white women. This website is a great resource for understanding the wage gap in America.

We marched for a woman's right to choose. The new administration has talked about defunding Planned Parenthood and making abortions illegal, which I believe would be a huge mistake. Making abortions illegal will not stop abortions from happening; it just stops safe abortions from happening.

We marched for Muslims and other diverse groups of faith. This past election cycle has blamed Muslims for most of our problems. In turn, many Americans now associate Muslims with fear and hatred. We marched to show Americans that not all Muslims are terrorists.

We marched for the victims of sexual assault. There have been many examples of Trump making disgusting comments about women, and boasting about nonconsensual encounters with women. (i.e. the Trump tapes... enough said.) We marched to show these victims that they are not alone.

We marched for people with disabilities. Remember the clip of Trump mocking the disabled reporter? Many people have tried to dismiss this behavior because "he makes those gestures while talking about everyone", but that still doesn't make it okay. He clearly mocked the reporter, there's no way to argue it.

We marched to show the Trump Administration that we will not allow the hateful, insulting, and demonizing rhetoric is not going to be tolerated. We marched to show the administration that we will not allow them to further marginalize already marginalized groups. We marched to show them that we will hold them accountable for their actions.

Regardless of how other people may feel about it, I am so glad that I participated in this protest. Initially, I was nervous about riots and hateful rhetoric, but I was completely wrong. There was no rioting. There was no hate. In fact, everyone was so friendly that you could feel the peaceful energy as we marched from Logan Square to the Art Museum. It made me feel like I was doing something about this election, instead of sitting around and complaining on social media. Overall, this protest has gotten me more involved in politics and protesting in general. I will not be a bystander anymore.

Some people think that the marches were stupid and that they aren't going to accomplish anything, but I remain hopeful. In a way, I am happy that this election came about because it was able to bring so many people together to promote change. It made me realize that not all hope is lost- we are just getting started.





(Pictures taken by Kara Barber)

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189015
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14157
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457297
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26303
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments