Following the inauguration of President Trump, there are countless people stepping up to share their voices. The Women's March that took place in Washington D.C. on January 21, 2017 is one example of people gathering to stand for women's rights in response to Trump's remarks about women that represent the place at which society is today. Many other sister marches took place all over the world, sending a united message.
Gathering on my college campus, I was able to gather with peers on the day of the inauguration. We enjoyed a meal together and then discussed how we were feeling in one word.
Disappointed.
Hopeful.
Angry.
Tired.
Numb.
Exhausted.
Discouraged.
These are some of the words millennials shared after realizing that the day had actually come where the president of the U.S. is someone that we have a hard time respecting and trusting. Furthermore, we questioned how our democratic country could allow for this to happen.
Going to the Lumineers concert recently, the lead singer dedicated one song in honor of the Women's March that took place, and he later said, "I didn't vote for 'em."
We are at a place in time where we cannot get away from the politics of our country because it is so controversial and daunting that we are forced to face our thoughts and feelings at some point. We find ourselves anxiously watching the news and praying that the history that we create is not a step back for society.
In a recent interview with ABC, President Trump said that he does not regret his inaugural speech (which reinforces the statements he made in response to the recordings about women: he never apologizes). In that interview he also mentioned that he would begin work on building "the wall" soon (within a few months). Although Mexico has specified that they won't pay anything for the wall, Trump insists they will. For your convenience, you can watch the full interview conducted by David Muir right here:
Another thing hinted at in the interview is Trump's support of "waterboarding" as a way to get information out of people. To further form your opinion about this you can watch the video of MMA Trainer Ed Clay demonstrating how waterboarding is done.
It is understandable to see people expressing many different feelings. As a nation, we can continue to speak out, pray, and stand up for what we believe in. Our society is forced to think about the actions that are taking place and that need to take place. As millennials, we want to be positive yet realistic, but only time will show where the future will take us.