So it happened. We’ve got a new president.

And we already want him to resign.

Granted, a lot of people didn’t vote for him in the first place but even a lot of his supporters are realizing their mistake.

Now how should we go about expressing such discontent? Because there are appropriate ways to do so such as protests, making jokes, contacting representatives, et cetera. People are already using these means but they are also being, in some cases rightfully, criticized because their actions actually do more harm to their cause than good or expose hypocrisy. So allow me to explain the methods being employed which are wrongfully versus rightfully criticized.

Firstly, protests versus riots. Protests, peaceful protests are an American right. For example, the Women’s March was a massive international protest which people are attacking…though not necessarily for the reasons they ought to be. I absolutely understand the people who criticized aspects of the march which were transphobic and that many people of color involved in the marches did not feel included. Feminism is supposed to include everyone particularly ALL WOMEN. For people to not include all women in the Women’s March, that absolutely should be criticized and fixed in future marches should there be any.

However, there are people who criticize the movement claiming, for example, the American protests were stupid because there are countries, such as Saudi Arabia, which have worse conditions for women. These critics should’ve done their research, because Sister Marches were formed all across the world, including in Saudi Arabia. Additionally people tried to minimize the size of the march even within the US, only looking at the Washington DC, Los Angeles, and New York City marches then trying to claim marches in the US were only in these rather liberal cities. This was without taking the marches in every state. See here for a complete list of Women’s March locations.

Additionally, there is a difference between protest and rioting. Destroying businesses and setting fires is not going to help your cause. If anything, it makes people refuse to listen to your reasons. So keep making signs and marching but violence will only harm you and your cause in the long run.

(…Now, there are some slight exceptions to this advice. For example, if you happen to come across someone who honestly advocates for genocide or making people leave the United States because they aren’t white and you think you can run fast enough, I’m certainly not going to stop you from punching them once in the face. I’m not saying you should do it but you know…if you happen to do it, I’m not going to feel sorry for the racist. Since racism isn’t just a “difference of opinion” as much as people are trying to convince us. This also applies to those who advocate harm towards the MOGII community.)

Secondly, making jokes to feel better about the situation or mock the administration. Absolutely make jabs at the president’s hair or bronzer, how stupid the voters with buyer’s remorse are, and make memes with pictures of the adult members of the Trump family and administration (or wait should that just be administration?) because laughing distracts you from screaming and crying in frustration or fear. I get it. I’m even sharing them on social media when I find them funny.

BUT there are things you should NOT be making jokes about.

Do NOT make assassination jokes about anyone involved but particularly not the president. For one thing, you could get into serious legal trouble because you will be considered a threat to the president. You could be put under investigation, arrested, who knows. It isn’t worth it. And he is still a human being, a disgusting one but still. He has a family and friends (…I think) who care about him. How would you feel if someone you cared about received death threats? You’d be scared and/or pissed. Now imagine that on an international level. Do. Not. Make. Assassination. Jokes.

Don’t make jokes about Barron Trump. He is a child. It isn’t his fault that his father is awful. And don’t give me the excuse that the Obama girls were under scrutiny so now it’s payback time. No, that is being hypocritical. Leave him alone. You’ve got four adult children who say and do more than enough to make jokes about them. Go for it, have at them. But leave the kid alone.

Thirdly, get your facts straight before you get into arguments. Have video evidence of claims if possible or multiple reputable news sources before you make statements. Though the administration will try to turn this into an age of “alternative facts”, don’t let them. Find facts, scientific articles, anything that is based in studies or evidence not just personal opinions or religious belief to support your claims. Sometimes even this doesn’t work. For example, when I provided video evidence from CNN to disprove someone’s claim on the internet that the president had escorted Melania into the White House holding her hand at the inauguration, the person said I made it up. But facts are facts are facts and we can’t allow “alternative” ones to run rampant.

Additionally, when you get into arguments, keep yourself sounding calm but persistent. A popular argument “winning” strategy which has developed is purposefully working a person up into an emotional state so they seem hysterical and the calm party is considered the rational, “correct” one. However, if you aren’t persistent, people will see it as you not being dedicated to or truly believing in your cause. So as emotionally invested as you are in your cause, don’t let people get you worked up and don’t give up.

These are difficult times. Our possible Secretary of Education can hardly compose a grammatically correct tweet and has no education experience. Scientists have had to go rogue because the president has told them they aren’t allowed to publish their findings. The repeal of the Affordable Care Act would be extremely damaging particularly without any replacement. The president is trying to move forward on the Dakota Access Pipeline despite massive resistance still in place. So we will protest and make ourselves laugh and contact representatives but please take this advice into consideration before you take action. I don’t want you arrested for what you believe, I don’t want children to feel bullied, and I certainly don’t want your cause to be looked down upon due to your methods. Keep sane, keep safe, keep moving forward.