Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, I went to those protests that are spreading like wild-fire all over the United States since Donald J. Trump won the 2016 Presidential campaign. But it wasn’t an I-Hate-Trump, flip off Trump supporters’ kind of protest, which seems to be the trend recently. But this was simply an anti-bigotry protest here at Monmouth College. It was more of taking a stand against the hate crimes that have spiked since Donald Trump has won the Presidential campaign.

A lot of people asked me “what is the point of protesting?” and “Does it change anything?” well, not necessarily but it is encouraging and reassuring to those who are currently living in fear to see that there are people who are there for them. It’s to speak up for the minorities that do not have a voice, or cannot voice their own opinions. Now, more than ever, is the time to stand together and stand for one another. As a liberal, I do not necessarily agree with many of our President-elect’s policies; but I would hope, for all of our sakes, that he proves us wrong. You wouldn’t wish for the pilot of the plane you are on to crash it. However, his use of derogatory and dehumanizing language has made it seem like it is acceptable for other people to use it as well. So, this is a time for all of us to stand together and stand strong, that is the point of the anti-bigotry protest, much like most of the protests that are taking place in a lot of states across the U.S.

People are protesting the hate, racism, and sexism that Donald Trump is promoting and reciprocating it with hate towards Trump supporters. That is not solving anything. Some words of wisdom from Martin Luther King Jr. is that “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Using violent language like “F**k Donald Trump”, “Dump Trump” and flipping off and/or being violent towards his supporters does not change anything. We are supposed to be protesting for peace, love, and acceptance but being violent only breeds more hate. So my apologies to those who have received hate from the Anti-Trump protests simply for being a Trump supporter who has done no wrong to others, you did not deserve that. I am sorry to the minorities who are currently living in fear and are being affected by the bigotry Donald Trump has promoted in this country; you deserve to feel safe not threatened, my prayers go out to you.

But by all means do not get me wrong, I believe protesting is a good thing; standing together, united, for a cause is a very remarkable thing. Peaceful protesting is a right you should exercise, a right that you have to change the world. Being in a protest was one of the most empowering, touching, and simply an inspiring moment of how people you don’t know, and who don’t know you, can come together and stand for a cause. So go out, be the change you want to see in this world but do not do it with hate because that is a heavy and ugly thing to carrying your heart. Be peaceful, be considerate and respectful.

And if you get a chance to be in a protest: go for it! Carry that sign and chant in harmony with the people amongst you because in that moment we could not be more united and you will truly feel like part of a whole. Be the voice for those who do not have a voice, but do not use that voice for hate. And that is what I learned from being in a protest.