By CHRISTINE BAE
Due to the polarity of American politics and social views, American citizens have become increasingly politically active and vocal about their opinions. On January 20th, amidst the rise of women empowerment movements such as #MeToo and Times Up, thousands of Americans participated in and supported the 2018 Women’s March to protest gender-based inequalities. Similarly, on March 24th political turmoil and increasing instances of gun violence propelled hundreds of Americans to participate in March for Our Lives, an anti-gun violence movement led by high school students. As I attended the New York City branch of both of these marches, I found the demographic of the protesters to be quite similar but the tone of the marches to be completely different.
The 2018 Women’s March occurred on the anniversary of the original 2017 Women’s March, which occurred in reaction to the election of President Donald Trump and the statements and allegations that arose surrounding his lack of respect for women. This year’s march, like last year’s, garnered national attention with sister marches in major cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. In New York City alone an estimated 200,000 protesters gathered.
As this was my first time attending a politically charged march, I attended the Women’s March with the perspective of a supportive observer. I was excited and nervous to experience something so much greater than myself, and I wanted to show my support as a woman and as a young citizen fearful for our nation’s future. As expected, the march was filled with men and women all expressing their animosity for the treatment of women. However, I did not expect to feel that the women’s march was more of a Democratic political march rather than citizens coming together to support women. Walking from 72nd Street on Central Park West to Columbus Circle, many of the signs and chants from protesters were about political issues such as DACA, climate change, and healthcare. Popular signs read “For Dreamers” and chants were “Oceans are rising and so are we” and “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.” While I agreed with all of these, I felt they diluted the main message of women’s rights.
Numerous protesters were openly criticizing Republicans. I felt that a march supporting gender equality should include space for both Democrats and Republicans alike. Because of the political issues and the lack of respect seen for Republican stances, I wondered how Republicans could feel welcome in supporting gender equality.
Like the Women’s March, March for Our Lives had sister rallies nationally and garnered around the same number of protesters.
Due to my experience at the Women’s March, I felt fully prepared for this march. I was just as excited and ready to observe the fervor of those in support of gun regulation, but I was also prepared to see leftist politics throughout the march as well. However, this march was very concentrated on the topic of gun control. Walking along the same route as the Women’s March, the atmosphere was charged with a passionate energy. The gravity of the topic at hand seemed to spill into the tone of the march. Similar to the Women’s March, protesters were talking, laughing, and chanting, but there seemed to be an air of urgency during March for Our Lives that was unparalleled. All the protesters seemed desperate to make the lives of their loved ones safer as they chanted, “What do we want? Gun control. When do we want it? Now!” and “End gun violence, no more silence.”
While both marches were impressive and greatly impactful, they were very different. The Women’s March pushed for gender equality, while also seeming to push the Democratic Party’s agenda. However, March for Our Lives displayed the desperation of so many Americans to make America safe again no matter their party affiliation.
Media not working? Click here.
