Tuesday night, November 8, 2016, it became clear to the millions of Americans that the country they thought they lived in, the one where women, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, and people with disabilities were considered actual people, was just an elaborate illusion created by the “Matrix.”
Wednesday, the 54% of women who voted for an intelligent policy wonk, with years of relevant experience, a spine stronger than steel, and an actual plan, woke up to the new reality of a Donald Trump presidency, and also to a terrible hangover. As it happened, in a shocking twist, the group complaining the loudest about the “trophy generation,” and the delicate nature of millennials who demand “safe spaces,” were the ones who needed the most hand-holding, and when they didn’t get the exact amount of love and adoration they were used to, they opted to show their displeasure and voice their grievances in the only reasonable manner available—they cut off their hands and threw them at Democrats. Hillary, they claim, did not understand their specific needs, or if she did, she didn’t cater to them exclusively. They didn’t feel included in her message. They weren’t the most coveted group, and that hurt their feelings. This of course begs the question, who is the special snowflake now, middle America?
Thursday, @shutupgunther tweeted “If you thought I was an angry feminist bitch before I hope you’re ready for me the next four years.” This tweet was liked by almost 50,000, and retweeted 34,000 times, because after googling “The Five Stages of Grief,” many decided that they had moved out of the denial phase and were solidly planted in the rage stage. Repeatedly, the theme of “buckle up, buttercup” appeared as an all call that it was time to mobilize. Many looked for creative and personally meaningful outlets for their anger, including donating to Planned Parenthood in honor of Mike Pence. It’s special because he gets a certificate with every donation, but I suspect this is a step up for him from after “Periods for Pence,” but I digress. From this need to stand in solidarity with women, people of color, people from the LGBTQIA community, and literally every group that Donald Trump attacked during his unsettling march to the White House, a different kind of march on Washington was born. Initially coordinated on Facebook, word of a march caught fire, and spread throughout the country. In less than 5 days over 179,000 people had expressed interest in attending The Women’s March on Washington, with 85,000 people indicating they would attend. These numbers do not include separate counts from state chapters, where there is more support. The Delaware group alone, has over 1,100 members.
Yesterday, The Women’s March on Washington event creator, Bob Bland, issued a mission statement on the National page that reads in part, “On January 21st, 2017 we will unite in Washington DC for the Women’s March on Washington. We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families – recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.” The post continues, “In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore. The Women’s March on Washington will send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world that women’s rights are human rights.” She stresses that this is an inclusive march. So fear not, middle America, you are invited to participate in the march. They hear you too.
While the national group is working on arranging permits, speakers, security, and other logistics, each state has set up an individual Event Page. Local leaders and a corps of volunteers in each state are linked with the National group while assuming responsibility for coordinating state participation and attendance in Washington.
In Delaware, Angela Anacay is leading the charge with the help of designated lead coordinators who are organizing volunteers in each of Delaware’s three counties. From arranging bus transportation, fundraising, merchandising, and potential sponsorship, Delaware organizers and volunteers are coming together to plan. Anacay said she felt the need to act because, “We have come too far and cannot afford to go backwards as women and as a united nation. I am involved in the Women’s March on Washington to take a stand WITH everyone who feels marginalized, AGAINST hate, FOR love, AGAINST retrogression, FOR human rights, and FOR women’s rights.”
If you are a Delaware resident and wish to volunteer and/or participate in the march, Anacay asks you to “Please visit Delaware’s FAQ page, www.mwmde.wordpress.com for the link to the national volunteer form (and for other commonly asked Q&A!). If you want to volunteer on a local level, each county will be creating Facebook pages specific to coordinating logistics and matching volunteers to tasks at hand. This is where any local events will be published, as well.” She continues by stressing, “there is a place for you… By our side – at the march!… Creating awareness – word of mouth! …Helping to heal – being a support system for everyone affected!” She hopes “to show that big voices in our little state stand united for equality as defenders of women’s and human rights as we march in solidarity with the rest of the nation.”
It remains to be seen how big the march may be, and what other actions individuals and groups may take, but it is clear the election of Donald Trump has awakened sleeping liberals. Let’s all hope they are the giants legends warned us about. So, “buckle up, buttercups,” here we come!