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9 Step Guide On How To Protest Against A President: USA Edition

Shambhavi Saxena

January 20, 2017 marks the day that a billionaire businessman with a history of sexual misconduct and a tendency for manterrupting has been made President of the United States. It’s enough to make your blood boil, isn’t it? But don’t get angry, get organised. And that’s exactly what women in the USA are doing, following the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the country’s 45th President.

Looking at everything that has happened since Trump was named president-elect, here’s a handy guide to addressing the ableist, homophobic, patriarchal platform on which he stands. And it’s something that many in other countries can use, if they foresee a similar threat to their democratic values:

Step 1: Know Your Enemy

There are various fronts on which the Trump presidency will be a massive blow to women’s rights. For one thing, he plans to defund Planned Parenthood, which has been providing healthcare to low-income men and women, as well as abortion services. But wait, there’s more. His administration plans to cut funds for initiatives for civil rights and violence against women too. Americans have identified these and other problems, and have called for a massive Women’s March on Washington, this Saturday, Jan 21, to “send a bold message […] that women’s rights are human rights.”

Step 2: Get Transport On Your Side

Metro services in Washington are opening two hours earlier on Jan 21, to facilitate roughly 200,000 people showing up for the march.

But because not everyone can use public transport, or even be physically present for the march, explore other ways to participate. Like the the virtual march, organised by disability rights activist Sonya Huber, for those with chronic illnesses.

Step 3: Get Some Kick Ass People On Board

Among the performers at WMW are gender-shattering musician and “Hidden Figures” actor Janelle Monae, as well as queer icons Emily Saliers and Amy Ray of The Indigo Girls.

A list of speakers released by WMW includes American feminist stalwart Gloria Steinem and former Black Panther activist Angela Davis.

And if you thought members of the film fraternity weren’t making good on their disdain for Trump, actor Scarlett Johansson, and anti-gun violence advocate and director Michael Moore will also be present. We could go on and on about those in attendance, but you’ll see ‘em all soon enough!

Step 4: Keep Your Posters Ready!

Step 5: Be Intersectional

The mission statement released by the WMW organisers reads: “we support the advocacy and resistance movements that reflect our multiple and intersecting identities.” This means that the march will see the convergence of the many social justice movements that have flowered in America, from Black Lives Matter to LGBTQ rights. But that’s not all. The march has already declared its support for sex workers, and will see participations from over 45,000 people with disabilities.

And we’re not going to say anything about Trump’s attitude towards PWDs, because the Devil who wears Prada says it best:

Step 6: Tell EVERYONE

From the get go, the WMW has created a massive buzz on social media, which today reached a crescendo, as people prepare for Saturday:

Oh, and did we mention WMW chapters have opened up in 57 other countries, including Israel, Kenya, Peru and Georgia?

Step 7: Make Sure Your Press Puts Up An Honest Fight!

In an open letter to Trump, the American Press Corps has stated that it will “set higher standards for [itself] than ever before” for the duration of his presidency. Among several things, it has promised to scrutinise his every move, hold him accountable, and – knowing his penchant for being in the public eye – will regulate just how much airtime is spent on him and his associates. After all, the press is the fourth pillar of government, isn’t it?

Step 8: Occupy The Space That He Represents

Following the less-than-favourable outcome of the 2016 Presidential elections, demonstrators flooded around Trump Tower to say that “the racist, sexist and xenophobic rhetoric of Trump’s campaign would not become a new normal.”

And last night, veteran actor Robert De Niro, pop icon Cher, and feminist actor-director Mark Ruffalo joined thousands of New Yorkers to register their protest.

Step 9: Consistency Counts

It helps when detractors of a fascist leader are able to reach out to millions of viewers night after night, like the cast of comedy sketch show SNL, who have consistently poked fun at and criticised Trump.

Even Alec Baldwin did his famous Trump impressions at the rally last night, asking New Yorkers if they would fight, and have 100 days of resistance, and asking them to start teaching their children to stay woke about the situation.

Elton John, Moby, R Kelly and many other celebrities have taken the bold stand by out and out refusing to participate in any Trump events.

And all of this is what the U.S.A., and the rest of the world, needs right now – to drive home the message that we will not back down.

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