Priya Saha | Contributor
Featured image: The recent American election sparked the Women’s March in Washington, which resulted in 673 “sister marches” held worldwide in solidarity. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Despite losing the popular vote, Donald Trump was officially inaugurated as president of the United States, but to much dismay. In anticipation of President Trump’s promised changes to legislation, over one million people came together to support women’s rights, healthcare and immigration reforms, environmental protection and LGBTQ+ rights, along with other prominent social issues. There were 408 similar marches planned across the United States and 161 marches in 81 other nations, including one here in Toronto. The power of social media allowed for marches on all seven continents, resulting in almost five million people marching globally.
In the past, activism took an oppositional stance in order to incite social change. Protests communicate information and critical views on a subject by groups of individuals, often a collaborative effort of various groups. The effectiveness of these gatherings is generally dependent on participation; with the support of political leaders and others in power, there can be direct impact and change. But changes may be strategic rather than altruistic, as politicians generally want to be re-elected—having a large number of unhappy constituents isn’t good for their potential re-election.
“Engaging in activism through protests is vital because it gives everyone a voice in a democratic society. It allows for citizens to engage in social change while ensuring that the government is held accountable for their actions,” says Rebecca Denyer, fourth-year political science and communication studies student.
Protesting and rallying has, historically, always had a place in activism. During the 1930s, Gandhi’s Salt March was held in India in response to the British monopolization of India’s salt market. Protesters marched to the Arabian Sea to collect salt as an act of protest and rebellion, interrupting and challenging the status quo. This was an effective protest, resulting in India’s independance.
There are many elements that go into making an effective protest and rally, but participation and recognition remain some of the most important factors.
“Intersectionality is a key aspect for an effective rally. There needs to be proper representation and various voices in order to ensure that every citizen is being represented properly,” says Denyer.
“It’s necessary to include the voices of marginalized individuals to create discussions regarding the different kinds of oppression that each person faces, while spreading understanding to increase solidarity.”
The face of activism seems to be changing as it moves into creating an online presence. Perhaps this was most effective during the Arab Spring, which, through the aid of social media, generated international buzz concerning the growing resentment of the Arab people toward age-old Arab dictatorships.
Online activist communities reach beyond creating awareness and event planning, to incite rallies and protests. These circles also work in distributing information and resources, making them accessible to a range of users.
The Women’s March remains a hot topic for media coverage and discussion with both positive and negative coverage dominating all media platforms.
On the one hand, the marches highlight the diverse range of participants affected by Trump’s proposals, and on the other, note a lack of cohesion.
“In the past, activists were limited by time and location due to the lack of technology. With the limitation of communication, it was simple to have one single mission statement. The benefit of social media is that it allows for the sharing of ideas within a global movement. Unfortunately, it also makes it more difficult to have a cohesive single task,” says Denyer.
The Women’s March was a loud and proud celebration for diversity in terms of issues and people. “It was a beautiful show of strength and solidarity in the face of xenophobia, sexism and right-wing politics under Trump,” says Kamilla Petrick, a communication professor.
“The marches are above all a huge inspiration, helping to encourage a new generation of activists to fight for social justice,” she adds.
“Since change happens over time, a single protest may not fix the social problem, but it will plant a seed for transformation within the future of the movement,” says Denyer.
