Since Donald Trump has taken his seat in The White House, it seems that the world has gone back in time. Not only have his controversial decisions been accused of being old fashioned, but people are trying to get their voice back. With protests, marches and rallies spreading all over the world, nostalgia of the 1960’s World Peace movement has kicked in.
Protests against the new President of America’s views, comments, and executive actions he continues to sign off are taking place all over the world. It all began when people stood up for gender equality against the misogynistic comments made by Trump, in a Women’s march that took over many of the biggest cities in the world, including London. However, that was just the beginning. The march seemed to have inspired a sense of unity that has swept through the entire planet.
Many cities have jumped on the protest bandwagon, including Newcastle thanks to the Newcastle based organisers, Newcastle Unites.
On January 30, Grey’s Monument became engulfed by protesters and banners, with slogans such as “no to racism, no to Trump” and “dump Trump”, from all over the North East.
The minute you saw the huge crowd cheering on the speakers, the feeling of support and unity was overwhelming. The crowd that bled down the streets of Newcastle town repeated all manner of supportive chants towards refugees and negativity towards Trump, such as: “This is what democracy looks like.”
The crowd wasn’t just made up of regular protesters, but also newbies that feel this is the time to begin a movement and stand together.
Ellie King, a first-time protester waving a banner saying “You can’t comb over racism” said: “It’s great that people are coming out to protest who never have before.
“There’s a positive collective atmosphere that demonstrates we’re standing with protesters in America and other countries, and all of us are standing against the disgraceful, damaging views of Donald Trump.”
Kirsty, a protester that had attended the Women’s March as well said the reason she was at the rally was “to stand in solidarity.”
This was a feeling that you couldn’t help but become absorbed by when standing in the middle of the crowd. With everyone there hoping for the same positive outcome to the growing movement against Trump, the protest felt positive and peaceful.
Although the main theme of the rally was against the Muslim travel ban to America that Trump has ordered, there was also some anger towards Theresa May.
Two experienced protesters, John and Helen have attended anti-EDL and LGBT rallies before. John explained: “Quite frankly, Theresa May has absolutely disgusted me the past few days, her being on his side, that’s not on. But it seems to be mainly about Trump tonight so that’ll do for now.” Helen added: “We’re here to show solidarity with America as well.”
The theme of solidarity ran through this peaceful protest, and as Trump shows no signs of backing down from his decisions, the rallies will only gain momentum. With more protests being organised by the week, it’s easier than ever for people to stand up against what they believe is wrong.
Whether these protests will make a difference is yet to be seen. But what must be taken from these rallies, is that people are standing together to support America, refugees, Muslims, and any other victims in this historic time for the country, and the world.