Forty-one percent of Republicans and 45 percent of Democrats believe one another’s ideologies to be a threat to the nation, according to a Pew Research Center poll.
However, despite the division of ideology, I believe Americans have never been more united. From the Women’s March on Washington to the March for Life, citizens are uniting under the banner of their chosen causes to have their voices heard.
Protesting and free speech have always been a part of American democracy. After all, our country was founded on revolution. Our founding fathers dumped English tea into the harbor, they protested against British rule and they granted us the freedoms we hold so dear.
Americans have been protesting for hundreds of years.
So, why are people so critical of 21st century activists? They call us snowflakes and say we’re uneducated bleeding hearts, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Last week University students gathered in support of immigrant students affected by President Donald Trump’s executive order. Undergraduates, graduates, Ph.D. students and faculty members came together in solidarity. One hundred eighteen University students are from countries affected by the order, including one student from Iran who was unable to begin her studies this semester.
These people are not uneducated. They are open to ideas and supportive when their peers are being attacked.
In the same week, members of the New Orleans community marched with members of the Muslim community. People of a variety of faiths came out to support Muslim citizens and New Orleans as a sanctuary city.
This golden age of activism is only possible because the majority of Americans are willing to stand up and fight for one another. Though I know Trump’s executive orders will likely never affect me, I will use my privilege and safety to assist my fellow Americans.
The rise in protests is not limited to the liberal point of view. The March for Life, held every January in Washington D.C., had a more diverse, young crowd at its Jan. 27 event. The Republicans won the November election, but pro-lifers, the majority of whom are conservatives, came out in droves to have their voices heard.
The time is now. If there is a cause you support, go out and be its champion. Organize marches, walkouts or peaceful protests of all kinds. Where injustice occurs, be there to put the system in check.
We all must find our voices and help to create a better country and a better world.
Abbie Shull is a 23-year-old mass communication major from St. Louis, Missouri.
41 percent of Republicans and 45 percent of Democrats believe one another’s ideologies to be a threat to the nation, according to a Pew Research Center poll, according to Vox.
However, despite the division of ideology, I believe Americans have never been more united. From the Women’s March on Washington to the March for Life, citizens are uniting under the banner of their chosen cause to have their voices heard.
Protesting and free speech have always been a part of American democracy. After all, our country was founded on revolution. Our founding fathers dumped English tea into the harbor, they protested against British rule and they granted us the freedoms we hold so dear.
Americans have been protesting for hundreds of years.
So, why are so critical of 21st century activists? They call us snowflakes and say we’re uneducated bleeding hearts, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Last week University students gathered in support of immigrant students affected by President Trump’s executive order. Undergraduates, graduates, Ph.D. students and faculty members came together in solidarity. 118 University students were from countries affected by the order, including one student from Iran who was unable to begin her studies this semester.
These people are not uneducated. They are open to ideas and supportive when their peers are being attacked.
In the same week, members of the New Orleans community marched with members of the Muslim community. People of a variety of faiths came out to support Muslim citizens and New Orleans as a sanctuary city.
This golden age of activism is only possible because the majority of Americans are willing to stand up and fight for one another. Though I know Trump’s executive orders will likely never affect me, I will use my privilege and safety to assist my fellow Americans.
The rise in protests is not limited to the liberal point of view. The March for Life, held every January in Washington D.C., had a more diverse, young crowd at its Jan. 27 event. The Republicans won the November election; However, pro-lifers, the majority of whom are conservatives, came out in droves to have their voices heard.
The time is now. If there is a cause you support, go out and be its champion. Organize marches, walkouts or peaceful protests of all kinds. Where injustice occurs, be there to put the system in check.
We all must find our voices and help to create a better country and a better world.
Abbie Shull is a 23-year-old mass communication junior from St.Louis, Missouri.