“Donald Trump, go away. Racist, Sexist, Anti-gay,” screamed thousands of protestors including men, women, and children as they marched in forty degree weather with dozens of cops trying to control yet another protest against the president-elect.
On November 11, 2016 people brought their signs and their voices to Washington Square Park to oppose the results of the election. “Not our president” was the repetition.
According to many protestors, the “love rally” quickly turned aggressive when hundreds began chanting “f*ck Trump” instead of what Sydney Miller, the host of the Facebook event, intended. Miller had hoped that the rally would remain peaceful and positive but many believe that didn’t happen.
Many attendees, including mothers who had brought their children, felt disappointed with the outcome of this “love rally.”
Jenny, a mother of three, said she hoped to “show my girls how to spread positivity and love through what most think is the start to the failure of our nation. If I knew they’d be screaming profanity.. I would’ve never come. I fully agreed with the woman who created this event and what she hoped for but there’s no love here.” She added that she is not a Trump-supporter but she doesn’t support spreading negativity either.
While others enjoyed the rally, many expected more. “I feel like we didn’t address all aspects. I’d hope that it’d be an event to tell those who were targeted that our country loves them but I’ve only heard or seen signs for gays and women,” said Katelyn, a sixteen year old girl from Harlem. She hopes the rally creates some sort of positive change and unity.
A student from John Jay stated “Trump is a businessman. He knew what most electoral voters wanted and believed in .. maybe he didn’t even mean what was said about the Muslims and Mexicans and women but I love that we came together as one to let those targeted know we are here. Proud of Trumps’ victory though. We did it!”
Others didn’t have such a positive attitude. “I hate Trump so much . Maybe someone would take one for the team and kill him,” said a 17 year old girl from the Bronx. She believes Trump doesn’t deserve a response of love and said she hopes all Trump supporters get shot.
“Two wrongs don’t make a right. I hope hate doesn’t destroy us completely . The world is already a dark place. We have to change. Donald Trump didn’t start the problem. These issues have been around for many many years. I don’t know what we’re going to do but making matters worse isn’t okay. I didn’t sacrifice my life for all of those years, protecting us from foreigners so that we can destroy each other from the inside,” said Lucas, a 84 year old veteran who doesn’t believe Trump is the problem. He said that he thinks the people of this nation blame whoever they can but do nothing. He continues “You can’t complain if you didn’t vote.”