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Since the conclusion of one of the most contentious elections in our nation’s history, inauguration day has loomed over many Americans. As January 20th approaches, many different demographics have become more outspoken against President Elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming presidency. One demographic stands out among the rest, not because the members of said group have more pressing concerns regarding the Trump administration, but because this particular group has many strong and powerful members.
Considering the publicity that Trump’s objectively misogynistic comments garnered, women who are against Trump on a gender-based perspective have been outspoken in their backlash. Numerous celebrities, for instance, have used their status to project their disapproval and fear of the upcoming inauguration. On January 8th, Meryl Streep received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globes and used the very public platform as an opportunity to express her thoughts on the election of our future president. “There was one performance this year that stunned me. It sank its hooks in my heart. Not because it was good. There was nothing good about it... it was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter… it kind of broke my heart when I saw it… it wasn't in a movie. It was real life.”
Celebrities aren’t the only people voicing their concerns over Trump’s inauguration. Feminist social activist groups are also taking action. Femen, although not based in the U.S., define themselves as, "An international women’s movement of brave topless female activists painted with slogans and crowned with flowers." Based in Europe, Femen has been openly criticizing Trump’s misogyny. On January 17th, a member of Femen attacked a life-size statue of Trump at a waxwork museum in Madrid. The protester was topless, and screamed, “grab the patriarchy by the balls,” in reference to Trump’s “grab her by the pussy” comment.
There’s no doubt that the domestic and international culture right now is marked by feminist protests of varying degrees as Trump’s inauguration approaches. The lull that occurred between the immediate reactions to Trump’s victory and January is being quickly replaced with tension, especially from impassioned women.
Despite its notorious "bubble", Boston College is not immune to this rising culture of feminist backlash against Trump, especially in recent times. “Not only as a woman, but as a Mexican-American woman, I am very conscious of how this political climate influences me," Cynthia Gonzales, MCAS ‘20 remarked, "Just because I came to Boston College, which for the most part offers me an idyllic world, doesn’t mean I can forget who I am.” Therese Villa, CSON ‘20, commented, “Being part of an all-girl dance team, FISTS, has allowed me to learn more about my identity as a woman, especially one of color like myself, through the bonds of sisterhood.”
Thus, it is important to view Boston College not as a protective sphere, but as a microcosm of the world, and to contribute to this conversation that consists of people not just from BC’s culture, but the entire world.
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