As reported by The New York Times, it seems that the fiery, uncontrolled anger that once fueled such demonstrations has finally begun to wane, even if it took nearly a decade to do so.
A recent article from The New York Times, a publication often associated with the #Resistance movement, aptly captured the prevailing sentiment with its headline: “‘Get Somebody Else to Do It’: Trump Resistance Encounters Fatigue.” Despite the dwindling enthusiasm, there are still some who persist, as noted by reporter Katie Brenner. She wrote, “In the days after Donald J. Trump’s electoral victory, thousands of people revived the grassroots movement that opposed his first term in office.”
Brenner described scenes of protestors in Manhattan, Los Angeles, and Chicago, all voicing their opposition to Trump's policies on abortion and immigration. However, she also noted a sense of disillusionment among the protestors, as their efforts seemed to have little impact on Trump's stance. “But participants noted that Mr. Trump had not appeared to be swayed by protests, petitions, hashtag campaigns or other tools of mass dissent. Many have been calling for a fresh playbook,” Brenner wrote.
IN TRUE "BADA$$" FASHION, TRUMP EXTENDS THIS EXTREMELY CONTROVERSIAL INVITATION!
This "fresh playbook" remains elusive, and those tasked with its creation are far from fresh themselves. David Hogg, a prominent anti-gun activist who gained recognition after surviving the Parkland, Florida school shooting, expressed his frustration. “We’ve marched so much. We’re tired of doing the same thing over and over,” he said. Hogg also emphasized the need for a new generation of leaders, saying, “We need to be positioned to bring a new generation into office so we’re not just protesting and marching. We can’t be outside looking in.”
TAYLOR LORENZ: I FELT JOY WHEN THE CEO WAS K*LLED
November 29, 2024
However, the Democrats' attempt to inject "fresh blood" into their ranks by replacing Joe Biden with Kamala Harris did not yield the desired results. Leslie Mac, a digital strategist and communications expert, suggested that figures like Hogg, who gained prominence through digital activism, may be part of the problem. “I keep getting emails to sign petitions. These people coming to the White House don’t care about petitions. They don’t care how many people sign them. They don’t care what they say,” Mac said.
MARINE VET ACQUITTED: IS DANIEL PENNY THE RIGHT'S GEORGE FLOYD?
Mac also criticized the role of social media in activism, saying it has turned activism into a public relations job where follower count and media mentions matter more than actual work. “Digital spaces are not your friend anymore,” she added.
JOE ROGAN KNOCKED OFF HIS PODCAST THRONE! GUESS WHO’S STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE?
The Times suggested that the Trump era could lead to a resurgence of local, in-person activism. It noted that during the Biden administration, conservative grassroots activists successfully pushed for abortion bans, changes in school curriculums, and book bans in libraries. However, despite these efforts, the liberal grassroots groups' attempts to reverse these measures were largely unsuccessful.
CALIFORNIA'S NEW IMMIGRATION CLASH: SHERIFF VS. SUPERVISORS IN EPIC SANCTUARY SHOWDOWN
The mood among insiders is also less than optimistic. Cynthia Shaw, a 65-year-old who worked at a polling place in the Detroit suburbs, expressed her exhaustion and lack of appetite for another #Resistance charge. “So many of us are so exhausted,” she said. “I don’t mean to be so bleak, but that’s how it feels today.”
BILL CLINTON UNLOADS ON MEDIA OVER WIFE'S 2016 ELECTION DRAMA
Yet, there are still some, like 43-year-old Liz Folkestad from Colorado, who remain undeterred. “My anger drives a fire,” she said. “I will engage. I’ll show up, I’ll march. There is solace in knowing that you’re not alone.”
However, the effectiveness of such determination is questionable, especially considering Folkestad's admission of considering a move to Portugal following the election results. Such sentiments, while perhaps indicative of deep frustration, do little to sway the broader public opinion.
SECOND AMENDMENT SMACKDOWN? NOT TODAY, SAYS SUPREME COURT IN CONTROVERSIAL GUN CASE
So, what happens when the fiery rage that once fueled resistance proves ineffective? The coping mechanisms vary, but one thing is clear: there are many weary liberals who, despite their exhaustion, seem to have learned little from their experiences. This, in itself, is a testament to the challenges faced by the #Resistance movement and its struggle to effect meaningful change.
