Explore the personal journeys of activists who transformed their disillusionment into action, driven by the aftermath of political upheaval. Hear from women veterans passionately advocating for reproductive rights and reflecting on their military experiences. Discover how collective action and accessible technology are fueling movements for change. Delve into the emotional landscape of activists grappling with setbacks while embracing reflection as a tool for resilience and renewed purpose in challenging times.
The resistance movement catalyzed significant grassroots activism among women, exemplified by events like the Women's March advocating for women's rights.
Many activists now seek reflection and strategic planning over traditional protests, emphasizing community building in response to evolving political challenges.
Deep dives
Resurgence of Political Activism
The 2016 election triggered a significant political movement, known as the resistance, particularly among women who felt galvanized by Donald Trump's presidency. Many women, like Vanessa Rubel, transformed their reactions from despair to action, forming grassroots organizations such as the Women's March to channel their anger. The Women's March saw participation from thousands, symbolizing a collective push against perceived threats to women's rights, with activists believing that this mobilization was just the beginning of a broader movement for change. This surge of activism exemplified how political discontent can forge a united front among diverse groups advocating for shared values.
Reflections on the Next Trump Era
As Donald Trump continued to exert influence on American politics, activism shifted from an initial high of hope and mobilization to feelings of defeat and uncertainty among many organizers. Participants reflected on their experiences, noting that the societal response to the 2020 presidential election felt disheartening, especially considering the enduring challenges women, particularly women of color, still face. The previous collective actions seemed to yield results, such as increased representation in government, yet many activists questioned whether their efforts effectively changed the trajectory of political power and social progress. This sense of disillusionment led to discussions about the efficacy and intentions behind future protests and the need to reassess their strategies.
Evolving Strategies and New Challenges
In light of the frustrations following the recent elections, many activists expressed skepticism toward traditional forms of protest, such as marches. Discussions highlighted the importance of reflection and strategic planning over sheer action, suggesting a need for grassroots movements to adapt to changing political climates. While some continued to see value in organized demonstrations, many activists emphasized that thoughtful regrouping and examining past efforts were critical to formulating effective responses to current challenges. This shift indicates a movement towards engaging in more nuanced forms of activism that prioritize local issues and community building over large-scale protests.
For the past two weeks, Lynsea Garrison of “The Daily” has been talking to people who were part of a movement, known as the resistance, that opposed Donald Trump’s first term as president.
With Mr. Trump preparing to again retake the White House, she asked those past protesters how they might react this time.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode