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America under the spotlight
US inauguration draws international attention as viewers witness ceremony marking the democratic transition into the Trump era.
Inauguration – The Peaceful Transfer of Power
Recently, the world witnessed Donald Trump take the presidential oath of office, marking the country’s 58th inaugural ceremony. The event grabbed international headlines as focus shifted to the nation’s capital. Regardless of opinions on the incoming president, this event celebrated the success of a peaceful transition of power within the United States Government, showcasing to the world the successful procedures of a modern democracy.
Domestically, over 30 million Americans tuned in on national television to watch their next president take his oath of office. These numbers do not account for domestic and international online streaming. Needless to say, this amount of exposure can prove valuable as a mechanism of communicating the democratic process enshrined in the US Constitution.
As the leader on the international stage, the US must set an example for the rest of the world to follow in its footsteps. Properly showcasing the inauguration is a necessary and important step in better crafting the American message in hopes of inspiring democratic principles abroad.
Protests – The Practice of Non-violent Opposition
Following the inauguration, protests broke out in cities across the US, as those displeased with the incoming administration took to the streets to express their frustrations. The following day, a historic march for women was set to take place across 673 locations. The world continued to watch.
The Women’s March on Washington, caught traction globally as people took to the streets in solidarity within cities across the world. This is another example of US leadership proving that the things we say at home are heard abroad, and that foreign populations will follow America’s example.
As people flooded the streets in support of the women’s march, the world witnessed the power of public demonstration, a central tenant of a healthy democracy. Participants expressed their support on many issues including reproductive rights, equal pay, affordable health care, and action on climate change.
Incoming president Donald Trump acknowledged the protests in a tweet, stating “Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our democracy. Even if I don’t always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views.”
An Example to Follow
Both the inauguration and the march showcase democratic, American values, emphasizing the freedoms and rights of the individual, as well as the disagreements that occur in a democratic society. Properly showcasing these events and the deeper principles they represent is part of the US’s responsibility to craft the proper message it would like to convey to the world.
