A new study has revealed that the ‘No Kings’ protest in Washington, D.C., primarily consisted of educated white women in their 40s, who opposed President Donald Trump’s perceived authoritarianism. The movement, which saw thousands take to the streets, was marked by the use of inflatable costumes, including chickens and pigs, as a nonviolent form of protest.
The demonstration, reported by Axios, was part of a broader nationwide movement against Trump’s political style, which participants viewed as akin to a ‘kingship.’ Researchers at American University, tracking protest movements, noted that the typical attendee was an educated white woman in her 40s, who often learned about the event through social media or personal networks.
Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, author of his upcoming book ‘Therapy Nation,’ commented on the phenomenon, stating that the protests represent a blending of emotional catharsis with civic engagement. He described the ‘No Kings’ rallies as a form of group therapy, allowing individuals to express grievances in a communal setting, even if it doesn’t result in tangible political change.
Alpert also highlighted the rise of ‘therapy speak’ in American culture, noting how it permeates various aspects of life, including political movements. He suggested that the language used in the protests, such as terming others as narcissists or traumatized, often lacks clinical validity, which could influence participants’ perspectives.
Despite the nonviolent nature of the protest, there were instances of tension, with reports of a man in an inflatable Trump costume being attacked on camera. The event, which drew attention not only in Washington, D.C., but also across the country, included participants donning various colorful costumes, such as T. rex and elephants, as a means of drawing notice without resorting to violence.
Protesters, such as Claudia Schultz, who wore an inflatable pig costume, emphasized that the inflatable props served to distance them from any violent tendencies. She pointed out that the movement was a form of protest that clearly communicated its message without resorting to aggression, thus distinguishing it from other, more confrontational demonstrations.
Overall, the ‘No Kings’ movement has become a symbol of a growing desire for community and belonging in an era marked by political polarization. While some participants equated the movement with significant historical events, experts maintain that it primarily reflects a yearning for connection and communal validation, rather than a broader political agenda.