Protesting.

Demonstrating, marching, rallying.

The “act of objecting or a gesture of disapproval,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

The goal of protesting is to change our country by pushing for respect, equality, acceptance, protection, and so much more.

It is crucial in this day and age that Americans stay true to the purpose of protesting, otherwise progress will not be made.

Protesting is not hateful. It shouldn’t be at least. So why do people think that showing up to rallies with signs sporting accusatory and hateful statements will accomplish something?

Hate will not fix anything. It will not fix our gun laws, it will not remove the current president from office, and it will not make women more respected.

People proudly showing their “Trump is a racist” sign at a rally do not make the President reconsider how his words affect people nor does it make him want to.

Such negative and emotionally driven messages only make important protests like the Women’s March be taken less seriously.

Part of the problem is that people get emotionally caught up in marches like the Women’s March or those following the 2016 presidential election. They lose sight of the objective — to promote change.

Not to mention, one is often surrounded by like-minded people at protests, so there is no accountability for promoting ineffective remarks, such as “F— Donald Trump” or “Not My President.”

This is where progress is lost.

Now, I’m not saying protests should be a throwback to the 60s, full of peace signs and flowers, as change will not happen if we are passive. We as a people are able to  confidently communicate what we think is right and what we need to be changed.

Hateful protesting only fuels like-minded peoples’ fires and starts fires at the opposite end of the court.

If Americans want change, then they must start promoting it and not re-establishing problems that 63 percent of politically active Americans are already aware of. There is a way to bring awareness to these problems without fueling existing fires.

If people who push for change remain positive, change can occur. Logical solutions to today’s problems are more motivating for the change-makers in the government, as they provide a call to action.

A recent school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has ignited the younger generation to take action on the issue of gun control. Three student survivors from this school, Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, and Cameron Kasky, have taken the lead on this.

These students have initiated a movement. They are providing a positive platform for the younger generation to speak up and help prevent further mass shootings from occurring. They clearly state what they think needs to change without trashing the government.

This is effective.

These students are models for future activists, as they are educated on the subject, not using hate, and are standing up for change.

This type of protesting will bring people together, not push them apart.

Protest for change, for a solution, and don’t forget your purpose while doing so.

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