#NotMyPresident: A Polarized Twitter Battle

 

We can all agree that this election, if nothing else, has been polarizing to our communities. However, the most clear indication of this divide can be found through a quick hashtag search on Twitter.

#NotMyPresident has sparked mounds of 140-character expressions of dissent from both sides (or, all 3 sides, if you’re still #WithGary) of the Twittersphere. The hashtag started up in response to Donald Trumps’ victory over Hillary Clinton last Tuesday and has spread like wildfire. People on Donald’s side proclaim that the usage of this hashtag indicates weakness, or that “liberals” are being “crybabies.” On the other side, individuals refuse to believe that Donald Trump is their president, due to his incredulous platform of hatred and misinformation.

From the Donald side:

A user chose to make the hashtag against Obama, instead of against Trump.

Another appropriated it to be against Hillary.

A third Twitter user shares a Tomi Lahren video as she goes off on “mass tantrums,” or, protests against Trump.

On the other side:

A message of hope from a user named @sickbath, showing unity in marginalized communities against Trump.

Another tweeter linked to an article in support of anti-Trump protests, proclaiming them a necessary cornerstone of democracy.

A user named Jeffrey Guterman refutes’ Trump’s legitimacy, proclaiming that he will not accept him just because he is now the POTUS-elect.

 

Overall, from what I can discern from this very 2-sided hashtag discussion, is that the United States and, the world in fact, is utterly divided. If a quick hashtag search is a clear indication of the split this nation is going through, then it should prove to be a very interesting next 4 years.

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