Less than one year into President Donald Trump’s second term, we’ve seen protests sweep the United States. For months now, various protests have been organized around the country to reject the president’s policies, the arrival of the National Guard in cities, and ICE’s brutal treatment of migrants.
In October, millions of Americans gathered together in No Kings countrywide demonstrations to protest against the Trump administration. Though these protests featured Americans of all ages, many demonstrators and analysts couldn’t help but notice how younger millennials, and particularly Gen Z, have joined this civil movement.
It’s hard to ignore how interesting — and even fun — some of these protests have become, all things to Gen Z. This rather enjoyable turn, however, doesn’t mean that Gen Z isn’t taking this all very seriously.
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One Piece Flags and Inflatable Costumes Make Up Protests
As the Trump administration claimed that Portland was a “war zone” and “war-ravaged,” protestors hit the streets in inflatable costumes, immediately defying this picture without saying a word. The trend has kicked off, and now protestors throughout America are showing up to demonstrations as inflatable frogs, dancing around armed police.
Meanwhile, One Piece flags have become much more common at these protests. One Piece, a worldwide fan-favorite anime show, has quickly become a way young protestors can relate to their situation — and each other. The flags, which feature a cartoon skull and crossbones with a straw hat, are now being seen by many as a symbol for the youth fighting against oppression and authoritarian regimes.
In many ways, younger Americans have become inspired by the Gen Z protests seen in Nepal and Madagascar, which also featured One Piece flags at their rallies. Anime, once more of a niche form of entertainment, is now huge in the United States and has allowed Americans to feel connected to — and inspired by — their counterparts in Asia and Africa.
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Why This Whimsical Turn May Make More Young Americans Politically Active
Dancing inflatable frogs at rallies have taken over the internet. One Piece fans have quickly started making signs and flags before they go out to protest. Even Star Wars fans have gotten in on the fun during demonstrations.
Though some may worry that Gen Z isn’t taking these protests seriously, the opposite appears to be true. Gen Z is taking this seriously — in their own way. Instead of allowing Trump to paint them as antifa terrorists, they’re showing up to have fun and fight America’s descent into authoritarianism.
Just look at how the Gen Z protests in Nepal worked out. While they protested in the streets, they also made TikToks and played games of UNO. They elected their first female prime minister on Discord and brought down their oppressive government. Through their own almost whimsical nature, Gen Z brought about change in Nepal.
Activists have long said that the youth need to show up and fight for their rights. In an era where many have claimed that Gen Z doesn’t show up to protest, getting younger Americans to unite in a fun way could be exactly what is missing.
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