Friday the 27th of January 2017 signified the first week of Presidency for Donald Trump. It also signified the day chaos consumed across the world when Trump banned citizens from seven Muslim majority countries; Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. Across the globe, people made their voices heard by speaking out online and overflowing the streets in protest. Tension and anger was in the air as everywhere, people called for justice. Here, in London, a melting pot where diversity is celebrated and even encouraged, many felt that it was necessary to say what they feel.
After interviewing Iffat, aged 16 from North London who is a Muslim herself, it was clear that she had voiced what many people thought on the situation. When asked about her thoughts on the immigration ban, she purposefully replied that the ban has “made more people open up about their hatred for Muslims, immigrants and people of colour.” It has resulted in a “spurring of so much hatred and fear that no human is entitled to go through at the hands of another, no matter their position even if it is as President”. Coming from such a diverse area such as Hackney, she felt it was “refreshing that sometimes by living here it brings back faith in when there wasn’t that much fear in the air.”
If there were to be a ban such as this imposed on the UK, she felt that “the ban would have to be cancelled within hours” as the sheer number of protests and riots occurring would be of an “insane proportion”. Many marches themselves have already taken place which reinforced the solidarity of people around the world. Landmark places were filled to the brim with banners, posters and signs. People from all walks of life were present, all in solidarity. It was a humble reminder that the unruly actions of one man would not forge a barrier between the people and justice.
Aishah Islam, City and Islington College
