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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Poll: is it pointless to protest against Trump in Scotland?

This poll is about 7 years old
 

Trump protests: virtue signalling or showing solidarity?

Is it pointless to campaign against Donald Trump in Scotland?

Yes
54
No
198

Thousands have taken to the streets in Scotland to protest against the policies of US President Donald Trump.

There were demonstrations in Glasgow and Edinburgh after he announced his controversial Muslim travel ban.

While Trump’s divisive policies seem to have energised people to oppose them, others have been wondering what the point of protesting against him on this side of the Atlantic is.

Campaigners have said that it is important to show solidarity with those facing oppression abroad, that it increases their capacity to resist, and that it can effect material change here by, in this instance, keeping the UK government on guard over its relationship with Trump.

However, there’s been a persistent note of discord sounded.

One protestor in Glasgow told TFN how she was heckled on the street with cries of “it’s not affecting you so go home”.

Is this fair? Is it all just a pose, a form of virtue signalling? After all, people haven’t taken to the streets in such numbers to protest against less ‘fashionable’ causes such as carers’ rights, homelessness or welfare reform.

This is why we’re asking: is it pointless to campaign against Donald Trump in Scotland?

Vote now and get the debate going by leaving a comment below.

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