Donovan, Liza, Artist, Sponsor Amplifier Foundation, and Publisher Amplifier Foundation. Hear our voice Women's March on Washington,/ / @Womensmarch + Theamplifierfoundation.org + Liza Donovan. 2017. [Seattle: Amplifier Foundation] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2019630653/.
This source provides a rich platform for teaching symbolism. The poster features a raised fist to illustrate defiance and solidarity, a flame to highlight passion and igniting a movement, and the dove, which classically symbolizes peace. Also of note is the diverse range of hands holding the fist, a representation of how inclusive the movement was. Students can dive deep into these symbols, discover their meanings, and discuss how they work together to send a powerful message.
This poster also connects the past and present. Students can learn about the history of the Women's March, the politics behind it, and the issues people were fighting for. They can delve into other historical feminist movements, like the Movement for Women’s Suffrage. Then, they can connect that history to current events. It's a great way to get them thinking about how far we've come, and how far we still have to go in the fight for equality.
Finally, this poster can really spark creativity. Imagine students writing poems, songs, or even making their own art inspired by it. It could be the centerpiece of a whole unit on social justice, where they explore feminist writing, the history of protests, or current issues. Working with this poster can help students understand social justice in a deeper way, and they'll build critical thinking and creative skills.
The Women's March was a worldwide protest on January 21, 2017, the day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump. This is the official poster of the 2017 Women's March and it shows a raised black fist from which a flame ascends, topped by a white dove, and grasped by brown, tan, and beige hands.
The "Hear Our Voice" poster, designed by Liza Donovan, served as the official poster of the Women's March on Washington in 2017. This Women’s March took place the day after Donald Trump’s first Presidential Inauguration and aimed to send a message to the new administration and the world that women's rights are human rights. Protesters and activists challenged the regressive policies and rhetoric of Trump and reaffirmed the importance of feminist activism and resistance.
- Whose voices are represented here, and whose might be missing?
- How might the intended audience and purpose of this poster influence its message and symbolism?
- How might someone who opposed the Women's March interpret this symbol?
- How does this poster reflect the broader social and political climate of the time?
Missouri Learning Standards
MLS.9-10.RL/RI.1.A: Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Students can move beyond identifying symbols to inferring deeper meanings of the symbols within the poster.
MLS.11-12.RL/RI.1.A: Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
- Students can move beyond identifying symbols to inferring deeper meanings of the symbols within the poster.
- A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft: Both the poster and Wollstonecraft's work advocate for women's rights and equality. Students can compare and contrast the arguments presented in A Vindication... with the visual message of the poster. They can analyze how the poster embodies Wollstonecraft's ideas about women's intellectual and political agency.
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou: The poster's imagery of the raised fist and the flame can be connected to Angelou's themes of resilience, resistance, and the struggle against oppression. Students can discuss how the poster reflects the experiences of marginalized communities, including women of color, as depicted in Angelou's autobiography.
- The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood: The poster's message of unity and resistance can be juxtaposed with the dystopian society depicted in The Handmaid's Tale. Students can analyze how the poster serves as a powerful counterpoint to the suppression of women's rights and freedoms in Atwood's novel. They can discuss the importance of vigilance and collective action in defending individual liberties
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: This young adult novel explores themes of police brutality, racial injustice, and the importance of social activism. The poster's message of unity and resistance can be connected to Starr's journey of activism and her fight for justice in her community. Students can discuss how the poster reflects the power of collective action and the importance of using one's voice to challenge systemic inequalities.
- Several social and political groups might oppose the teaching of the Women's March poster in the classroom. Some may object to its feminist message, viewing it as a challenge to traditional gender roles and what some see as societal norms. Concerns about political bias may arise, with some arguing that the poster promotes a specific political ideology and therefore has no place in a neutral classroom environment. Opposition may also stem from objections to specific issues addressed by the Women's March, such as reproductive rights or LGBTQ+ rights. Additionally, some might argue that the poster's message or imagery is too mature or controversial for younger students. Finally, groups that prioritize individual liberty and limited government intervention may oppose the poster's message of collective action and government intervention to address social issues, believing it promotes a reliance on government solutions rather than individual responsibility.
Links to resources for approaching those topics
- You can use resources like Coming of Age in a Complex World or Preparing Students for Difficult Conversations from Facing History’s website as support.
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This image, while not a poster, was taken at the Women’s March in 2017 and depicts two women wearing American flags as head coverings. Students can analyze the symbolism of wearing the flag in such a way during this protest.
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This image was taken at the Women’s March in 2017 and depicts a young girl at the protest with a drum. Other protesters appear in the background. Students can analyze the symbolism of color in the photo and the diversity of participants.
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- This collection of posters from the Women’s March and the March for Life, both in 2017.
- This collection of historical political posters from the Ross Art Group.