Chaotic Protest in Sacramento
A Demonstration of Disorganization and Divisiveness
During an overcast afternoon on February 17, 2025 in Sacramento, the California State Capitol grounds became the scene of a disorganized and disjointed protest that, despite its size, left more questions than answers about its purpose and impact. With an estimated crowd of 1,100 to 1,300 individuals, estimated by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers who were assigned to the area, the event was less a unified political statement and more a cacophony of conflicting messages and uncoordinated activism.
A view from the capitol
The event began at noon, so it was already underway when I arrived around one o'clock. The crowd, predominantly older adults, seemed passionate but disorganized, holding a mishmash of homemade signs and chanting slogans that often veered into vulgar territory. I was shocked to see that many protesters were engaging their children in the display, given the vulgarity of their signs and chants. The event was physically peaceful, with few if any altercations, but the language used throughout the demonstration was inflammatory and combative, raising concerns about the event's overall message and effectiveness.
An array of flags on display at the California State Capitol
An Array of Expletives that Lacked a Unified Message
The protest appeared to be an amalgamation of various groups, each with their own agenda but no central leadership to provide direction. Competing voices with handheld loudspeakers fought for attention, making it difficult for any single message to resonate. The signs ranged from critiques of former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk to broader societal issues such as social security, Medicare, and U.S. foreign policy.
One particularly perplexing chant called for the deportation of Elon Musk, while another group focused on condemning fascism in the United States. The presence of signs about apartheid in South Africa and demands like "Mangioni set free" further diluted any clear political statement the protest might have intended to convey.
While protests often involve strong language to convey frustration, the explicit language used in this event stood out. "Fight back," "Resist," and "Deport Elon" were chanted in unison, accompanied by drums that gave the scene an almost carnival-like atmosphere. The most jarring chant, however, was a repeated expletive directed toward former President Trump.
Protest at Sacramento Capitol
Such language typically proves ineffective to advance constructive political discourse and also risks alienating potential supporters. While anger can be a powerful mobilizing force, the crude and aggressive nature of these chants seemed more likely to repel than persuade.
Mixed Messages and Fringe Causes
The protest's lack of cohesion extended to the variety of signs displayed by attendees. Messages ranged from "Dump Trump" and "Resist Despair Together" to "Democracy, Not Oligarchy" and "Education, Not Deportation." Some signs referred to Denmark, seemingly referencing Trump's controversial proposal to purchase Greenland, while others expressed concerns about tariffs and sales tax policies. There were even signs addressing issues unrelated to the central themes, such as South African apartheid and calls for specific individuals to be “set free.”
Vendors on site added to the confusion. One vendor sold Mexican flags, while others displayed Ukrainian symbols. The diverse and disparate messages painted a picture of dissatisfaction but failed to present any coherent policy demands or actionable goals.
Seniors With Nostalgia for the Sixties
Another notable aspect of the event was the age demographic of the attendees. The crowd skewed significantly older, with most participants appearing to be over the age of 55. The absence of younger voices raises questions about the protest's ability to sustain long-term momentum or to engage younger generations who are crucial to the political movements they appeared to support.
Despite the event's chaotic atmosphere and the abrasive language, there were no large-scale issues. The CHP maintained a calm and watchful presence throughout the protest. Officers monitored the situation without intervening, as the demonstration remained peaceful. The major issue at hand was nostalgic incompetence, not dangerous intent.
This generational gap may also contribute to the lack of coordination and technological savvy that more organized movements often exhibit. Without the engagement of younger activists, such events risk becoming echo chambers for an aging demographic disconnected from younger, more diverse political conversations happening online and across college campuses.
View of the protest at the Sacramento Capital
A Protest Without Purpose?
Ultimately, the Sacramento protest served as an example of how disorganization can undermine even the most passionate political expressions. While dissatisfaction with Trump, Musk, and broader societal issues was evident, the event's lack of focus, reliance on vulgar language, and fragmented messaging diminished its potential impact.
Political activism, when executed with clarity and unity, has the power to drive meaningful change. In contrast, this protest seemed more like an outlet for venting frustration than a strategic effort to address grievances or influence policy. If future demonstrations aim to make a tangible impact, organizers must prioritize coherence, inclusivity, and constructive dialogue over noise and profanity.
In a political landscape already fraught with polarization, events like these risk exacerbating divisions rather than fostering understanding or driving action. Sacramento witnessed a protest, but the protest itself seemed uncertain about what it was truly protesting against.
