Over the weekend, America played host to what some might call the wackiest costume party in history. The No Kings protest, as it was dubbed, strutted across 2,700 locations nationwide, bringing together a bizarre assembly of people who’ve apparently decided that their pastimes of choice include standing around with homemade signs whining about President Trump. Billed as the biggest protest in American history by those deeply engrossed in their own mythology, participants clung to the delusion that they were challenging a royal despot rather than a democratically elected leader. But, of course, when you have that much free time on a Saturday afternoon, why not indulge in some public performance art?
As expected, the protestors were armed with social media accounts as well as cardboard placards. One enthusiastic protester shared on Twitter, crying foul over a playful image from a Trump-associated account, depicting the President with a crown. Her outrage was simmering. Clearly, humor isn’t universal because the concept of satire sailed right over this individual’s head. It’s an advanced topic — perhaps better left to those who mastered middle school.
In a showcase of Meme Diplomacy, President Trump himself joined the humor crusade. In what might top his greatest hits collection, he shared a whimsical video depicting him in a fighter jet, airborne above protestors. Naturally, this sparked a meltdown from a few social-media-reliant Gen Z influencers, who wore their hurt feelings on their sleeves like badges of honor. But let it be known, if sitting in the crosshairs of Trump’s satire is the peak of your publicity, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the career trajectory.
And lest we forget, our newly crowned Twitter warriors braced Pink Slip Anxiety, fearing doxxing and public shaming. Turns out, expressing opinions — however obnoxious — might tilt a societal axis, placing one on the naughty list. The irony was almost poetic: the champions of free speech suddenly distressed by the same tools they wielded so liberally. Call it karma, call it consequence; either way, lessons in civility weren’t part of their weekend itinerary.
Overall, the “No Kings” event might have had its themes confused, painting a vivid portrait of how politics in the digital age often transforms into a chaotic theatre. But remarkably, amid the cacophony of accusations and hyperbole, we’re reminded once again that comedy can unveil truths that shouting never will. And for the internet’s jesters, conservatives and liberally-minded alike, it’s a game of keeping cool under a crown that never really existed in the first place.
