Lots of people in the US are getting used to new Saturday routines these days. In addition to weekend grocery shopping, yard work, outdoor recreation and social activity, there are the now-regular gatherings to protest everything from kidnapping of foreign leaders to government-sanction killing of our own citizens. This past Saturday was one such day, and the people came out in droves.
My friend Steph and I met up with some other friends in downtown Lexington, MA to hold signs and stand in a crowd of 700– one of thousands of such gatherings that day. The reason is nothing less than protesting tyranny, murder, war crimes, and theft by agents and leaders of our government. And it’s not lost on me that we were standing in downtown Lexington, MA, less than a block away from the Lexington Battle Green, where local citizens faced down agents of their tyrannical government 250 years ago.
Even in the midst of such serious and high-stakes power struggles in my country, it’s a source of strength and comfort to me that people can find lightness and connection and humor in that struggle. So, I hereby switch gears to show you that lighter face of Protest Saturdays.
Steph, as it happens, owns a small collection of inflatable costumes. She wore her traditional T. rex outfit, and lent me unicorn riding attire. We also had prepared signs for the occasion. Hers was made with GenAI tools for graphics (although the brilliant concept was hers) and said “End the Trump ICE Age!” #TeamAsteroid”. Mine was written in the parking lot with a marker, but I thought up the slogan all by myself: “I want my justice straight up, with no ICE”.
There were loads of ICE-related themes in the signs, many about melting or crushing, which was great. I found two others who had cocktail-inspired signs, and we got together for a picture.
And of course there were dogs.
The people were numerous, friendly, and orderly. There were also lots of great and generous volunteers making sure the sidewalks were clear and that the event was within the letter of the law, modeling participatory democracy in action.
Of course, this event was easy to attend– it was not far from my house, there was convenient parking, and Steph and I had nice coffees before the rally started at 11:30 am. Not a heavy lift, by any means. We were never at risk in any way, unlike many who are at real risk 24/7.
What I’m saying is that in response to political crisis and violence in my country, part of the response is to create a new normal of regular protest (in addition to the other work that needs to be done). And life is big and complex enough to encompass practices that promote solidarity, conversation, community-building and collective action.
Along with meeting new dogs. And I got in 3000 steps just from this event. Who knew…
Happy Sunday, folks.