#protesting

[humanityinahandbag]

I'd like to tell you all a story about my grandmother.

My grandparents raised their children, four girls (one of them my mother), to be fighters. My aunts marched in Washington for women's rights with babies strapped to their chests and like to joke that all of the grandchildren who came from that line (including myself) were born with picket signs in their hands.

But it started with my grandparents. They fought hard for what they believed in. They marched against Vietnam. They marched for Martin Luther King. They marched for women's rights. They marched for a better future.

But let's talk specifically about my grandmother for a moment.

My grandmother unfortunately passed away in 2016. She had to watch the first Trump election and did so knowing that it would probably be the last election she'd ever see. And there is some argument there that she could have given in to fear and defeatism. She could have decided none of it was worth it, and she could have decided that fascism had won and the world was over.

But she did something else instead.

To give some context, my grandparents had friends who were Republicans. I say were, because they shifted from the normal Republican towards the MAGA Republican we see today. And despite a very clear message from my family about how we felt, they were more than ready to still come to the funeral as if everything was normal. Like their beliefs were normal. Like they were welcome to celebrate someone who had fought so hard for the rights of other people.

These were people who would have absolutely used their rhetoric to scream and shout if they were left out or disinvited.

And so my grandmother, even past her final moments, pulled the most brilliant, petty move I've ever seen.

She'd decided ahead of time that everyone who had known her was more than welcome to attend but that she wanted everyone attending the funeral to donate money. That was the requirement to be invited. And so everyone did just that. There was no talk about what the donations were for, just that they were appreciated. I want to say that the assumption was the money would help pay for funeral expenses and give the family some support while we grieved.

Except that wasn't the case.

Because in those final moments of the funeral, the rabbi stepped forward to thank everyone, and then very cheerfully announced;

"Arlene was so happy to know just how many people were coming to join us here today. She couldn't have been more proud of her family. And I'm sure she would have been elated to see just how much money you all gave today to Planned Parenthood."

When I say that the faces of those people are enshrined in my memory, I mean it. The anger, the devastation, the rage, the betrayal. It was an absolutely gorgeous display of true defeat at the hands of a boss ass old lady who literally fought with her last breath and threw up both middle fingers all the way out the door.

What I'm saying is this.

It is very easy to feel defeated. It is very easy to think that everything is over, and there's nothing left for us to do. It's very easy to say that fascism won, that fear won, that hate won.

But that's only true if you let it be true.

There is always more that we can do. There is a future that is still worth fighting for. And it's more than possible, even when it doesn't seem like it.

And fighting is going to look different every time.

Some days it will look like picket signs in our hands.

Some days it will look like spending time with friends and family and people you love and knowing that you have a community that supports you and your vision of a brighter future.

And some days, it's pulling absolute natural level 20 petty trickster shit even after you've left the world.

Because you can always make an impact and you can always add a little brightness to life, and if that means tricking a group of MAGA idiots into throwing their money behind Planned Parenthood in the middle of your own goddamn funeral then that's what it means.

Keep fighting. People have done it before you. People will continue to do it after you.

And enjoy the little victories.

(Even the petty ones)

[to-be-lost-in-paradise]

If you're going to a protest, wear a mask, not makeup. Makeup designed to confuse AI can still get you recognized by law enforcement, and Juggalo makeup won't be helpful as Juggalo's are recognized as a gang by the FBI. Stay safe. Wear full face masks, hide piercings and tattoos or any other distinguishing features.

Please reblog so this can reach more people.

[adorkastock]

Protest pack now available... Get it now for free! P.S. This is a free pack but any profits made from it will be donated evenly to Planned Parenthood and The Trevor Project. 🏳️‍🌈✊🏼🏳️‍⚧️

[igottatho]

Yesssss GET THEMMMMmmmmm

ETA: Nancy Pelosi is pressing charges against activists (I’m unclear if it’s the same people as above, tho in this case It’s Red paint and not manure) for $400 in damages to her property (that’s right a multi-billionaire is bringing felony charges against protestors).

[mysharona1987]

[yuribomber]

[chulacola]

A redraw of the original Addison protesting piece.

Old file was corrupted, and it really needed a fresh new look.

Original: LINK

[banicalite]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by POMOC (@pomocorguk)

The lack of media coverage on this is heartbreaking 💔

In the world where the information travels in seconds, the media has found a way to filter thousands of brave people fighting for justice and freedom.

Serbian government has been corrupt for a long time now, and is working against their own people. But there is hope. The Serbian youth has shown the importance of invincible courage, energy and stubborness in the best way possible, lighting the way for us to follow.

I know the whole world is a mess right now and feels like a black mirror episode. Please please please take time to read this or even share.

[i-still-mask-because]

If you're going out to protest, please remember to wear a quality mask or respirator. We're still in a pandemic, and covid-19 is still transmissible outdoors, especially in large crowds like a protest.

It doesn't make any sense to advocate for people's livelihood just to unnecessarily set you and/or someone else up for long-term health issues or death.

(Sources: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 -> a podcast episode from the Death Panel that goes into the misconception that covid-19 is non-transmissible outdoors & a link to the transcript for that episode)

[nando161mando]

Keep protesting

[hufflpuffin]

As the police escalate violence, beat and attack students and professors, and conduct mass arrests, student protesters should know their rights.

Here is the link to the National Lawyer's Guild booklet for protesters.

If you plan on going out to support the protests, please take some time to read through this and know your rights.

[womenshistory]

Women's Walk Against Rape, 1976.

[crowley-winter-boots]

PROTEST ON FEBUARY 5TH AT STATE CAPITALS. Unfortunately, I cannot go as I'll still be in school and I do not have transportation! Please spread the word to anyone you can. These protests are IMPORTANT and could very well, if successful, save what is left of America.

Donald Trump NEEDS to be out of office. He is a king at best, but well on his way to becoming a dictator. American principals include neither of these, yet people who claim to want to make America great again follow him like he's our savior. He is already destroying us, and will continue to do so because the people in power not only are letting him, but they WANT HIM TO.

BE SAFE AND REMEMBER, VIOLENCE IS A SOLUTION. IT WORKS FASTER AND IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN WORDS. Not saying throw that molotov, but if it comes to it, get to throwing. Wear full face masks, even for just protesting, because even if you trick the AI into not recognizing you, cops can and will.

[fluoridosulphonic]

Please realize the seriousness of protesting

It is a form of direct action that also takes many physical forms. You can lose your livelihoods protesting through expulsion and arrests. There are currently civil rights protesters that are still in jail to this very day, over the actions they took to get us here. This shouldn't deter you though, cover up and don't talk to the police. Practice and use de-arrest methods when available. Rely on your community and keep fighting, the same methods that were used back then might not be effective today, study your roots and act accordingly.

[fatliberation]

The Fat Protestor

by @sparklejams and @jordallenhall

For everyone showing up to protest the US government funding of a genocide -- be loud, be safe. Your body is a force. If you are able, use it.

Police identify people by body type/clothing. Be aware (as if you could possibly forget) that you don't have the privilege of blending into the crowd.

Be aware that fatmisic police protocol and infrastructure can endanger your life during arrest.

Let this inform the risk that you take.

If you get arrested: raise hell about being cuffed with your hands in front of your body.

Mid-fat, super-fat, and infinifat people are especially at risk of positional asphyxia when cuffed with their arms behind them. Be especially vocal about any stress position where your knees are raised (sitting on a low police van bench, for instance).

Police typically don't listen to folks when concern is expressed over being cuffed in the back -- be loud. Verse yourself and your community in de-arresting practice. These risks are not commonly known, though are present not only for fat people, but also those with asthma and other breathing difficulties.

Make sure the people you are with are informed of these risks before protesting.

Direct action is sweaty. Prepare against crease rashes (yep - it's a normal self care maintenance thing if you have skin rolls/folds. It's normal. It's common. It's nothing to be ashamed about.) by drying with paper towels, using antiperspirant or cornstarch under your breasts/belly. When you get home, shower and treat with a wound cleanser (shoutout bactine spray) or a tea tree oil balm or soap as needed.

Our fat bodies are magnificent contributions at protests. Our fat bodies take more effort to move - think of all the wonderful ways we can use this to our advantage at a protest or direct action. We can block pathways and hold precious land with our fat bodies. We can shield and protect precious people with our fat bodies.

Bring:

• Change of socks. If you get caught in the rain or doused with water, or even if you sweat through your socks - walking around in wet socks will cause bad blistering.

• Light first aid/bandaids

• Water, snacks, meds

• A physical copy of your emergency contact in case of arrest

Try to go with other fat people. Comrades in normative bodies may not always consider your body and what is safe for you - so make sure you loudly advocate for yourself and your needs within whatever group you are with.

Stay cool. Take breaks. Sit or stop when you need to. Try to be hyper-mindful of getting overheated.

In case of hospitalization:

• Make a packet containing all medical info, advance directives, and emergency contacts. Put it in a clear sleeve with a humanizing photo of you with loved ones at the front.

• Learn more about how to make a Connection Kit and humanize yourself to healthcare workers in the Know Your Rights Guide on nobodyisdisposable.org

Remember that there is so much to do beyond the front lines.

• Provide jail support (wait to greet released protesters with water, snacks, hugs, and rides home).

• Provide your home as a central prep and recovery space before/after.

• Stay near the action and offer your car as a mobile phone charging station.

• Provide childcare.

• Drop off supplies.

Honor your body as a resource for civil disobedience. Center your needs.