So, with the DNC so quickly approaching I have been thinking a lot about the role of protest. Many people don’t understand why one would protest the Democrats. I personally feel it is essential to protest both the Republicans and the Democrats because these conventions illuminate the farcical democracy we have as our political system. The democrats maintain the illusion that they are for the people, while in reality still pandering to the same capitalist agenda as the Republicans. I am frustrated with those who buy into the lesser of two evils bullshit. I am not interested in mediocre leadership or hope. I am interested in a participatory democracy, not one of passive spectatorship. If we want change in our country, more importantly our communities we must work together to make it happen. Casting a vote alone will never result in the progressive change we need to fix inequality and fight oppression.
People create and comply with our social structure. Realizing that the way things are is not inevitable is empowering. This allows for endless creativity to restructure our world. While this is a global revisioning, we must begin here and now. We can work now to skill share and start community gardens. We need to stop being afraid of each other and start talking and take back our communities. We need to set up free stores and start food co-ops. We need to take care of each other now. This isn’t about wistful dreaming, but direct action. And that leads me to protesting…so direct action often takes form in protesting. Protests offer visibility to often marginalized political beliefs. There is power in visibility. The critique of the democrats can radicalize others who are exposed to new ways of thinking and inspire actions.
I want people to see the beauty and freedom of our dreams. The protests of the DNC can’t just be angry ranting and brick throwing, they must demonstrate the totality of our politics.
The only thing about protests is that it can’t just end at the protest. We must take this opportunity to come together as activists and work to create a better community. It is in that action that we start to actualize our vision.
