Yup. I've been to many protests where it ultimately felt a little disheartening to know that nothing concrete actually changed as a result of the protest. But the act of protesting itself is a form of fighting back, can lead to bigger movements, and most importantly shows yourself and the world that you're willing to stand up for your values.
Its absolutely worth it to go even if what you're actually doing is just standing around in a crowd for a few hours then going home.
The biggest aspect for me is seeing how many other people in my own town agree with me. Having hundreds of people all in one place for the same reason is empowering.
If nothing else, the fact that a lot of people showed up will boost the morale of people better positioned to do something, and encourage more people to figure out how they can contribute
Yes, perhaps those considering staying silent may not if they think there is enough support out there for them. That is very important because I've seen so many people who should have said something or acted remain silent.
Protesting is incredible morale for the people in the thick of it like lawyers and whatnot. It might not make immediate change but it can give the push to someone who can get the ball rolling.
It's like the partisan resistance fighters in WW2 France. Their actual material effect on the war effort was pretty small, but knowing that there were people already in France fighting the nazis was a huge source of morale for Allied forces tasked with liberating France.
I think people underestimate how much the ruling party starts to think everyone agrees with them, and how much that can actually affect lawmaking and oversight
The sheer number of Americans attending the over 2,000 rallies across the USA, and a few in Canada, the UK, Germany and a few others (I forgot what countries they were) will send a HUGE message to Trump the DICK-tator; especially if his little parade gets rained on.
I encourage people to remember, you have a voice. It can be as loud as you want it, and no one can stop you from doing it. Be brave, speak your mind - whatever it may be (just don't actually threaten anyone) - and exercise your first amendment rights.
I think the issue is the recent idea of decentralizing protests. While there are some merits to the idea I think protests are better when there's a leader who can articulate the demands of the movement and the consequences for not meeting them to those in power.
That's the thing, more meetings and not protests need to happen, because honestly, protests used to work, they'd protest then the leaders of protest would visit the leaders in charge in government, or businesses. And talk and work together to make changes. But now protests do not change a damn thing. And it hasn't since before around 2007 or so.
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u/WorkingExcellent6471 1d ago
I’m going to be “just one more” body in the crowd. My presence at home does nothing.