Protesting is one of our rights as American citizens, and now more than ever, we need to use this right and our voice to show how we are dissatisfied with the supreme court. So, this week we are taking a break from our regular schedule blog about home security and are going to talk about security in general, especially while you are going out to protest.
This week the Supreme court justice reverted the landmark court decision of Roe V. Wade. The vote was 5-4 to overturn the abortion law in our country. And I’d like to name those supreme justice who vote for this. Amy Coney Barrett, Samuel A. Alito Jr., Brett Kavanaugh, Neil M. Gorsuch, and Clarence Thomas. Shame on you! So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of our tips to stay safe while protesting.
1. Study your surrounding
While protesting, you should always maintain an awareness of what is happening around you, which is important for several reasons. No matter if you go protesting alone or with a group of friends, one thing that you should always be weary of is your surrounding. You need to be very careful while protesting because there might be undercover cops in your midst.
Is someone near you wearing a colored armband, a hearing device, steel-toed boots, or even the outline of a handcuff showing from their pocket? These are telltale signs that they are undercover cops. You should also be on the lookout for medics as they will come in handy when the police or national guard throw tear gas or rubber bullet to disperse big crowds. Your eyes and ears should be open while you are protesting.
2. Help people around you
While protesting and marching, you will most likely be surrounded by a few dozen protesters around you. If you are a New Yorker, like me, you will see what protests are; we band together to show up for each other because your fight is also our fight. There will be people chanting, walking, and protesting with you.
They will be the closest to you whenever something happens, and if the situation escalates, there will be the ones with you. Befriend them and offer them water if you have extra because we are all together. We must stand tall together if we want to dismantle this tyrannical and oppressive system. Even the small hand matter, solidarity starts small, and remember that you are in a massive crowd. We fight for each other, and we help each other.
3. The ethics of taking photos
You need to remember while going to protest that you should maintain your anonymity. Whether you have tattoos or not, wear long sleeves shirt, pants, comfortable walking shoes, and a face mask, this item of clothing will help you stay anonymous. Now, a photo speaks louder than a thousand words, but you need to remember that these photos can be used against the protesters, and this is why the ethics behind this is a bit iffy.
It is your right to take photos on public property, but you need to remember that a protest is not a social media op and that you should avoid taking photos of protesters that clearly show any identifying features or information (i.e., their faces or tattoos). These photos can make these people vulnerable to abuse or, even worse, retaliation. You should also know that law enforcement officers can react negatively when having cameras pointed at their faces, even though it is within your rights to film and record their actions.
4. Engaging with law enforcement officers
While protesting, use your privileges to protect those usually targeted by the police. If you are white, male presenting/identifying, and/or even able-bodied, you must use your privileges to your advantage. Your presence as a white person can prevent even more police brutality against people of color.
If the situation arises, you can use your body as a shield to protect people of color; if you are comfortable doing so, we aren’t forcing you to be a martyr on the front lines. You can also film police and their activity, especially when arresting people; it is your right as a citizen of the States to do so.
Final thoughts
When the right of one minority is stolen, then the right of the minorities is also being stolen, and this is why as people of this Nation, we need to stand up for each other. No matter if you have a uterus or not, you need to stand up against this despicable decision that is the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
Protesting is our way to show the higher-ups that we are dissatisfied with their decision because at the end of the day, if you have no uterus, you have no say in what a person can and can’t do with their body. Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about staying safe while protesting.
Harvey Milk aptly said:
“I have tasted freedom. I will not give up that which I tasted.”
