The day I realized some counter protestors struggle with media literacy
Stop the coup protest/Leonard Peltier Freedom Celebration
The distraction of racism, homophobia and sexism strikes again.
I don’t like calling people stupid or dumb because I think it’s rude so I won’t call them that. What I will say is that if you’re waving a flag that you bought, maybe don’t make digs at the protester who made their own.
While attending a celebration for the freedom of Leonard Peltier, I was struck by how easy it is for folks to betray themselves. I mean to walk into a protest, read the following signs and decide that you stand against them. To stand opposite 20-30 people who have taken a stand against oppression and say I am against you? Why would they do that? I hope to never have to stand in front of my makers to answer that.
I try my best to practice patience with the opposite side because I understand that they’re just misled and distracted. When I look across the street and see a guy’s who’s racial insults are from the early 2000’s(hits like “shouldn’t you be home eating fried chicken” and “go back to your country”), an extremely closeted woman, one of my small town’s local wife abusers and their kids. My patience runs thin. I’m starting to think I shouldn’t practice patience with those who refuse to love.
“As a veteran, I’m fine”, one of the counter protestors shouts in front of his Ford Charger, meanwhile our town’s veteran resource center has been closed for at least a year. His needs are met so I guess no one else’s matters. The main streamification of loserdom and selfishness rears its ugly head right outside my home.
Especially when the music they used to drown us out features powerful songs like YMCA, Born in the USA and Break My Soul. Especially when we’re protesting for their rights not just mine and my friends. Especially when we’re celebrating the release of a community building elder. Especially once you realize that the things written on the signs are beliefs that are deeply held in their hearts and throughout their lineage.
Especially when we’re dreaming up a life where lives are actually sacred, where African American and Navajo food sovereignty is no longer a dream. Especially when they’re loudly professing their support of a cuck(Musk) who’s family legacy is colonial. Especially when we’re standing shoulder to shoulder with War Chief Manuelito’s granddaughter.
