Protests

I walked into a protest today, a peaceful protest, but a protest nonetheless. I don't think it is important to mention the cause but let me assure you it was a fine one, one worthy of protest. I just had a few observations. There were law enforcement authorities that joined the rally, of course not for the cause but their paychecks. The rally went well and was considered a success for numerous reasons; good turn out, no body got hurt, the message got across, the police really didn't have to do anything. So all in all it was all good. But it raised some issues for me, not about the merit of protests, but rather how it is done. A protest or a rally is an inconvenience on many people, for example the law enforcement officers, the construction workers whose construction area happened to be where part of the rally was being held. I understand that these things need to be done, but wouldn't a small gesture of apology and thankfulness towards these inconvenienced people help your cause. A coffee, a popsicle or a smile and sorry even I think would go a long way in furthering your cause. Here is my reasoning, not everyone will support your cause, but many people will be inconvenienced by your rally, and a gesture of apology will convert to the rationale and reason behind your cause because it removes the stigma of angry unreasonable mob protest. It makes it look like you are doing it because you have to, and you are sorry that you have to do it, and I hope you can understand. Taking that time and making that effort, that gesture of love and understanding to the bystander removes the stigma and seed of hatred towards whoever or whatever you are protesting against.

One thing I noticed though was that by mentioning this to some people I got some people in the protest I got some very dirty looks. Why? Is it because the protest was more important than the cause? Is it because the cause is more important than the police officer's job or the construction worker's projects? Is the idea more important than the individual? We cannot create more grievances for some in order to protect others without apology or request of understanding. The idea cannot be more important than individuals because unfortunaltly that leads to fanaticism and extremism.

It comforts me to know that there were some people that did not give me a dirty look, that listened to my point, and I appreciate it immensely. These people were free from arrogance, and through them I hope change and positivity will flow and hopefully infect others.