Something that has bothered me, ever since I was a teenager, was the state of protests in this country. I was VERY political in high school, and under the influence of some very socialist/anarchic music, so, like many others, the prospect of joining the ranks of those who inspired me through protest was exciting. Yet from my very first march, I started questioning what the hell we were all doing.
Aside from the fact that most big "political protests" in this country accomplish nothing, the argument of showing solidarity through "protest" is not a good one. Now, don't get me wrong; I think showing solidarity with different people from around the world is important. I just don't believe that the current state of protests in this country do a good job of accomplishing this.
Having just begun my second year of high school in September of 2001, my first protest (and many subsequent) was, of course, related to the war in Afghanistan. It was exciting, and it probably gave me my first sense of being a global citizen. Now, if I remember correctly this was one of those nation-wide organized protests which took place in communities all across the country.This was a great introduction to the protest movement for someone such as myself, because it showed country-wide solidarity, and drove home a message to the world that the people of Canada did not uniformly agree with what it's government was doing. Did it bring home the troops? No. But it was still somewhat effective at conveying a message. Having said that, this was the only time that I have felt any march I've participated in was worth the effort.
Having since participated in a few "protest" rallies and marches, I'm afraid I have lost faith in this country's protests. The sensationalized aspects of the Seattle protests of 1999 seem to influence a lot of people to come out, just because it's "cool" and makes people pay attention to you. But for what? During a provincial, high-school student led walk-out, I had the embarrassing displeasure of standing next to someone the principal decided to question. He wanted to know what it was we were all leaving class for. A fair question that, if answered appropriately would have garnered a lot of respect from him I'm sure. Unfortunately, the bumbling idiot he chose to ask rambled about nonsense. So I spoke up, and began discussing with him the issues that I, myself was concerned about - only to be interrupted and spoken over by the dumbass beside me, who I guess hadn't made herself out to be enough of an idiot just yet. If someone is that determined to make an ass of themselves I will let them, so I just stood there shaking my head. Later, moving to Toronto for University, and attending York, which is known to be a little more of a "leftist" school, I had the opportunity to participate in a great number of rallies and events. And with each one, I became more and more disheartened by the idiotic antics of those who only came out for the sake of satisfying their Freudian destructive instinct. Stirring the pot just because it looks cool and makes you feel important, takes away from any message those who are actually concerned are trying to send. Much like the protests in Seattle, if you give the media something sensational to focus on, like violence and their miss-interpretations of anarchy, they aren't going to spend time talking to the "boring", non-violent people with the real messages. Causing a violent scene just because your country gives you the freedom to do so, does nothing for your cause, and only confuses people. You just look like a crazy person who lacks the ability to reason.
Now, with the recent political uprisings in Egypt, Libya, etc. etc. we see the place for those violent acts of defiance. When people have to risk their lives to have their voices heard, violent protests are called for, and have my full respect. When you have to kill or be killed, and when you are so oppressed by your government that any rational approach to political dissent is met with violence, then your retaliatory violence is valid, and sends a clear message. When the day comes that people in this country are shot at and beaten solely for declaring their dissatisfaction with the government, I will get my ass down to Toronto or Ottawa and fight back. But while irrational sensationalists are running around ruining the chances of sending a clear message in this country, I will not participate in a political-based march. That being said, there are still protest lines and rallies that are important, make sense, and send clear messages in this country. Labour disputes, as an example, are important times and places for protest marches. The recent "Slut Walk" in Toronto sent a clear message too (although I'm sure it likely attracted some attention seeking "I protest because it's cool" types as well).
My point is, if you aren't angry, if you don't know why people are protesting, and if you can't articulate what it is you're trying to accomplish, do everyone a favour and avoid the rally. There may be strength in numbers, but if you're watering down a real message you're hurting more than you're helping. If you're just looking for attention, or to destroy something, try finding a more productive outlet. Hell, go to the Middle East and join forces with the people who are dying for their causes. Because when you start destroying small businesses here, and terrifying the members of the population who have no idea what's going on, or why you're so angry, you are not going to gain anything but enemies.
Don't try to pigeon-hole my statements here.
No comments:
Post a Comment