I feel like I have to teach the kids of today almost everything. How to read a map. How to address a letter. How to get through an entire day without a phone. And now, how to demonstrate.
Say you are doing a pro-Palestinian demonstration, and a kid in a yarmulke walks by. You don’t curse him. You don’t spit on him. You don’t call for his destruction or the destruction of Jews. He is not your problem. He is an American, just like you are. Your quarrel is not with him.
Here is another hint. Wear a coat and tie to the demonstration. Carry an American flag. Cops hardly ever arrest a guy in a coat and tie, especially if the guy is carrying an American flag. You can also carry a sign, but the sign should make sense. “Peace now” is always good. “No more weapons for Israel” is certainly acceptable. Skip the stuff on “settler colonialism.” Remember that is what the U.S. was founded on, so best not to call attention to that. Plus, it is too late. The two state solution, no matter what the fanatics on both sides say, is still the best bet.
If you need more training on this, let me know.
Am I mistaken or did people in coats and ties get beaten up in civil rights demonstrations in the 60s?
ReplyDeleteYeah, many did. I should have mentioned this might not work if you aren't white.
ReplyDeleteGood one. You should know how it’s done, you’ve had lots of practice. Love demonstrating with you
ReplyDelete