For anyone who has attended, organized, or participated in any of the public events over the last year, you may share the sentiment that saving democracy takes a lot out of a person. There’s the phone calls, the permits, the merch, the waking up early, the making of signs, and the clean up. The rallies, marches, and protests are boisterous, energetic, in-your-face, and full of spirit.
Please allow me to introduce a different kind of protest: The Signs of Fascism, a somber and quiet procession of solidarity. Each participant holds up a thematically designed sign each noting an example of our slide into fascism. Dressed in black, the protesters walk in a single line, to the beat of a single drum, and as one unit. They do not cheer, do not discuss, do not engage - their quietude, sign, and solemnity do the speaking.
To be sure, the Signs of Fascism does indeed take a lot out of a person, just in a very different way. Participants report feeling the emotional weight of the quiet action. The meditative walk guided by a single drum creates a soothing mindfulness that allows protesters, or me at least, the chance to recenter.
On December 13th, we marched around the periphery of the Railyard and Farmers Market. Last Saturday, December 20th, we marched around the plaza. Please join us for our third march this Saturday again at the Plaza. At 11:30, we will meet on the first level of the parking garage at 119 South Federal Place, right across from the Post Office. Wearing all black is a must, wearing a mask is an option. We’ll have warm coffee to counter the predicted chilly weather.
