Just another face in the crowd
There's a protest sign floating out there that says, "So bad, even introverts are here" — it describes me. I appreciate that these No Kings protests don't demand much: I showed up silently and walked alongside the others. I did not have a sign, barely spoke, and did not engage with anyone — just another (covered) face in the crowd. And it was enough. My favorite sign read, "They blame immigrants so you won't blame billionaires."1
After several hours in the sun, I realized I hadn't eaten all day as my head ached and my stomach rumbled. We picked up drinks and food at some new-to-us shops in the area and I was dismayed to learn that my seven-dollar drinks are now eight-dollar drinks. (Wintermelon, I love you, but why?)
While standing in line to order, an older woman2 ahead of me chatted with another in queue, sharing how she had come to the protest alone and no one knew she was there. She carried a hand-painted sign — a giant NOPE with a crown replacing the E — and brightened as she described the crowd's positive energy.
It really is comforting being amongst like-hearted people.
I have not forgotten Occupy Wall Street. ↩