Half a Year of Protesting
I've protested every single Saturday since February 5th, and tomorrow will be no exception. Here is a brief moment of reflection
One of the first times I spoke at Queen’s Park, in late March. Thank you Babak Ca (“Film Mission”) for the photo.
Today marks exactly half a year since Saturday, February 5th, the day demonstrations in solidarity with the Freedom Convoy blew up all across Canada, and the first time I ever joined a street protest.
I bought a whistle on my way downtown, and blew it alongside the trunks honking their horns all along Bloor and Bay and College, walking by them in my PPC hoodie and toque. I went home only to recharge my phone, and then immediately headed back downtown, where I stayed well past midnight, and was among the last few people to leave. I instantly felt like part of a community.
I've protested every single Saturday since, and tomorrow will be no exception.
I hadn't protested through the two years prior because, while I've been a civil liberties advocate since I was a teenager, I was checked out. I didn't think Canadians cared. The truckers, incredible men like Csaba Vizi, inspired me and gave me hope for my country. I was determined to make up for my negligence and do anything I conceivably could to help.
I wish I could say I am just as inspired now. I feel more disappointed than anything.
Disappointed in those who hijack this movement to use it as a platform for their bigotry and other signs of ignorance.
Disappointed in those who try to use it as a vehicle for their own power fantasies.
Disappointed in those who put cliques, pettiness, and internal politics ahead of what's best for the cause.
Disappointed–perhaps most of all–in the many that don't actively do the above, but know they're happening, and are too timid to speak up, and therefore complicit.
And disappointed, certainly, in myself for my own mistakes that have made it harder for me to fix those things, try as I may.
I am not sure what's next. All I can say for now is that we better get our shit together.
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