What Cause Would Get You Into the Streets?
What would need to happen or what cause would need to become so hotly contested that you would have no choice but to take to the streets the next day? What would force you to make a sign, learn a few catchy chants, and and join the march toward some important local landmark?
You may have immediately had one come to mind. But before you go with that answer, imagine actually doing it and what feelings come to mind as you picture it. Is there any resistance there? Any feeling of “well, I’m not that serious about it I guess…” If so, that’s not going to be the cause that gets you into the streets. Try to dig a little deeper and think of the something deeply cathartic. Something at the core of everything you believe makes you a decent human being. Something you would fight for.
I’ve wondered this many times myself. Every time I see footage of a massive protest or people risking being arrested and tortured or even killed for protesting, this very question pops into my head. What would it take for me to join them?
The New York Times ran a really interesting virtual reality piece that allows you to fully immerse yourself into a campaign rally at various different candidate’s events. As I watched some of them, I was struck by the passion, energy, and sheer devotion you can see on the faces of so many people at these rallies. Many of them driving hours and waiting in long lines just for the chance to show their support. I felt so separate from them as I sat on my couch with my phone, lazily watching people that seemed to be overflowing with emotion.
In a similar way, living in downtown Chicago, right next to city hall and several major landmarks, I see protests constantly outside my window all summer long. Sometimes more than one on per day. They cover such a broad spectrum of topics, I watch each wondering if this is going to be the one that I go downstairs, grab a sign, and join in.
I never do. I sit and watch from the comfort of my window. I try to picture myself marching in their shoes. The thought is unsettling for some reason. They seem braver and more noble than I could imagine myself being. They seem more sure of their convictions and what they are willing to fight for. And that makes me feel distant and unsure of what it is I even stand for anymore. I wonder what issue it would take for me to go down and join them…
What cause would get you into the streets?
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This article was written from scratch and published the same day as part of a 31 day writing challenge. To follow me on Medium through this writing challenge, go here:https://medium.com/the-writing-challenge
