To March?
Are you attending one of the many women’s marches on Saturday?
I’m not sure yet if I am.
On the one hand, I think it’s going to be a pretty historic moment. The energy and passion that has gone into organizing such an event is incredible. It heartens me, in the wake of so much going on that is disheartening, that so many people are willing and organized enough to stand up and fight for what is right. And I want to be one of them.
On the other hand … I hate crowds. I hate parades, I hate large concerts, I hate any sort of situation in which I am surrounded on all sides by humans and can’t get free. I get shortness of breath and start to panic. Just thinking about this event makes me terrified.
On the otherĀ hand, I don’t want to be a coward.
On yet another hand, my being there won’t really make a difference. It won’t really matter.
On still yet another hand, if nothing we do matters, all that matters is what we do.
(I just finished anĀ Angel Season 5 rewatch and am in the mood to slay dragons.)
Are you going? Can you give me a pep talk?
Image of the women’s march against Nixon in 1972 found here
I really want to go as well!! But I suffer similar ailments. Also, I’m just getting over being very sick so I probably shouldn’t march around out in the cold in Chicago.
That said there are ways that you can show support for the march even if you can’t go!
There are multiple articles and blogs with ideas of how to show support this is just one of the many I found in a google search: http://time.com/money/4636223/womens-march-washington-how-to-help-donate-protest-trump/
So don’t beat yourself up if you can’t handle the crowd. There is no sense in risking your wellbeing. Maybe contribute to planned parenthood or other women’s rights organizations.
That said, if you feel like you can manage to go out and march for a few hours and you really feel passionate about it then I say go for it!! It will be an amazing experience for you and I’m sure you will be glad you went.
Just be true to what is best for you physically and mentally. If your anxiety is really an issue, don’t guilt yourself into going. You can matter from home just as much as from any of the marches planned all over the world!
I think you are on the right track just putting this much thought into it! You are awesome!! Good luck with whatever you decide!
I live in Chicago but am going to the march in DC. I am so with you on all the things you mentioned–I hate crowds, get claustrophobic when I feel trapped or surrounded, and avoid large concerts, etc. I also didn’t want to be part of a protest but a stand for something. t thought long and hard about this and decided that it was just too important for me not to go. I have to do something. If I think my going won’t make a difference, what if other people thought that and then no one showed up? It’s going to be up to grassroots efforts for us to change anything. And it will feel fruitless at times, and I will lose faith. But we lift each other up.
Having said all this, of course, it’s your choice. Do what feels best and right for you. There are other ways to support the march–sponsor someone going to the march or donate one of the hats from the pussy hat project. (https://www.pussyhatproject.com) And the efforts need to continue after the march so I am sure there will be more opportunities.
Hope I’m not sounding too preachy. I clearly get fired up about this. š
It is 10:30 pm in my small home town of Bellingham, WA. I still haven’t decided. If it is raining (likely) I will not go and be glad I had something to blame instead of my lack of courage. Because it does take a form of courage to join the walk. I hate crowds. I hate people shouting all around me. I’m a quiet person who sits back and let’s other people do the hard stuff I guess.
That said, I feel it is important and I will decide in the morning. I’m glad you posted your thoughts and I don’t think you/we are alone with our view of the whole thing. I am very opposed to the pussy hat part. Feels like it is giving him attention. I know that isn’t the message but still. Anyway, please let us know if you go and how it was.
Marla
I went! And I’m so glad I did. Posting about it now!
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