Why I protest
Jun. 18th, 2012 12:56 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
valarltdMy protests are small.
I take to the streets now and then, but not often.
I confront people on facebook about their pictures, when I think those pictures are wrong.
Someone posted something about the Bible being banned in schools and allowed in prisons, with the implication that if it was allopwed in schools we wouldn't need prisons. I objected, shwoing him that nowehere in this country is the Bible banned from schools. What is prohibited is the teacher reading from it in an authoritative way.
I confront people about the Pledge of Alleigance. I do not stand for the Pledge. I do not bow my head for prayers. (they're never to my gods anyway, and my gods don't demand subserviance) These are small, every day protests. By choosing to stand against coerced displays of patriotism and faith, I am digging in my heels against America's slide into theocratic fascism.
I take it for granted that people won't care that I am queer, won't care that I am pagan. When the ladies at weight watchers start in about church potlucks, I mention coven potlucks. Because it desenitizes them to these things. Out of all the closets means bigger target, but it also makes you the human face.
I see my country, a country I work for, support and work to make better for my children, falling apart.
I see theocrats gaining power at every level, religious nutballs running for president and making a good showing.
I see my own wages stagnating, my children's hopes of college or even a better life evaporating. I see greed of a few being prioritiozed over the needs of the many every time.
I see people we elected to represent and help us blockading any and all help for us.
I see a future of debt slavery, corporate control and anesthsetized people who can't figure out why they can't afford all the shiny stuff they see on TV.
So, I protest. In my small ways.
I take to the streets now and then, but not often.
I confront people on facebook about their pictures, when I think those pictures are wrong.
Someone posted something about the Bible being banned in schools and allowed in prisons, with the implication that if it was allopwed in schools we wouldn't need prisons. I objected, shwoing him that nowehere in this country is the Bible banned from schools. What is prohibited is the teacher reading from it in an authoritative way.
I confront people about the Pledge of Alleigance. I do not stand for the Pledge. I do not bow my head for prayers. (they're never to my gods anyway, and my gods don't demand subserviance) These are small, every day protests. By choosing to stand against coerced displays of patriotism and faith, I am digging in my heels against America's slide into theocratic fascism.
I take it for granted that people won't care that I am queer, won't care that I am pagan. When the ladies at weight watchers start in about church potlucks, I mention coven potlucks. Because it desenitizes them to these things. Out of all the closets means bigger target, but it also makes you the human face.
I see my country, a country I work for, support and work to make better for my children, falling apart.
I see theocrats gaining power at every level, religious nutballs running for president and making a good showing.
I see my own wages stagnating, my children's hopes of college or even a better life evaporating. I see greed of a few being prioritiozed over the needs of the many every time.
I see people we elected to represent and help us blockading any and all help for us.
I see a future of debt slavery, corporate control and anesthsetized people who can't figure out why they can't afford all the shiny stuff they see on TV.
So, I protest. In my small ways.
