The lady doth protest too much

While I was at work Saturday night, I overheard a woman of perhaps the same age as the current century, talking about how the hospitality business where she works was impacted (positively) by the “political thing” downtown. Yes, “political thing” is a direct quote. She seemed completely clueless about what the protest was about, and equally unconcerned with her lack of knowledge. 

It was almost as if she didn’t think the impetus for 6,000+ people to gather in the cold rain could have anything to do with her.

I’ve spent some time thinking about what I perceived to be a serious disconnect between a young woman and the actions of Trump’s government. I tried to persuade myself that she was a Millennial, unperturbed by government actions and how they may ultimately impact her life.

For a moment, I gave her a pass…

But then, I did some quick math only to realize that I’ve been protesting various injustices for nearly 45 years. My first demonstration was in June of 1980. A couple of classmates and I made signs (“We want to graduate. We support of teachers.”) and joined teachers in our school district who were protesting their lack of a fair contract.

Did we truly comprehend what the issues were? Probably not. Did we understand that we would be affected if the problems remained unsettled? Absolutely.

So, we showed up.

Since that initial march, I’ve been present at dozens of other events. I’ve marched in support of AIDS victims and for access to reproductive health care. I’ve crafted signs expressing my concern about school safety and gun violence. During the brief time when I owned a wine bar, which coincided with the largest women’s march I’d ever witnessed in Albany, we served a special cocktail (Pussycat Punch) and donated a couple of hundred dollars in sales to Planned Parenthood.

And, of course, I’ve taken to the streets to protest against the government more times than I can count.

I’ve shown up, and paid out, to support or decry the actions taken by people duly elected to represent the wishes and best interests of the people. Over the decades, I’ve thoughtfully considered where to buy gas (remember Valdez?), which chocolate bar to indulge in (no, thanks, Nestle) and eliminated purchasing anything from Amazon and Target, among others.

I don’t know where my impulse to participate in protests originated. My mother never watched the news or demonstrated an iota of interest in politics.

Where my compulsion to demonstrate came from isn’t really the question, though. I’m much more interested in knowing why younger people aren’t more active and involved.

Anyone have thoughts or ideas?

Video from Saturday’s rally in Albany.