Small Spectacles
Small protests lack the collective energy of big protest days, but they’re important. By keeping resistance in the public eye we remind people that what’s happening isn’t normal.
Fun and spectacle help. Buy a bubble gun, distribute cowbells, or create a costume to stand on corners alone or in groups.
How to do it:
We’ve all driven past small corner protests with a handful of people. These micro-events are important because they keep attention on issues, normalize dissent, make impacts concrete, and provide an easy way to try out protesting, but let’s be honest — they lack the energy of the massive protests.
They’re also a way to keep your own momentum going. If your resistance starts to feel too abstract, go stand on a street corner with some like-minded folks and chat for a while. You can pull the car over spontaneously and ask them what they’re protesting, or join for an hour when it’s convenient, or plan ahead to bring some energy and spectacle with you.
- Get a bullhorn and print out chant sheets.
- use a bubble gun to add a festive air
- pass out cowbells, groggers or kazoos
- learn a protest song and pass out lyrics
- get a silly hat, or build a whole costume
And next time you drive past a protest, honk your horn with energy. It really lifts spirits!
