Agitators – this blanket term being given to the protestors who are bravely walking the streets during this Covid-19 pandemic on a nightly basis. Those that are out there fighting for our rights as citizens of this country, fearlessly standing up against the fascists in our government, being true American patriots. While all of these unsung heroes have their reasons for doing so, there is no shortage of those in government and media that want to quickly quell these mouthpieces of the Real American. Using common tactics we have all seen before, one being labeling those that are out at night as “agitators” and “rioters” in an attempt to prove to suburbia and the rest of “America the Comfortable” that everything is under control. “Nothing to see here, move along, these people are simply breaking the law for no other reason than to steal things and take advantage of what people during the day are trying so hard to accomplish.” Then, by design, lawmakers can blame the nighttime “Agitators” as the reason they will do nothing in local and national government to address the same issues that people are out there risking their lives for. These same lawmakers that blame “agitators” never had any intention of making change, as they most likely benefit from the status quo, but to have a fall guy guarantees their reign of power continues unnoticed.
Americans hopefully have been taking note with the plenty of platforms out there in this day and age. We are no longer dependent on the evening news, controlled by the 1%, to see what is happening in the US or the world. According to the network news media there really aren’t any protests worth mentioning, except for those pesky agitators and rioters at night. However, between the most popular live streaming sites and those sites less traveled, there is a plentiful cornucopia of live footage across the country each night. These live streamers are out there, some with commentary and some just observers, exposing the reality through their lenses. If you agree with what is going on or not, exposure and transparency have proven beneficial in making social justice reform.
Exposure brings the difficult conversations to the table and forces those in power to open their eyes to take notice of the people’s might. Always holding those in power accountable for our well being, for they are in charge of making the rules of law for the betterment of each American citizen (not just the board of directors). Let us not forget other “agitators” throughout history. They were responsible for the sparks, which over time created the flame, later leading to the blaze that is today’s social justice demands! Each person has a voice and a right to protest. Instead of demonizing and quickly snuffing out these voice boxes that rage with prideful power, why can’t lawmakers invite them to have a seat at the table. If our “powers that be” really wanted to make change that would be the logical next step; instead to add insult to injury they are no longer doing these things behind the veil of Oz. This blatant disregard for life, social justice, human civil rights is all out in the open and the only thing standing between us and authoritarianism taking hold are those bold souls either speaking, going out to protest (day and night), or creating tiny sparks of hope in today’s humanity.
Aside from these current nighttime legionnaires, speaking for those of us that can’t, there are other resources to help us understand why there is so much unrest in this country. There is an ample amount of literature available about the history of social justice and the need for reform in the United States. From silent sit ins to violent clashes, these stories are all available at our fingertips. There is plenty of free literature and film that tells of those who sought rights for the marginalized based on their race, sexual identity, religion, color, sexual orientation, disabilities, and so many other reasons our society has decided to suppress some in order to dignify others. Today our modern day dictators chastise anyone that has a platform to speak on; especially when they are deemed “out of line”. For example, when Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem and spoke about the creation of the modern day police force deriving from the slave patrols people were outraged. But a bit of easy research and history proves this is entirely correct.
There are plenty of studies and articles regarding our countries history available to us today, much more so than the silly facts we learned in school. Just a little research and exploration into the struggle of other American lives can enlighten us to how alike we really are. The powers that be can try all they want to paint protestors as “Agitators” and publicly stereotype them all in a negative light, but they offer hope. This hope has always been essential towards the betterment of humanity. It keeps the people fighting during the most extreme oppression so no matter how much they tell you it won’t help; never quit. No matter how much they tell you no one cares; you do. No matter how much they tell you you can’t be heard; you still deserve to speak. No matter how much they tell you that you don’t matter; you still deserve a seat at the table!
Stream of Neurotic Consciousness 