Attending BLM protests?

[ALifeDesign]

I am wondering if anyone has attended today or planning to go to any of the protests being organised around the country this weekend.

I am debating going tomorrow. I would maintain social distancing and wear a mask. In ordinary times I would be there without a second's thought but these aren't ordinary times.

Some photos from today on Twitter look well organised, distanced etc.

I wfh and live with one other person - currently furloughed - who would also be at the protest, so I feel we are low risk of spreading.

I'm still a bit torn. So I suppose AIBU to attend?

Please, being ignorant about what science studies are discovering about this virus is not OK.

In many places it has disproportionately affected BAME people and, like most things, it's likely to be for a range of reasons, some of which are social (systemic racism) and some of which may be to do with other factors (lower levels of Vit D).

That's not something 'I got off the news', btw.

People who are interested in understanding COVID can read the studies as they come out.

Some parts of lockdown have been eased but mass gatherings are banned - I take it you are in the U.K?? Did you not notice you are not allowed to meet more than five other people from different households outside and must stay distanced. This is what makes me angry when I see 15,000 people standing side by side, whatever the reason.

We have all spent a long time trying NOT to spread this. Even those returning to work are meant to stay distanced. 2m apart. The virus is still out there.

I do feel more vulnerable than some, although I am not very high risk. I have friends with cancer and long-term conditions. These protests are a real slap in the face, not because of the cause - which is justified - but because it’s sticking two fingers up to anyone who has tried to stop the spread of the virus. The second peak may be just ahead of us now. Let’s hope not.

What places such as what Countries??? No other ethnic Countries have had death rates like the UK which studies have you read to support what you are saying. Scientists don’t know like your making out because if all was so simple we would have a vaccination underway. I work with the COVID and we are a long way off and even then I won’t be the one to have a newly rushed vaccination on the market.

Wake up @catspyjamas123 people are allowed to go back to work. Children are sat back in classes (not all I know). People can go back to work. Shops are opening up soon. This isn’t what I call easing lockdown opening clothes shops that’s not a priority is it? But yet it will go ahead. You can sit on a bus with no mask if you like. How could you meet 5 other people and stay socially distance at all times in the rain? How can you hold a clear conversation. It’s pathetic and you know it.

Your being obtuse just as Dominic Cummings was.....

No, too dangerous, certainly in North West.

I think lockdown is bullshit and needs to end, and even I wouldn't go to a mass gathering that is likely to spread a novel virus.

I support people's right to gather and protest, but if mass gathering is OK then lockdown has to be over for everybody.

I can't go to the big city protest near me because of who I live with.

I want to go and stand in my town centre with a placard. It will be just me. Small town - I have seen and heard plenty of racism and narrow-minded ness.

I am scared of the abuse I'll get. And I hate that I am scared. So, I'll just think to myself what is the point of just me with a placard?

Take another person with you, socially distanced.

I would not protest as a lone woman.

What about just not meeting other people in the rain? People are still meant to work from home if they can. Most offices have not reopened yet and those who are in work have to stay 2m distant. You cannot enter a friend or relative’s private house. Those are the rules. You must wear a face covering on public transport. I have been lucky to be able to stay home and as distant as possible. So I am doing it. You won’t catch me in any shops - essential or not. I really don’t need to meet others for any reason.

@janeskettle

Take another person with you, socially distanced.

I would not protest as a lone woman.

Exactly. And I am all the ragingly feminist you can get. And I hate that I have that fear - a woman being political in the public space.

I don't have anyone to take with me.

And if lockdown was really over then nobody should still be on furlough pay - but they are! People are being paid to stay at home so they least they can do is stay there!!

So, I'll just think to myself what is the point of just me with a placard?

Just you with a placard is a pretty powerful statement.

Which is not to say you should do it, if you don't feel safe.

Protest marches are a social event. People are motivated to attend by feelings of belonging and social connection.

Which is not to diminish their political significance, but clearly at a time when only small groups are allowed to meet outdoors, attending one is also an argument for ending lockdown.

Protesting publicly alone could be powerful in its own small way, especially if you can link.up with others doing similar things on social media.

It will be interesting to read everyone's excuse for not going.

It's a free country and if people don't want to go, for whatever reason, they don't have to, and they don't have to explain themselves to you.

Given the current situation then yes, attending a mass gathering makes you a twat.

"ou clearly have no seen an actual angry baying mob if you think that is an angry baying mob."
Simonjt...they were all squeezed in together jumping up and five, chanting ",kill the police". If thats not an angry mob, I dont know what is!!! There was also a clip of someone throwing a bike at a horse. They were throwing bottles at the police and anything they could find. You clearly havent seen the clips have you. To say they were all peaceful is silly, the videos are on YouTube. Watch them.

Stay home!!!!

There will be more protests/riots as time goes on, as people will have time on their hands. Then what is the point of lockdown, you might as well get everyone back to work and school. This just makes a mockery of closing down the whole economic structure, people have lost their jobs for nothing. Everyone was worried about VE Day, well that was nothing compared to this.

No social distancing going on here:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52949014

Be interesting if there is an increase in infection after the London riots. I cannot understand anyone taking small children to this event. Ok in a small town with few protesters but in London, where they were goading the police. And throwing flares at police horses?

They have lost sympathy with normal people

@Pelleas

Marches and protests gave you the right to vote.

You might like to note that the majority of suffrage protest activity was halted for the duration of WW1 - i.e. in the face of greater danger.

Are we ignoring the fact that protests continued during spanish flu?

The violence puts people off engaging and listening to the cause
Other cities with peaceful protests are impressive

The aim of the protest is to bring about change- get people to listen not turn against you

Yes and that what caused the Spanish flu to spread, it killed 60 million people. People loosing their jobs because of lockdown, it’s all been for nothing, what a waste of time.

Pointless. The protests won't achieve anything except spread the virus and piss off those who've done everything they can to stick to the rules and keep others safe.

If you're reading this thread and you did go to the protests, keep an eye out for any symptoms, get tested if you do and isolate until you get the results.

No reason not to engage in damage limitation post-event.