I think what we are seeing, and I have now come across more than one poster who claims to have been at that protest who declared it was so enriching and positive, is disconnect. And I have seen numerous posters use the word chalk to describe the damage to the statues as if that makes a difference.
Firstly, maybe those people were in a section of the protest that was parents protesting. I have yet to see a good account of exactly what outcome those parents were chasing in the protest. It seems like it was just a general support effort by the parents which then has inadvertently added to the initial protest.
Then, there is then the dismissal of the violent and intimidatory tactics of that male centred group. The, ‘I didn’t see it’ or the ‘that is terrible… but look at your disgusting words on this thread!’ dismissal.
I think that some people are not able to acknowledge the disconnect between their beloved family member and the behaviour of other activists. And so they demand that we dismiss the extreme activists and only think about the lovely people while also still often demanding that their loved one receives special privileges to use provisions not meant for them.
I am still in two minds about this. On one hand, I suspect some of those who come to censure and shame want their loved one to have the benefits gained by those using extremist, and violent and intimidatory tactics. So they will make a declaration of renouncement while continuing to use softer tactics to achieve the end goal.
Or else, there might be people out there who really have no idea about the violent and intimidatory tactics being used because they are truly isolating themselves off from any negative news.
I suspect what the answer is, but I am open to the second.