Being urged along Swanston Street by the massive crowd of Melbournites surrounding me, I heard a small voice pipe up behind me. “Dad?” “Yes, mate.” “What if Abbott doesn’t see us, or hear about this?” A pause. “Don’t worry about that mate. He’ll know we were here.”
With the power of social media campaigns, sometimes it’s easy to forget the inimitable spine-tingling meaning that involvement in peaceful protest brings. A sense of community. Of not-alone-ness. Of honoring democracy in our community, and electing to stand up for diversity, decency and equality. March In March began at noon on Sunday 16th of March 2014 on the steps of the State Library of Victoria. Today’s Ruby Assembly blog is a visual testament to the people of protest that make up our fine, literate and hopeful city of letters.
On the Ruby Assembly blog, we document many beautiful and inspiring things – a fair few of which are trivial. Beauty and delight is all very well – but nothing is more fashionable or valuable than our right to peaceful protest. If you’ve been paying attention to State Government politics in Victoria, you’ll know there have been changes to our right to protest. This is worrying. I encourage you to find out more. Talk to people about what you understand of politics, and broaden your participation online and in real-life.
Corporates and citzens, both looking on. What will become of us?
Honoring equality and diversity are values our community broadly shares. This sentiment is not represented by our elected officials.
A colonial parody overlooking a colonial statue.
Protest and participation is joyful. It says – to yourself and to others – I was here! I cared enough to act on my higher self.
When you can, take part in activities that center you to the community, that honor your values. You’ll feel better for it – stronger, more confident. And crucially … more hopeful in the face of the future.
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