Cross-posted at Clark Community Network.
Growing up in the late '70s and '80s, I had a lot of misconceptions about anti-war demonstrations. Taking cues from overly romanticized movies, I had always thought protests were supposed to be uplifting, righteous experiences where everyone feels all warm and fuzzy about the very important stands they're taking. However, after attending my first-ever demonstration, at Camp Casey #1 in 2005, I learned that these Kumbaya moments are entirely fictional. At least for me, they are.
I suppose that’s why, when I returned to work after protesting the Iraq War on Monday, I was dumbfounded by a barrage of questions and comments with a level of cheer that an entire pep squad couldn't muster:
Co-worker 1: "So, how was it?!"
Co-worker 2: "You took a day off, right? Was it worth it?!"
Co-worker 3: "That is so cool! Tell ‘em what your sign said!"
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