By Environmental Blogger Miguel Nigenda
I went to the recent Westlake Plaza protest in Seattle more with curiosity than intent. What brought so many people out into the cold night? What are their thoughts and feelings?
After two hours of talking, chanting, and a lot of squeezing through people, this is what I was able to gather.
The first person I engaged was a man I met in front of a Native American Tribe, who were energizing the crowd through their singing. What the protest meant to him was not about making a political statement but merely a human statement. We all have the same fundamental rights and deserve the same basic respect.
Then there was a woman that was already at her 4th protest in the last 7 days. She mentioned that these acts of solidarity were what her America truly was. These acts of defiance and solidarity reflect what her America was always meant to be and she is going to keep fighting for them.
Walking deeper into the crowd and closer to the speakers, I stumbled into a couple who had traveled all the way from Mount Vernon because they felt attracted to be part of the movement.
And finally, I came across a group of passionate UW students whose energy and passion got me to follow in their chanting and jumping. Beyond the chants, the voiced frustrations, the jumping one could perceive their true intent. In was not a tantrum brought by nonconformity; it was becoming the voice of the voiceless, the power of the powerless, and the presence of the oppressed.
In everyone I met that night, and even in myself, I noticed the same underlying feeling. Selfishness. We all needed to feel like this world isn’t falling to pieces. We wanted to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, something which fights for the common good. Something that makes us feel empowered, energized and hopeful.
It recently happened to be a peaceful demonstration of our nonconformity towards Trump’s ban on the refugees. Maybe we’ll have that same urge in February, March and April.
Bio – Miguel Nigenda is Texas born, Mexican raised, living in Seattle. Currently at a commission based job to learn the process of business development. His main motivation is building the skills necessary to address climate change within businesses in order to create a sustainable community. He enjoys looking foolish while trying new things, and reading. Mostly reading.
