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IndependentYoung3027 t1_ja0xj6o wrote

Lol you don’t care what’s it about - that’s odd. A protest is about something - you really don’t care if you are protesting abortions or protesting restrictions on abortions? Seems like you lack understanding of the point of a protest.

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10tonheadofwetsand t1_ja1eqf7 wrote

Seems like they more want to witness one than participate. I can understand that. When I moved to this area 10 years ago I felt similarly… I’d never seen a mass movement before. Even if you’re not attached to the cause, witnessing a protest can inspire someone to get more involved in fighting for a cause they do care about.

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IndependentYoung3027 t1_ja2vlvs wrote

But protests aren’t all the same. They have different energy, etc. like my example a pro choice and an anti abortion protests would feel entirely different. OP should go to one about an issue they actually care about.

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OutblackDaze t1_ja311ik wrote

Good point. However, that leaves OP back at square one. How would OP find out about a protest they care about?

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bachumbug t1_ja1h785 wrote

Nice try, officer!

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Top_Entrepreneur4317 t1_ja1rmpi wrote

Even if he was an actual officer, there is nothing wrong with knowing or asking.

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ephemeralarteries t1_ja0xs40 wrote

didn't know protest tourism was a thing but I guess I should've.

edit: probably should've said voyeurism instead of tourism. still gross!

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10tonheadofwetsand t1_ja1els2 wrote

Really? Women’s March, March for Life, hell even January 6 had a bunch of people flying in and staying at hotels. Protest tourism is big and is almost uniquely DC.

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ephemeralarteries t1_ja1fdvy wrote

I guess that wasn't the right term, but I'm referring to what OP is talking about; attending solely for the sake of voyeurism while having zero actual interest in the purpose of the protest. I'm sure that was the case for some attendees of the events you mentioned but I guess I'm just surprised someone would be so open and unapologetic about something that is pretty obviously gross? idk

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churchofnobody t1_ja1fr92 wrote

I felt the same way. I think OP just needs to find a cause to support. There are dozens of small protests a year, or other ways to contribute to a greater movement.

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flashpb04 t1_ja2e0zp wrote

Gross? Grow the fuck up. Someone can want to witness a large organization of people passionately fighting for a cause, without being attached to the cause. You people will gate keep anything these days & then wonder why we are so polarized.

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BarbedPenguin t1_ja16ddq wrote

Protests aren't something people do for the fun experience....

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magnoliabluebonnet t1_ja0xtb8 wrote

You "don't care what it's about"? Sometimes there are like...white supremacists "protesting", you really want to join something like that? Think about an issue you actually care about, look up groups that advocate for that, and follow their social media. A lot of times they post about protests there.

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bureaucracynow t1_ja161zb wrote

A lot of (justified) sarcastic responses. I’ll try to give a productive answer: do you have a political issue you’re interested in, particularly a hot-button issue that’s in the news a lot? Find the organization on your side of that issue. They will host a protest/rally at some point.

You could just be the guy that has a “LOUD NOISES” poster at the protest, or, to put this in meme language, Rob Lowe in the NFL hat.

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shibby3388 t1_ja185gk wrote

This isn’t like trying to spot celebrities out doing normal things in Hollywood. This is real life.

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Aquiline_Ranine_F_S t1_ja0y8gc wrote

Uhhhhhhhhhhhh, maybe like, idk, protest. Best bet is to start one your self.

Also genuine question, are police and federal agents purchasing/commandeering/creating social media accounts to help monitor citizens and such?

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ChockBox t1_ja15k5t wrote

Then wait for the next big one, Women’s March, will have one in the spring, March for Our Lives will probably throw one too.

If you’re talking smaller actions, you need to find yourself a cause. Because those actions are for real ones, not tourists.

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don_denti t1_ja18zv1 wrote

Why are people surprised that some individuals go to pretests to observe? It's common everywhere. Some people prefer not to be actively involved and simply wish to witness a protest.

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toorigged2fail t1_ja1iils wrote

Before you knock OP, this is part of what a lot of protestors are hoping for haha

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Frequent_Ad_2924 t1_ja219oz wrote

Protest Tourism. That’s a new one. I’ve been to many through the years, my kids too - but it’s about the issues and exercising your right to gather and your right to free speech. Aren’t you passionate about something? It’s activism not entertainment. And FWIW Jan 6 was not a protest or march.

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meltinglights1083 t1_ja0ygrl wrote

What are you passionate about? What's your stance? Make a sign... stand somewhere and shout about it... protest mission completed.
...come to the realization (or dont) that nothing you did mattered and affected no future outcome of anything... do it again

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GingerMan027 t1_ja16qel wrote

The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind...

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Reit007 t1_ja2nofu wrote

There is an Iranian one happy every Saturday since September. I will keep you posted for the next one

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ExpertComfortable761 t1_ja1oe9j wrote

These responses are rude. It is an understandable question. I got to see my first one recently. It was interesting for a few minutes but became annoying fast. My suggestion is to spend time on the national mall on a weekend. Or check to see if the Iran group is still organizing.

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moonbunnychan t1_ja2p9rq wrote

I feel like I always just accidentally stumble upon them. Or I see a bunch of people on the metro with signs on their way to/from a protest.

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awaymsg t1_ja37tif wrote

For the major ones like Women's March or March for Our Lives, you could sign up to activist newsletters which would advertise those events (probably something like Everytown).

But if walk around around Embassy Row long enough, especially in good weather, you're bound to run into one eventually.

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Adventurous_Gap_5946 t1_ja3h7ye wrote

Whenever you decide to go, bring water, snacks, sunblock, hat, dress in layers and wear your comfy shoes. Take the metro or the bus. Be prepared to walk a lot, and remember that downtown is pretty much a dead zone on weekends so don’t expect a convenient bathroom. Protests are just the gathering of a few hundred like-minded people who all feel strongly about an issue. The best protests are like a big ole block party, and since you said you’re new here, familiarize yourself with go-go music: junkyard, backyard, and rare essence to start.

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Strawbrawry t1_ja3oxrs wrote

For a big one you'd have to wait for the annuals or look for something you care about. If you just want to see a big obnoxious crowd wait till tourist season. For any old demonstration just walk down by the mall. Most days there's some kind of gathering

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skeeter_russel t1_ja3uxec wrote

I always just seem to stumble into them you’ll find them

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toorigged2fail t1_ja1ic2n wrote

Step 1: walk outside

Step 2: there is no step 2

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[deleted] OP t1_ja1ddha wrote

[deleted]

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[deleted] OP t1_ja1k8ok wrote

[deleted]

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MusignyBlanc t1_ja0ye7j wrote

Get an account on Parlor. Sign up to be a Proud Boy? That would be cool, right???

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PenisTriumvirate t1_ja103cv wrote

Just watch this subreddit. They're definitely the "protesting" type of crowd and will always post info.
You couldn't have a better approach to participating in a protest. Don't get invested.
The people telling you the protest has to align with your morals or passions are dorks.

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