Best wishes + Tips for political rallies?

[winter]

First now all, a very happy birthday to isis_whit :)

I know there's a fair amount of activists on my f-list, people who take part in political demonstrations, rallies, marches and so on. Care to share a few tips on surviving one when you know there probably will be trouble from a neo-Nazi counter-demonstration?

On Saturday there's a big march in Warsaw - the Equality Parade. On the surface, it's gay rights. It's turning into something of a demonstration against the current direction of the Polish political life. Since the newspapers in the last few months made my skin crawl more often than not, I'm going. The problem is, a neo-Nazi youth organisation will be conducting a counter-demonstration on the reverse path. There might be shouts, rocks, whatever.

I've got my outfit - jeans, t-shirt, no handbag, hair up in twists (stylish femme lesbian look not entirely coincidental). I've got an escort - guy's way over 6', a black-belt and a friend since birth. Any other practical tips for keeping safe and not ticking off the cops too much? We have a show to catch that evening ;)

Comments

[etrangere.livejournal.com]

no suggestions, but wishing you well (you and everybody involved in that demonstration)

[nallac.livejournal.com]

A slightly cynical suggestion. Enough ID that if you end up in hospital they know who you are, but not something that could cause you problems if it got lost.

[hotbeast.livejournal.com]

:) myślę że będą też potrzebne ci buty w których dobrze się biega :>.

Byłam dzisiaj na Starówce i widziałam przemarsz demonstracji pro rodzinnej. Żal było na nich patrzeć. Transparenty nie mieściły się i załamywały przez co były nieczytelne, staruszki szły otoczone wiankiem różańca z kościoła i ochroniarzami z tego samego źródła, była orkiestra dęta i gdyby nie ona, pochód byłby jak przydługa wycieczka. No i ta policja. Obstawiali ich jakby mieli rzucić się na witryny sklepów:). Jeżeli ich obstawili tak mocno- ten marsz otoczą ścisłym kordonem. A w środku zamieszki raczej się nie rozpętają :).

Na wszelki wypadek zaznaczam, że to miało być na pociechę :D

[carmentalis.livejournal.com]

Not a lot of experience with demonstrations aside from the usual student rallies, but well... Stay a bit away from the front end, and stick to the sides because then disappearing is easier in case of trouble. Getting caught in the middle is not fun, especially when people around you begin to panic.

And watch out for pickpockets. I had my pockets picked twice in my life, both times during demonstrations.

Pride in Warsaw

[seidthe.livejournal.com]

Hey, glad you're joining. I'm Hot's friend, dunno if you remember me from the theatre and from Arkadia.
Anyway, will be there with some friends as well :) I always go, and though it looks scary, it's a lot of fun too. Just make sure you're not wearing anything u particulary like, as those Nazi idiots throw eggs. Which can ruin your outfit. Some people bring umbrelles, but frankly I can't be bothered. And yes, stones happen too, which is especially sad since also families with little kids participate, but the police is doing their job just fine and they prevent most of the attacks. Only when you see some bald guys with hands in their pockets standing around and seeming to plot something (u can say, because any processes of thinking are clearly visible on their faces. Thinking hurts, u know), well in such case be aware the stones will be flying.
See u there :)

[mayoini.livejournal.com]

I want to go too.
And because I belive the point of this parade is not being afraid of the narrow minded people, I'm not taking any weapons. ;) I'll dress the way I'll feel and take my bag, I won't make any special preparations I guess. :) Good you're going too. Maybe we can get coffee later?

[reynardine.livejournal.com]

(There are Neo-Nazis in Poland??? I thought they all lived here in America, along with the Ku Klux Klan, the Aryan Nation and all the other weirdos that run around wild in our great country. <==Not that anyone takes those idiots seriously. The evangelical Republicans are a greater threat to personal freedom, I think.)

I agree with the earlier poster who said to stay to the side (or the back). Easier to duck out of the way if things go bad. Also, if the police get involved, they tend to attack the front lines, not the sidelines. Smart to bring a bodyguard with you--might help if there's a stampede, he can muscle you outta there. Yell all you like, but be nice to the police, they're just doing their jobs.

Still, after what the original Nazis did to Poland, who there would be stupid enough to be a Neo-Nazi?? The mind boggles.

Good luck. Fight the good fight! (And enjoy the show afterwards!)

[dracschick.livejournal.com]

good luck to you. A worthy cause to support!

*hugs*

take care,
Chris

[arabwel.livejournal.com]

I third that kkeeping to the sides thing - the middle is dangerous. Also, GOOD shoes. the sort that you can run in easy, and the sort that will stand being stepped on weithout your toes being smushed. steel-toed boots would be great because theyw ill also work for self-defense in a shit-flattens-the-fan scenario...

[atheva]

Hm. I haven't perused the other comments yet, so these things may have already been said. Obviously, going with others is a good way to ensure personal safety. One or two close friends because then you all can look out for each other. Also, in a march it's good not to get ruffled by the decrying of the opposition. I have a bit of a temper so, I have to constantly remind myself not to sink to the level of being insulting. Basically just try to add grace and pride to your cause. Most sensical people can respect that. Um, even all those precautions may not work though. I was at protest once against the KKK having a rally in my hometown and they started throwing rocks at us!

[sukeban.livejournal.com]

I can't add anything to what's already been said (maybe a bicycle helmet just in case?), but I wish you good luck with the demonstration (^_^)b

[isis-whit.livejournal.com]

Awww, thank you, dear! :) :)

Also, take care on the demo. Take a scarf in case there is tear gas. Wear boots that you can run in. And don't get too close to the front line.

[supermouse.livejournal.com]

Best wishes with this and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

I just friended you, I hope that's okay.