I've never been, but about half my friends have. I don't get it. Some of it sounds amazing- I read about Bread and Puppets in Vermont- the rest I just don't get.

I've been to Mardi Gras. That makes sense to me. A wild party before the drawing down- that makes sense.

But, say, WTO, or anti- war protests, or take back the night, or , or , or, or.....

Like, I admire beyond belief my neighbor when I was growing up. His mom keeps track of him by news reports of when he gets arrested for protesting- school of americas at fort benning, for one. Nuclear protests, anti- war protests. Things like that.

I just don't get it- what happens? do you change? do you meet people that change with you? does it change policy? does it affect a community?

I'm not trying to be facetious. I asked this in real life, and I get the cross- eyed "rabble- rousers" or the patronizing "You are so cute!" but not answers.

ari, who really never expected a leftist, politically active lesbian to pat her on the head and say" you are so cute", just like a right wing rancher from midland, tx......

i would like to but honestly i am not comfortable attending them on my own (with my ocd i need a friend to go), but its been years since i participated in any.

I haven't in awhile, but I have before. Here in St lou there's not as much assembly going on as other places, but there are always anti-war gatherings on the anniversary of the war that people turn out for. I think the last time I went I met some fellow radical parents who have since become some of my best friends. It's great to connect with other like minds, become friends, and start your own little projects together, whatever they may be.
Also I thought it was an important educational experience for my daughter, an introduction to talking about peace, and what we believe about the war.

There are many reasons for participating in political actions. First and foremost, such actions (protests, rallies, etc) are key for raising awareness. Its a fight for getting media attention so the one who makes the loudest noise gets the noticed. It gets people talking and that will hopefully lead to change down the road. Attention can be garnered by numbers or by shock value such as when a group of father's rights advocates climbed Big Ben and unfurled a banner here. There were just a handful of them, but they certainly achieved getting on the news and starting the public at large being aware of their cause. Disrupting people's lives in some way (ie. blocking traffic, etc.) can also wake up many people who are on autopilot going through their lives without stopping to think. They may be irritated or angered by the inconvenience but they are also forced at that point to at least for a brief moment think about what is being brought to their attention. It plants a seed of thought. A large protest or rally can also serve to motivate those who are already aware and active to do more on a smaller and more productive level. It helps you connect with others who are similar minded and also lets others who may not be participating but feel the same way know that they are not alone and there are others who are actively working towards a common goal. It can also be a great way to release anger and frustration as does happen with the more violent type protests. Good or bad, it is what it is.

That said, I think that the impact of protests and rallies on the whole has become somewhat watered down in years past, at least in the US. Increased regulation and restriction on "free speech" has really tempered down the overall effect of some actions. Over here they still seem to pack more of a punch and get more attention. (and not just by being violent - most are not violent actually) For example, there is a large group of people camped out at Heathrow airport right now protesting the building of a new runway. It is peaceful but it is getting loads of attention. Many people who would not normally pay attention to the issues surrounding a new runway (environmental impact) are hearing about it, thinking about it, and talking about it. A friend of mine went to the G8 in Germany earlier this summer and reports that it was really energizing and empowering to be able to be a part of a group of ordinary people causing significant impact. He met like-minded people from all over the world and his commitment to work on a daily basis towards the goals they share was reaffirmed.