A Counter-Protestor’s Retrospective on Boston’s Men’s March
On November 16th, I marched with a counter-contingency in Boston attempting to stop an annual anti-choice “Men’s March,” and it was certainly an experience.
We started around Kenmore Square and marched down Commonwealth Avenue until we met the marchers, who were surrounded by police protecting them. Our swarm of merry “clown-terprotestors,” dressed in colorful outfits began playing clown music to mock the participants. After roughly ten minutes of a standoff where we chanted through megaphones at them, riot police entered the fray, and seventeen people were arrested – all of whom were counter-protestors. I was pushed to the ground with many of my comrades and lost my friend in the scuffle for roughly five minutes. Even though we outnumbered them decently, our efforts were ultimately thwarted and the marchers continued onto the Common, where we continued our chanting and rattling of barricades. Although we were ultimately unsuccessful in our endeavors, there were still very important lessons learned.
First and foremost, protest is not for the faint of heart. We all have valiant fantasies of being on the front lines, I get it. However, there is always a chance that you can get arrested, especially when in constant confrontation with the police.
Secondly, progress is inherently more appealing than conservatism. Despite the more amicable relationship with the city, the Men’s March was heavily outnumbered by us counter-protestors.
Lastly, bring someone you know to a protest for your safety and for theirs. Many protestors I know are big fans of the buddy system, and make sure there’s at least one person in the crowd they know and can trust.
Be safe, be strong, be connected, be active, and be smart. It’s how you will get through these next four years.
