The Problem with the No Kings Day Protests

About 1 in 50 Americans attended a No Kings protest that day, making it the largest public demonstration in the 250 year history of the United States. Despite that, the No Kings Day protests were not nearly as effective as they could have been.

For one, No Kings day took place on a weekend, meaning it resulted in very little economic disruption. Protesting on a weekday will directly impact the economy, as many people will be protesting instead of going to work, and roads will be blocked, slowing down traffic. Such economic disruption can be very effective, because it will immediately catch lawmaker’s as well as corporation’s attention.

The second protest I attended took place in a downtown area, which are generally pretty empty on weekends. Although the demonstration was large, with around 10,000 people in attendance, it would have been far more impactful had it been held in a busy shopping area, or downtown on a weekday. In fact, most large No Kings protests were held in city downtowns as to not be disruptive. But protesting is meant to be disruptive, and it is meant to scare politicians. Protesting in ways as to not be disruptive defeats the purpose of protesting entirely.

Furthermore, lawmakers will usually be in their offices during the week, meaning that a weekday protest is far more likely to grab their immediate attention. There is also generally more news coverage during the week, and media coverage is a major reason why protesting is effective.

With all of this being said, I would also like to acknowledge that No Kings heightened everyday American’s awareness significantly, and it inspired millions to organize even further. At the end of the march I attended, there was a huge gathering of people, where I saw people passing out and receiving flyers, setting up booths, signing up to volunteer, and uniting in many other ways. To see all these people get together, showing their distress; expressing their anger, inspires and gives way for people to take even more action together.

However, No Kings day is only the beginning, and if we want to make an impact, we simply have to do more. That means striking, protesting in busy areas, writing to our representatives and organizing in other ways. Lasting change is unable to happen without collective action and collective sacrifice.

Remember that anyone- including you, can make an impact, no matter how small.

-The Patriotic Cucumber

On Saturday, March 28, I attended 2 No Kings protests, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It was deeply inspiring to see all these people- kids, parents, grannies in wheelchairs, teachers, construction workers- get together, chanting, singing and organizing.

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