Author: Laurie Gauer
Dear LFUU Members and Friends,
This post showed up in my Facebook feed a few days ago:
“Hi Everyone – Want to make a suggestion about wording that is taken straight out of the indigenous Hawaiian’s activist playbook: that we refuse to use the word “protestor” when referring to our activities and activism (particularly when talking to the press). The indigenous Hawaiians realized a long time ago that words matter and the word “protestor” is triggering in the American context so they now insist on being referred to as “protectors” not “protestors” and will immediately correct anyone who says otherwise.
I want to suggest we emulate this because we are not “Protestors for American Democracy” but “Protectors OF American Democracy!” It takes a critical mass of people to do this, but once accomplished, it changes the entire dialogue and perspective in our favor.
**copied from a human on an Indivisible page**”
At a recent Sunday program when the speaker asked how we’re feeling, I shared that I’m grieving. I feel deep sadness as I witness the disregard and tearing down of:
- The Constitution and Bill of Rights
- Civil rights, environmental standards, etc.
- Science, education, etc.
- The values I thought we shared: With liberty and justice for all, Give me your tired, your poor, etc.
In my Message last week, I explained why I’m protesting right now. Let’s compare “Protestor for” to “Protector of” in relation to the above:
- I am a . . . Protestor for OR Protector of . . . our democracy and freedoms.
- I am a . . . Protestor for OR Protector of . . . our rights and the environment.
- I am a . . . Protestor for OR Protector of . . . our leadership in research and thought.
- I am a . . . Protestor for OR Protector of . . . our values that made us a beacon of hope.
I do like the sound and feel of “Protector of” better. I’m going with it.
Do you think “Protestor” is triggering? Does “Protector” change the dialogue and perspective?