5 Types of People You Will Meet at a PROTEST RALLY
If someone told you that Sri Lanka broke a record for most protests in a year, you'd believe them, because in our beautiful island, it's always - a new day, a new protest. Or two. Or three. While it's great to know that folks here are now free to exercise their freedom of speech, it does get pretty tedious before long. Especially when the protester's actual goal is to inconvenience us all by protesting in strategic locations designed to create optimum chaos. Heavy traffic, excessive littering, inebriated folks misbehaving and causing havoc are just the tip of the iceberg.
While a few protests are held for legitimate grievances and causes, many of the so-called reasons for these protests are totally uncalled for, if we're being honest like protesting for the right to commit crimes (Drive lawfully like the rest of us so you don't have to pay the Rs. 25,000 fine, maybe?). So it's not rocket science to figure out that apart from a few, a majority of the protesters have divergent agendas. Therein lies the slightest silver lining - comic relief. Without further ado, here are the most common types of people you find at a protest.
The ones with no clue why they’re here
A surprisingly large number of individuals fall into this category. They can be found snapping away, taking selfies and generally with a blank look on their faces. Most often than not, they can be found wearing a t-shirt with a slogan that kinda defeats the whole cause of the protest. Some of them are people who wandered in by mistake, and have no idea what to do.
The ones who are here for a good time
Any excuse to get out of responsibilities, right? Who among us wouldn't want to ditch work so we could chill with our pals in the hot sun, dancing away without a care in the world? After all, ain't no party like an impromptu street party.
The ones who are here for the freebies
The free booze, specifically. Give em something potent enough and they will even protest requesting that oxygen is monetised. Many won't even last long enough to see the protest start and could be found sprawled unceremoniously across the floor, abandoned by their companions who have a protest to take part in and have no time to slug unconscious compatriots along.
The ones who are here to entertain
An eclectic crowd, some of them actually have some talent and will entertain you with their musical instruments. The others 'believe' they have talent and attempt to entertain the crowds with their dancing and singing.
The ones who actually believe in the cause
Without a doubt the minority, these folks could be found at the fore, enthusiastically and fervently shouting out pre planned slogans, carrying posters and encouraging their companions to keep going. Their energy seldom wanes despite the long hours spent being exposed to the elements.
While a few protests are held for legitimate grievances and causes, many of the so-called reasons for these protests are totally uncalled for, if we’re being honest. So it’s not rocket science to figure out that apart from a few, a majority of the protesters have divergent agendas.