this post was submitted on 01 Apr 2025
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I’m going to Washington D.C. on April 5th with my Dad. My mom has been freaking out because she’s convinced I’ll get abducted off the street and Trump will send me to El Salvador. I believe this is very unlikely and I’m going to D.C. anyways. Though I feel really bad freaking my mom out.

Edit: I am white. I’m not worried about being abducted. I just feel bad my mom is freaking out, and I’m wondering if anyone else has dealt with family members that didn’t want them to protest.

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 day ago

If thats her concern, its better to protest now when they havent started deploying troops and we have a chance to gain support and stop them rather than later when its not an option.

Inaction out of fear is cowardice, but fearlessness and dismissal of the possibilities is equally stupid. Bravery is to understand the risks but overcome the fear. Recall the poem by Niemöller, "First they came for..." and take the necessary precautions.

Dont bring your phones (or keep them turned off the way there and back), disable biometrics on them, cover your face and other identifying features, and stick with a group. Keep everyone in your group orderly; no rioting or damage to property. Decide on a meetup point in advance for if you get separated.

[–] [email protected] 21 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Where do you fall on this handy "am I safe in America" chart.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 2 days ago

Very top. Sometimes Trumpers think I’m one of them. Very low chance they’re coming after me at this stage. My mom is still scared though.

[–] [email protected] 17 points 2 days ago

The odds of you being abducted with high turnout would be low. Travel with a group.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Skin color isn’t going to save you for much longer. Especially if you’re involved in a protest. Stay in a group and be prepared to not go back to your hotel.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 day ago

I often think of this:

[White people’s] job at that protest, what they are there to do, is to do everything they can in their power to put their bodies between the bodies of black people and police. They should know if they’re there that they have the privilege of at least knowing that there will be more action taken if they die than if a black person does.

Everyone is a victim under fascism, but some people are still more vulnerable than others. If Trump decided to take out a peaceful protester that looked like me this early, it would be much harder to sweep under the rug. I find some comfort in realizing that my disappearance wouldn’t be so easily pulled off.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I'd definitely be careful of catching a beatdown but I don't think you'll be 'disappeared'.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 day ago

I’m mainly just worried about my mom. I was wondering if anyone else dealt with family members that didn’t want them to protest.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago