Not immaterial.
But can be mitigated via 1) outdoor activities, 2) mask wearing, 3) fluid movement to avoid prolonged exposure to any particular individual.
That's been consistent expert guidance, and protests fit those criteria pretty well.
But can be mitigated via 1) outdoor activities, 2) mask wearing, 3) fluid movement to avoid prolonged exposure to any particular individual.
That's been consistent expert guidance, and protests fit those criteria pretty well.
Furthermore, there is always a weighing of risk and urgency. Supermarkets stayed open when other retail closed, because they are life-sustaining.
Similarly, protesting extra-judicial police killings is a life-saving activity, while going to a pool party or concert is not.
Similarly, protesting extra-judicial police killings is a life-saving activity, while going to a pool party or concert is not.
It's fashionable to play contrarian gotcha on this, but also pretty obtuse.
Most protesters have been far more scrupulous about distancing and masking than the reopening protests or Memorial Day partiers.
Important activity + appropriate mitigation = tolerable risk.
Most protesters have been far more scrupulous about distancing and masking than the reopening protests or Memorial Day partiers.
Important activity + appropriate mitigation = tolerable risk.
Do I wish that a national uprising to protest endemic police brutality toward people of color had emerged at a more convenient time? Sure do.
But I also recognize that for many protesters, the threat of police violence is a more present one than even COVID. And I respect that.
But I also recognize that for many protesters, the threat of police violence is a more present one than even COVID. And I respect that.
