He speaks. Notes from the Oakland Women's March

As a man, I wasn’t sure if I should go to the Women’s March.

I’ve been protesting a lot these past couple of years. I’ve been calling people out more. Online, in person, at work...it’s clear “docile white liberal,” hasn’t worked. I’m a firm believer in changing our tactics. Not only do I protest -- but after some research, I’ll bring my seven year old son Noah if it looks safe enough. I like to think of my myself as a Mad Max Feminist inspired by Fury Road: help overthrow the patriarchy then get the fuck out of the way. I was down with the ethos of the Women’s March. However, it seemed to me that if they want men there, they would have named it “Women’s and Dudes’ March.”

At first look I’m in the group they were protesting against: cis male, white, and rich. Don’t get me wrong: I work hard to be a good feminist and ally to disenfranchised groups. By Bay Area bank account standards, I am closer to an old timey hobo than a tech bro. However, the optics of folks like me showing up could arguably take away from the show of unity. So, like all of my important life’s questions -- I asked Facebook. The overwhelming response from my female friends was to go. So I did.

On BART, Noah and I talked about why we were going. Whenever we protest, I try to get to the point that he has an answer for why we are there. Something like, “we are here because President Trump has disrespectful ideas about women that could lead to bad laws.” Stuff like that. We gathered with some artist friends of mine. I could not get over the crowd. I’ve never been to a protest march that took so long to move. It was beyond dense. All walks of life gathered. It’s why I love this area so much. Noah was a real trooper. He never complained. We chanted. We marched. We laughed. The signs were amazing. I didn’t realize everyone was bringing their A game. “A woman’s place is in the RESISTANCE” with a picture of Princess Leia. “We Hella Love Justice” and ”Shit is fucked up” were some of my favorites. It was a joyous day. We left after 6 hours for “victory burritos” and I couldn’t stop texting my friends and sharing sappy stories from the day on social media. It felt like we have a chance to stop the madness at some point.

Noah and I have been to a lot of protests this past year. I’ve refined my discussion with him though. I still make sure he can answer why we are protesting. Now though -- I follow up with a “but what’s the most important reason we are protesting, Noah?” We both reply in unison;

“Because, we stick up for our friends.”

-- Mark Britt, 41