Rattled.* in These Foolish Things
- June 1, 2020, 8:03 a.m.
- |
- Public
My city is in near-ruin. Over the weekend, the city was overtaken by what started as peaceful protests for justice for George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement and turned into violence. Friday night, looters had shattered nearly every window downtown and taken all of the merchandise they could get their hands on.
I was already shaken by the assault and aggravated robbery that had happened to me on Wednesday. I was no longer able to walk the dog without sheer terror running through my body every time I’d step outside solo. So on Saturday morning, my neighbors walked with me on my morning walk. We surveyed the damage. I was shocked to see that even my block, which normally seems to be unscathed by protests when they happen, was also hit very hard.
On Saturday afternoon, I drove myself and the dog to a park are we like to walk that feels a bit safer, though not 100% safe (no place is) to get some exercise. While I was walking, I heard a woman ask a group of three bikers if they were going to the protest. I didn’t know there would be another protest on Saturday after Friday’s destruction. I got on Twitter and sure enough, there would be a peaceful protest starting at City Hall at 1:30pm.
By 3:30pm, hundreds of protesters filed past my window in a very well-organized manner.
By Saturday early evening I looked out my window to see many, many police vehicles stationed on every corner and I knew it was going to get much, much worse. I called my parents and told them I was packing a bag and coming out for the night. It took me 15 minutes to grab my stuff and get out. Thankfully, I got out when I did because about 15 minutes after I left and got on the highway, the protesters had blocked all of the roads and highways out of the city.
Looters moved to surrounding areas of downtown and broke windows and ransacked many more places, including both nearby grocery stores, the Target and several apartment buildings. Oh, and one of the amazing museums was also robbed of many, many pieces of ancient ART.
I ask you, how is stealing art and big screen TVs helping this movement?
Last night, Sunday, the police chief called a 7pm - 6am curfew that will be in effect for “the next several days”. Appears that even though there were many arrests for people out after curfew, the peace was kept and things are quieter. But I’m still not so keen on going back to my downtown area where nothing is open and people are still angry.
I need to get meds and clean clothes, so I’m thinking about running home this afternoon and packing another bag and coming back out here. I’ve had a couple of offers from people to let me stay with them, but I don’t really want to interfere in their everyday lives right now. I don’t mind staying with my parents because (a) I’ve already stayed the last two nights, (b) we’ve broken quarantine, and (c ), they like me here (I think!!).
I’ve somehow been able to hide my black eye with makeup and my hair covers the bruising on my cheek, so I haven’t had to explain the damage and the fact that I’m terrified in my own neighborhood.
I’m struggling with everything right now. I’m saddened by the fact that we as a country have not moved past the racial issues we’ve had over the past 50+ years. I’m struggling with my mental state. I’m struggling with hanging out with my parents. I’m struggling with my employment situation.
And yes, there are silver linings to some of the above issues: I am getting my job back in two weeks and I’m blessed to have my parents around to have a place to go…
But I’m just rattled to the core right now.
GS
UPDATE: I get that it had to get violent and extra messy for folks to be heard. I understand all of that. I also know that protesters are different than looters. I hear my neighbors of color loud and clear. It’s not that I’m not listening. I want to hear more.
I was also assaulted in these same streets just a few days ago. I am angry. I am hurt. I am scared to be assaulted again, but this time, worse. I know it’s not about me, but I also know that I’m my only protector.
And we don’t have a fucking LEADER. Jesus Christ. Look at the man. He is destroying this country and hiding in a bunker.
Fuck all of this.
Last updated June 01, 2020
The Thirsty Oriental ⋅ June 01, 2020
Stay safe!
pandora ⋅ June 01, 2020
I cannot imagine the fear that you must feel after your traumatic incident last week - I am sorry that this is happening and have to hope that we start seeing real change. I think the issues actually started more like 400 years ago with the slave ships, but I know what you're saying. Stay safe; I'm glad that you had somewhere to go!
Palmtreesandzebras ⋅ June 01, 2020
The protests here have also all turned violent as well. The one where my coworker and a friend of a friend live, all turned violent with the looting later on in the day. Someone started a fire. It was insane.
Then yesterday there was another protest down by my work in Downtown. I had been following it all day and it remained peaceful and then Slate told me right before bed it had turned violent. I have been working from home and was supposed to go into the office on Tuesday to do some things that can't be done from home, and my boss urged me if the protests were still going on to stay home. I'm like don't need to tell me twice.
Many of the towns here have curfews now. We heard the cop cars passing our place on the highway going to many of them. We live really central so we hear the cops and fire departments going both directions.
I hope that you are safe, and that things start to turn around for you.
Deleted user ⋅ June 01, 2020
So sorry. We had ourselves quite a week/weekend here in Minneapolis too. Here’s hoping the awful people who are screwing up this important cultural moment are under control now
Ginger Snap Deleted user ⋅ June 01, 2020
Oh my gosh, are you in Minneapolis? I'm so sorry for the destruction in your city. The good news coming out of Minneapolis is that the (GOOD) voices are creating change! I hope you are well and safe.
Deleted user Ginger Snap ⋅ June 01, 2020
Both well and safe. Despite all this making me wish I was on SpaceX leaving the earth right now, there is a lot of good being done that isn't making the TV news broadcasts. We're gonna be alright.
Soliloquy ⋅ June 01, 2020
The protesters who are there to further the movement are not the same people who are inciting violence. There are many opportunists who want to discredit the movement and/or get stuff for themselves who are the ones looting and vandalizing. It's truly awful that such people exist and are using something that has a true and meaningful message to further their own selfish interests.
That said, I hope you stay safe and well.
Ginger Snap Soliloquy ⋅ June 01, 2020
Oh believe me, I do know that there is a HUGE difference between the protesters and the opportunists. I've been a protester myself and believe so much in standing up and voicing what's right. It just breaks my heart that there are forces out there right now that are destructive and violent. And the fact that I was the victim of a violent crime less than a week ago - a BLOCK from my own home...and this just makes me physically (and mentally) ill.
Amaryllis ⋅ June 01, 2020
Hugs, that is very scary stuff. You are dealing with this well.
Jafael ⋅ June 01, 2020
I’m relieved to hear you left and stayed elsewhere. I was worried about you. I can’t imagine living downtown where it got the worst! It got bad here, but I’m at least a few miles from the main protest areas. Take care of yourself!
bobbi01 ⋅ June 01, 2020
Great idea to go and stay with your parents.
Deleted user ⋅ June 01, 2020
Gosh, what a season for you! So glad to read you have good parents, neighbours, friends, and dog!
Marg ⋅ June 01, 2020
Gosh it was bad enough getting assaulted last week - this on top of that must be the last straw for you! Are you not telling your parents about the assault because you don’t want to worry them? I’m glad you’re staying there - I know it’s not ideal but it would be better than being alone right now living where you do.
plushcreep ⋅ June 01, 2020
I don't believe anything ever has to get violent, but sheesh, feels like I'm in the minority based on some of the posts I have read. Hugs to you and I hope you continue to be safe.
Jinn ⋅ July 01, 2020
These people rioting, assaulting, looting and burning are doing nothing for “ the movement “. I supported them until I saw that crap , now I do not .