For a movement to move we have to piss people off. People are always going to be inconvenienced by movements but in order to achieve the goal of success this will inevitably happen. The question I am considering as I write this post however, is whether we are at liberty right now to piss people off. In a recent attempt to raise awareness for the current climate crisis, groups of protestors from Extinction Rebellion stood on the roofs of London underground trains during rush hour. They held up signs that stated, “business as usual = death,” and protested on trains, located centrally or going toward London’s Financial district, in an attempt to convey their message that humanity is crucifying themselves for the sake of economic growth. This causes a major disruption as thousands of people storm these tube lines daily in order to get to work, all in a city that is almost impossible to traverse by foot or bike. The majority of these commuters fall within the bracket of lower to working class, as the trains are a fairly inexpensive way to get through the city. Many people live on the outskirts in order to be able to afford a home and still be able to work.  I guess what I am trying to say here is, should we piss these people off? Disruptions need to be made, but these people are highly vulnerable to systems of power.

Extinction Rebellion. Banner “Rebel for life”.

The current state of the economic market at present is shocking. America’s data specifically, shows an unprecedented surge in Americans filing for unemployment benefits, and this can’t be taken lightly. When the Covid-19 crisis slows down, and the public can return to work, money is going to be at the forefront of their minds. This is the sad reality we have to face. Many people will need to focus on making up for lost time spent in lockdown in order to ensure their children stay fed and a roof remains over their heads. While I believe it is important to make drastic moves in order to receive press, we do however need to consider who we piss off. These people cannot help their economic needs in a society governed by money, and we must respect these needs. I don’t have an answer to my own question if I am being honest. I am merely confused and if anything, asking an open question. I will leave you with this: how do we ask people to focus on climate change in a time of economic turmoil? The Covid-19 crisis has proved that the earth has the potential to heal from our lack of care, but how can we ask people to make this a priority when the government has not made them, and their individual economic worries, a priority?