Bringing a teenager to the protest?

[Mizmoon]

I have never protested before but I was thinking about going to NYC for the Convention protest. My question to experienced protestors is: would you bring your 15-year-old boy to a protest? I realize it would be somewhat risky - but how risky? Do you think that protests of this type are really reserved for adults?

I want him to see democracy in action, but I have this moral obligation to make sure he doesn't - you know - get his head smashed in and all that.

Opinions?

[slackmaster]

1. I think it's a fine idea

Make sure he has a way to get home safely in case you get arrested and he doesn't.

Do you think that protests of this type are really reserved for adults?

Not at all. Children and adolescents have opinions and a right to express them. Exposure to adults exercising their protected right of free political expression can't hurt them IMO.

[Mizmoon]

7. Actually, I hadn't thought about him getting arrested

I spent two nights in a NYC jail about twenty years ago. The thing that shocked me most, aside from the fact that the cells were so bad I wouldn't keep rats in them, was the men taunting each other about rape. While I didn't actually see a rape, it was obvious that it was happening. What possesses people to turn on each other like that is beyond me.

I should probably re-think this. I'm not so sure they wouldn't put him in a cell with adult men.

[Stephanie]

8. They will have special locations for arrested protestors

They won't be with the general jail population, I'm sure. And he's not likely to get arrested unless he provokes the cops somehow.

www.nyclu.org might have more info for you.

[Jacobin]

2. I have a fifteen year old son too

He wants to go to NYC. He doesn't want to be drafted to go to a holy war in the middle east.

There are teenagers dying in Iraq as we speak.

Every parent has to make their own call on these things, knowing the maturity, etc of their own child. I'm still trying to decide what to do, but I'm leaning toward taking him.

As far as I'm concerned, we are at war with the neo-cons and it is a matter of life and death...the life and death of our children, our way of life, our very country.

[Warpy]

3. Fine, but have an escape route at all times

in case it gets ugly. If there is violence, grab him and leave the area quickly (good advice for all peaceful protestors, isolate the violent wack jobs).

Peaceful protest always carries some risk, an make sure he knows about it. GOP brownshirts and cops who don't particularly want to be babysitting a bunch of marchers will try to start trouble. Most people will be fine, but there is a chance they won't be.

I think that no matter what happens, it will be a wonderful lesson for him. I don't think I'd take any kids under 10 (too easy to get trampled), but a boy of 15 would get more out of it than he'd risk.

[seventhson]

4. I have this to say...

My 14 year old daughter is going with her Mom and Aunt. They protested in NYC last year and again in DC. Things were fine.

Make sure you have a meeting place well outside the protest area in the event of a riot or separation. Have a primary CLOSE location for meetup AND a secondary spot.

Make sure your son is well equipped with water and at the very least a big headscarf in the event of tear gas pr mace and stay on the edges of crowds in the event of provocateurs starting trouble so you can get quickly out of harm's way. Srat out of tight spaces if possible.

Also because of the new sound weapons I recommend cotton to protect your eardrums.

Good sneakers for running (no sandles or flip flops)

and a change of clothes in the event of rain/water cannons, etc.

In Philly at the bicentennial protest I SAW planes seeding the clouds which caused a HUGE storm and broke up the rally. It was hot and exciting but very wet.

Finally have a small first aid kit with bandages , smelling salts and disinfectant in the event of injuries.

I think you will be fine. Stay AWAY from troublemakers who may well be Bush agents who act like protesters starting trouble to incirew police action.

NYC cops are very cool, but do NOT want problems. They are on our side, these heroes of 9-11 - and are mostly democrats. But they do NOT want any trouble and will respond harshly to troublemakers which can cause stampedes etc. so stay alert.

Finally, a camera is always a good idea (cheap disposables, to document things)

[Massacure]

12. A change of clothes seems a bit bulky to haul around if you have to scram

I agree with the water, scraft, first aid, and cotton though.

[seventhson]

13. Just jeans and a long sleeve shirt

my advice. Or at least shorts, etc. in the backpack or left in the car or bus if possible.

[Stephanie]

5. Absolutely

At every march I have been to in NYC these past two years there have been parents with very young children. Babes in arms, strollers.

I will say though that NYPD has occassionally been very aggressive, even violent, including charging police horses at protestors (this happened at the Feb. 15 2003 march, at 53rd and Lex., and the injured were just ordinary people, not costumed "anarchists" or anything like that).

So while I expect to see many children there as well as teens, I cannot promise that it will be absolutely safe for everyone.

[goju]

6. I wouldnt

Not in NYC anyway. This promises to be a very messy situation and nobody knows what may happen. It could make Chicago look like a picnic in the park. At 15 he may act mature but he's still a child. If you want him to experience it, Id suggest you both hang out on the outskirts and stay close to exit routes. I think NYC is in for a reckoning!

[JI7]

9. only if he wants to go

if he doesn't then don't force him. you can try to convince him but if he really doesn't want to go don't make him.

if he does want to go then yes, you should especially bring him.

[Amaya]

10. I took my 8 year old son

to one last year in NYC. It was fine. He wants to go with me this time. But........... I think this one will be a little less friendly.

As far as taking a teenager, sure. He's probably old enough to make a proper judgment in certain situations. If he wants to go. Take him.

[stevedeshazer]

11. Take him.

Let him see it.

I've taken my son since he was 13 (in 2001)

Here he is two years ago at a Cheney protest...the sign was his own idea: