Resisting with Creativity: How Portland Mocks Oppression and Stays Delightfully Weird
Oppressors use violence, but responding in kind would only lower us to their level. Needless to say... It's easier said than done. Aspiring to nonviolence requires the discipline of figures like Gandhi and MLK. For most of us, punching back feels easier when provoked, and civility is harder than rudeness. In today’s U.S., the government seems intent on provoking resistance to lose its cool, with ICE agents in masks and armed guards stoking anger. One spark, just one person's losing cool could ignite chaos, and anger only fuels more anger. "Some" are waiting for that one incident to justify imposing martial law under the guise of "maintaining order." When We The People lose our cool, we lose our power.
In response, Portlanders mock the "war zone" narrative with cosplay dance parties, ukulele concerts, and naked bike rides, showing the world the absurdity of it all. Even as major news outlets ignore events like a 12,000-participant marathon, the world watches. Everyday people resist with creativity and humor, channeling anger into something manageable. Portland, please keep being delightfully weird. You guys are admired. I salute you, Portlanders.