The year 2016 was a time of protesting and questioning authority that seemed to be unaccommodating to the people’s needs. When it came to stretching the 1^st amendment to its limit, it didn’t matter if you were a man, woman or adolescent. What was truly important is that knowing that there is power to the people, and even a single voice could add volumes. We’ve seen riots, marches, and celebrity appearances of kinds for the general public to see and create their own opinions. Some see this as progressive, representing a nation that begs for change. Others see this as an issue, where people are using directionless fury in which are perceived to be tantamount to a five-year-old kicking and screaming. One thing is important to learn from these events is that we’re seeing folks of all origins stand up and speak out against what they feel is wrong. Citizens are becoming confident in their ability to make a change, regardless of their class or social standing. We’ve got to give power to the people, and we can. So if you ever wanted to go out and march, there are some tips that I recommend to you.

1.)Know your history

2.)Understand that not everyone thinks like you

3.)Be yourself

4.)Be careful

You know, there a certain quote Aunt Viv made that I intend to live by and it goes just like this:

“You can read the book, you can wear the t-shirt, you can put up the posters and you can shout the slogans but unless you know all the history behind it, you’re trivializing the entire struggle.”

A lot of protesters (conservatives and liberals alike) often chime in on arguments and discussions but have no idea what they’re doing when someone of the opposition creates a valid and concrete argument. It also makes you look like the equivalent of a sports team bandwagon: cringeworthy and not to be taken seriously. So on every topic, you have to do your research.

No matter how convincing you are or how colorful your personality is, not everyone is on the same perspective as you are. Everyone is different, and that includes ideas. Going out on protesting doesn’t mean you’ll see people who think just like you. It’s okay, because this is a time where you not only protest, but to exchange your ideas with one another, and in return learning a bit more about yourself.

This is one of the most important tips I can give to you dear reader. Being yourself sounds like an overused motto from a Disney channel after school special, but you have to admit it is better than being someone you’re not. No one is expecting you to be a great speaker like Dr. King or write like Maya Angelou. Your form of protesting can be anything, like creating an art project or kneeling before the national anthem. Just please be yourself, you beautiful creature.

YOU CAN GET HURT. Police can come at you with riot gear, someone in the protest could cause a full-scale riot, or maybe your parents are worried about you. It’s imperative to know that this journey you’re about to take will change your life for better or for worse. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. You may be a protester, but you are also human.