avatarEna Dahl

Summary

The author of the article describes their decision to attend a protest march with their daughter to demonstrate their commitment to a cause they believe in, emphasizing the importance of individual actions in contributing to larger societal change.

Abstract

The article titled "Little Streams Make Big Rivers" delves into the author's personal experience of participating in a protest march, motivated by the belief that every small action contributes to a larger cause. Despite initial hesitations regarding safety, the author chose to bring their five-year-old daughter to the protest, viewing it as a responsibility to act and not just speak about their convictions. The author reflects on the importance of setting an example for their child by engaging in actions that oppose hate and bigotry, and they consider it their duty to contribute to the causes they care about, especially given their ability to do so. The article also touches on the broader context of parenting during significant societal events and the importance of truth and action in shaping the next generation.

Opinions

  • The author initially hesitated to acknowledge their participation in the protest, not wanting to seem self-congratulatory for what felt like a small contribution to a vast cause.
  • They believe that each person's contribution, no matter how small, is essential to creating significant change, likening individual efforts to streams that come together to form a big river.
  • The decision to bring their daughter to

Little Streams Make Big Rivers

250 words on why I went to a protest march

Rostyslav Savchyn via Unsplash

I hesitated to respond to this challenge as I don’t wish to congratulate myself on doing what felt like so little for a cause that is so vast. But, then I thought about the proverb “little streams make big rivers”. Each drop counts!

When I made the decision to go and bring my daughter, I did consider her safety, and whether it was sane to bring a five-year-old into the predicted masses. I decided that with the right precautions it was.

I see it as my responsibility—as someone who strives to be an ally, and a fellow human in this world, to show up—because if each little drop decides to let fear keep us from demonstrating our convictions there’ll be no river. And we all need to come together to form a mighty one!

As my daughter has reached an age where we can start discussing race and inequality more in-depth (yet, still at a level she understands) it’s vital that I do not simply speak, but act accordingly.

Of course, for some, due to location and health factors, attending protests aren’t an option, but for me, an able woman in a city that has a long history of peaceful protests, I believe it to be my duty to direct my stream towards the causes that important to me.

While I continue to examine how I can use myself and my voice to do more, I’m committed to raising a child as part of a new generation where hate and bigotry is a thing of the past.

Protest
Idea Stream
Parenting
Justice
BlackLivesMatter
Recommended from ReadMedium