Corona can’t stop demonstrations

These weeks have been an intense emotional rollercoaster for me. After my last post, stories concerning racism, police brutality and demonstrations around the world were following me 24/7. My feed on social media was overflowing with it. Also the news about new Dutch laws in the making kept my thoughts busy. In case you didn’t know, the Dutch government is working on an emergency Corona law that legally obligates citizens to keep at least 1.5 meters distance from each other and likely ban future demonstrations. Police will have more power to fine or arrest people in groups and homes that are not in the same household. This was planned to go in effect on July 1^st but put on hold. Maybe because of the ‘noise’ of the demonstrations and petitions opposing this ‘new normal lifestyle’. This policy is presently being reassessed. Another absurd law undergoing scrutiny is the new police law; assuring no prosecution for police officers that commits manslaughter or murder on the job. In other words, the police force will be untouchable, which they already are in my opinion. Except this new law makes it official, if it exceeds the motion. Apparently only one party ruled against it. Shocking that such laws are proposed in the first place. On top of all this, my clash with my good friend on the Black Lives Matter demonstration in Amsterdam didn’t make my psychological state of these weeks any better.

The Black Lives Matters manifestation on June 1^st organized by KOZP (Kick Out Zwarte Piet), hosted more than five thousand people at the city center of Amsterdam. Protesting against police brutality and (systematic) racism in the US and the Netherlands.  The amount of people standing up for the same purpose with Corona lurking at every corner was extraordinary.  They protested against the killings of defenseless African Americans by police and similar situations that occurred in the Netherlands. Like Tomy Holten recently, Mitch Hendriquez and others that were killed by the police. I had goose bumps all over me watching the demo. Mainly felt there is hope for my children’s generation. It was the picture below from an article in front of the royal palace, which one of my non-black friends posted in a group’s app:  I praised the city of Amsterdam, the organization and protesters for a peaceful and powerful demonstration in a reply.

“The universe will protect the people present at the demo.”

To my surprise one of my friend’s did not share my joy. Ok! I can reason with that since I am the only one in the group that is ‘black’ and more emotional attached to these happenings. I let that slight. What I couldn’t let go was the condemnation of the fantastic outcome shifting all focus of the cause to the possible Corona virus spread among the multitude. I was flabbergasted when my friend continued to bash the Mayor for approving the demonstration at the location. Racism is also a virus, I said. It stigmatizes, denigrates and it strips people off their dignity, values and self-image. Not to mention, it can cause depression, psychological issues and inflict physical pains or even dead. It is a (slow) killer virus that needs to be eliminated. I continued saying, the universe will protect the people present at the demo. Guess what? The following 25 days proved the universe and I right, only one person present at the Dam Square was tested positive with Corona virus, touché. 

The fear of the fast spread of the virus that people have about no social distancing is understandable. Maybe it was not the best idea to host the manifestation at the Dam Square, even though the city council of Amsterdam and KOZP anticipated about 300 to 500 people. The panic of the people was quite evident on (social) media calling the organization of the demo stupid and irresponsible for the chosen location. The Mayor of Amsterdam was blamed for not taking effective Corona precautions by initially granting the request in that place and not aborting the demo.  Still, I don’t understand why that has to outshine the powerful peaceful Black Lives Matters demonstration in the city of Amsterdam.

“The cry of the people for justice, equality and transformation in the world we are living.”

Millions of people protested worldwide on the streets. Not only for George Floyd, but the recurring killings of unarmed (innocent) African Americans. The systematic racism rooted in many countries towards people of color. As well as, discrimination of people with different ethnic backgrounds, religion, gender and social classes: in schools, workplaces, banks, labor market, housing and media. These demonstrations are the cry of the people for justice, equality and transformation in the world we are living. Worries surrounding the virus should never surpass the purpose of this kind of demonstrations.

Be vigilant of (y)our rights and laws. When laws are being designed to strip us of our human rights, as in the case of the emergency Corona law and the police law. The power of mass demonstrations and petitions can make a difference. Not by isolating or by social distancing oneself, something I think we are (un)consciously hauled in since the Corona measures. Unity is the key to our strength, the remedy to eliminate these kinds of viruses in our societies. Fear should not let us refrain from coming together to speak against the ills that are placed in this world, even if the location is not 100% Corona proof.

Images from:

Facebook – Corona Spoedwet summary post – unknown designer

Volkskrant – image by EPA

Unsplash by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona

This post took me weeks to compile. How do you feel about the new Dutch laws in the making? Share your thoughts in the comment section in English or Dutch.