Yes, day after day these protesters gain some visibility for their
cause through pictures taken of them. But outside the white pillars,
while feeding the birds and living in plastic tents, they are simply a
part of the spectacle. That is not to say that this place has evaded
mass social protest for the Iraq War and other causes or that these
protesters aren’t doing something completely commendable day-in and
day-out. People of all ages and experiences have come together in front
of the White House to take a stand, but at this moment, the protesters
were just part of the scene. Their shaggy beards and cardboard hats,
painted signs and missing teeth, the plastic tarps with over-sized
binder clips, the bright sun, the over-the top wig, the almost-circus
like quality, perfect for photo-ops with friendly visitors and young
families.
As I start to leave the show behind, I spot a large group of
teenagers across the barricaded street. Finally! Yet they were all
dressed in identical uniforms. Criss-crossing my way among them I stop
one to ask who they are. They are some young leaders group, having to
do with pre-med high school students. They might stop to get their
pictures taken with the signs, taking note of what it is to take a
stand, before going on their way to learn about making a different kind
of difference.
Becoming part of the landscape
Here, the author recreates a scene outside the White House involving tourists, protestors, and a blurring of the two.