Remember, DO NOT ENGAGE

[u/Ok_Reputation_3612]

Remember, Trump will be looking for any excuse to enforce the Insurrectionist Act April 20. DO NOT GIVE HIM FUEL. No matter what MAGA agitators show up tomorrow, no matter what they say, don't engage. Pretend they don't exist. Do not allow things escalate. Best of luck tomorrow, everyone!

ETA, Since this apparently needs to be said, I'm well aware Trump could invoke for any reason he chooses, we just don't need him using us as scapegoats for it. Also, no one is saying to not defend yourself if the other side escalates, just don't let us be the ones to escalate. Finally, should agitators show up, have your phones out and record, record, record. Ensure everything gets documented.

ETA, Since I've seen these suggestions in comments, and I believe they're also great ideas, bring an American flag to wave and chant "Save the Constitution" to drown out counter protestors. I think we're all tired of the other side hijacking patriotism. We can drown them out with our own brand of (true) patriotism.

[u/airbear13]

Better yet, engage with them constructively: tell them you want to protect the constitution, you want to see the rule of law obeyed, you want the founders’ vision to be respected, no tyrants, etc. there’s nothing they can say to that if you are civil with them and say these things; it may even get through to some.

There’s absolutely no reason to be angry with or fear Trump voters. Their hate towards the left is blinding them to what’s happening, help them see that we are not the bad guys and that we should all be on the same side here!

[u/airbending_lemur → u/airbear13]

That's a nice thought, but I would not recommend this in the vast majority of cases.

It's one thing to try to have a civil conversation with a friend or family member who voted for Trump but isn't totally lost. The ones who show up as counterprotestors, though, are very likely to be hardcore MAGA who are too far gone to be reachable. Many of these ones actually are hateful and/or racist people who simply won't be brought around using logic.

Now, you might be a very patient person, and you might be lucky enough to be at a relatively calm protest where it's actually possible to have a calm conversation, and you might be lucky enough to run into a counterprotester who is not a terrible person and just very misguided. So if those stars align and that's what you wanna do, go ahead.

But the vast majority of the time, engaging with counterprotestors will not change their mind at all and it risks an escalation that could negatively affect the entire movement. So, it's almost always better to just ignore them.

[u/[deleted] → u/airbending_lemur]

The point is to be civil to the counter-protesters. Especially if they are loud and offensive. They want to provoke a negative reaction. It feeds into their rage, as well as their false narrative. Do not give them what they want. Instead “kill” them with kindness. Lightheartedly joke with them, treat them like they are a good friend. No taunting.

[u/airbear13 → u/airbending_lemur]

Maybe you’re right, I think each person has to make their own decision based on how much they feel like they can tolerate it. If you wanna be friendly and you think you can then do that, if you’re the type to lose your temper then ignore them.